Sometimes on warm summer evenings, knowing I have a nice backyard and friendly doggies, friends or neighbors will ask to stop by on short notice. That’s probably bad etiquette, but I don’t mind! Backyards were made for sharing! Besides, it only takes me a couple of minutes to get ready. I pull out a table runner for my outdoor bar cart, find an attractive serving tray, get out some of my antique glassware (depending on the guests – for some people, I have to get out melamine and acrylic!), and pull some sort of flower planter off my deck.
Right before guests arrive I’ll choose which wines to share from my refrigerated stash. (My kitchen fridge is pretty full of wine, as is my garage fridge. The perils of being a wine blogger!)
(Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you)
Tonight I felt like serving a selection of Rosés from my most recent tasting adventures at Goose Ridge Vineyards, Smasne Cellars, and Market Vineyards here in Woodinville. (Don’t worry, I grabbed ice buckets to keep the bottles cold for my guests, right after I was done taking these photos!)
In Spring and Summer, I try to keep a can or two of delicate rolled wafer cookies around exactly for times like this. I like the Lemon Yogurt Rolled Wafers and Strawberry Yogurt Rolled Wafers. They’re crisp and not too sweet, and pair well with white and Rosé wines. They’re from Cost Plus World Market (a Woodinville store I spend way too much time and money in!)
The floral tray is a Vivenzi melamine serving tray I picked up at HomeGoods Woodinville. Love the pattern!
Goose Ridge’s Rosé is made from their Estate Grenache. Smasne Cellars’ Rosella Rosé is an 84% Pinot Noir, 16% Sangiovese wine. The Market Vineyards Rosé is a 100% Cabernet Franc!
Our summers here in the Pacific Northwest are glorious, but all too short. Sooner than we wish, the rains will come again. I’m determined to fully enjoy hanging out in my backyard with friends and neighbors as often as possible while we still can!
-Carrie
