cocktails and appetizers

One of my fave things to do in the summer after hitting the beach all day is to sit outside have some wine and some snickys! I do love slaving over the stove and cooking a full on meal but I have to stay most of the time I would much rather make a few different apps to snack on. On a hot Saturday night who wants to feel all stuffed from a 3 course meal and as much as I love wearing my apron I certainly don't want to be sweating while cooking in my kitchen.
This past Sat I had one of these great evenings w my BFF GiGi, after a day spent at the beach  I defrosted some shrimp cocktail(prob frowned on by some esp since my bf is a fisherman but they were still good. )I had already prepped some bruschetta and most importantly sangria that morning so we were ready to sit outside  snack, drink and gossip. A great evening.

Contrary to some recipes I've found I made the sangria that morning and it was delicious. I still have not decided on what the best red wine is to use but I am more into Spanish reds so I tend to use those. This particular time I added strawberries, watermelon(which i think made it), raspberries, lemon, lime, orange, simple syrup and peach schnapps. Before serving I add soda water and a wedge of lime. Delish and refreshing summer cocktail!

Bruschetta is another recipe I'm flexible with. I prefer to keep it simple w halved small tomatoes, and then whatever herbs you have on hand! Lucky for me I have a decent selection in my herb garden, I added basil, oregano, and thyme, olive oil and salt and pepper. I grilled french bread and that was it.

 I like to keep my platters simple I am usually always using a wooden cutting board for serving apps, I also usually have a white or coastal themed platter. This amazing fish bowl was a gift from my very dear friend  Christine.

Also come mid to late summer I try to always have fresh cut hydrangeas, my newly planted bushes are not ready for picking but lucky for me Rachel my close friend as well as neighbor had so many I just had to pick them. Add a few rocks in the vase for a true coastal living feel.