Summer Entertaining Series: Appetizers, Sangria & Easy Gathering Ideas
Welcome to the Linen & Clove Summer Entertaining Series.
We're so glad you're joining us.
Over the next week, we'll share our favorite summer recipes, entertaining inspiration, tablescape ideas, and products we love for easy summer gatherings. Whether you're hosting a backyard dinner, celebrating the Fourth of July, or simply inviting friends over for a casual evening on the patio, our goal is to help make entertaining feel beautiful and effortless.
Today we're starting with the appetizer course, plus a signature sangria recipe that's become a summer favorite.
Sweet & Spicy Glazed Brie and Prosciutto Crostini
This warm baked brie is one of our favorite crowd-pleasing appetizers. Creamy brie, salty prosciutto, and the sweet heat of Girl Meets Dirt Hot Damn Pepper Jam come together in a dish that feels elevated while requiring very little effort.
Ingredients
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1 wheel Brie cheese
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1 (7.75 oz) jar Girl Meets Dirt Hot Damn Pepper Jam
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4–5 slices Prosciutto
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1 baguette, sliced and toasted
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Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Bake the Brie
Place the wheel of Brie in our Basket Weave Stoneware Brie Baker. Spoon 3–4 tablespoons of Hot Damn Pepper Jam evenly over the top.
Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is warm and gooey.
Toast & Assemble
While the brie bakes, brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil and toast until golden.
Serve
Carefully transfer the warm brie to a serving board. Top with torn pieces of prosciutto, spoon additional pepper jam over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme.
Jump Around Dip
No summer gathering is complete without a great dip. This easy recipe comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, potato chips, crackers, or pretzels.
Ingredients
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 cup sour cream
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2 tsp rice wine vinegar
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2 tbsp Jump Around spice blend
Directions
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the spices to bloom and develop flavor.
Serve with your favorite vegetables, chips, crackers, or pretzels.
Linen & Clove Signature White Sangria
Bright, refreshing, and perfect for warm summer evenings.
Ingredients
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1 bottle crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work beautifully)
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1/3 cup orange liqueur
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1–2 tablespoons The Deliciouser Sangri-La White spice blend
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1 orange, sliced
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1 green apple, thinly sliced
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1 pear, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup sparkling water, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda
Instructions
Combine the Sangri-La White blend and orange liqueur in a large pitcher.
Add the sliced fruit and stir.
Pour in the wine and mix gently.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Just before serving, stir in sparkling water and serve over ice.
Linen & Clove Signature Red Sangria
Rich fruit flavors and warm spices make this sangria perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
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1 packet The Deliciouser Sangri-La Red
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1 bottle dry to medium-bodied red wine
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1/2 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
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1 orange, sliced
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1 lemon, sliced
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1 green apple, sliced
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Club soda for serving
Instructions
In a large pitcher, muddle the fruit.
Add the Sangri-La Red blend and liqueur if using.
Pour in the wine and stir until the spices dissolve.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve over ice with a splash of club soda.
Gather, Savor & Celebrate
Summer entertaining doesn't have to be complicated. A great appetizer, a pitcher of sangria, and a few thoughtful touches are often all you need to create memorable moments around the table.
Summer Entertaining Series: The Main Course, Summer Sides & A Sweet Ending
As we continue our Linen & Clove Summer Entertaining Series, we're sharing the recipes that bring everyone back to the table.
From a flavorful roasted chicken to smoky grilled corn and an irresistible dessert, these are the dishes we love serving for holiday weekends, backyard dinners, and easy summer gatherings with family and friends.
Bottle Rocket Roasted Chicken
Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and a recipe you'll find yourself making all summer long.
Ingredients
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2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons The Deliciouser Bottle Rocket spice blend
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bottle Rocket spice blend and olive oil. Add the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange the chicken on a sheet pan and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Brush any remaining oil and seasoning mixture over the chicken.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reaches 160°F at the thickest part.
Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Grilled Corn with Compound Butter
Nothing says summer quite like fresh grilled corn.
This recipe from Half Baked Harvest offers several delicious compound butter options, but our favorite for entertaining is the Chipotle Lime & Cotija Butter.
Ingredients
Corn
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6 ears corn
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Chipotle Lime & Cotija Butter
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1 stick softened butter
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2 tablespoons chipotle chile in adobo
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or cilantro
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1/2 cup cotija cheese
Instructions
Preheat grill to high heat.
Remove husks and brush corn with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Wrap each ear in foil and grill, rotating several times, for approximately 20–25 minutes.
Remove foil and grill an additional 5–6 minutes for a smoky char.
Combine all butter ingredients except cotija cheese and mix well.
Spread butter over hot corn and sprinkle with cotija cheese before serving.
Recipe courtesy of Half Baked Harvest.
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S'mores Cookie Bars
We've reached dessert—and this one is always a crowd favorite.
Everything you love about classic campfire s'mores baked into an easy-to-share cookie bar.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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7 ounces marshmallow creme
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3 Hershey's chocolate bars (or 2 1/2 cups chocolate chips)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease or line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Press half the dough into the bottom of the pan.
Spread marshmallow creme over the dough.
Top with chocolate pieces or chocolate chips.
Scatter remaining dough over the top.
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Recipe courtesy of Taste Better From Scratch.
Bonus Recipe: Breakfast Granola
Because every great weekend gathering deserves a slow morning afterward.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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3/4 cup pumpkin seeds
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3/4 cup sunflower seeds
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1/2 cup sesame seeds
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1/2 cup coconut chips
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1/2 cup sliced almonds
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3/4 cup maple syrup
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1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1/2 cup light brown sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
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1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Combine all ingredients except dried cherries in a large bowl.
Spread mixture evenly onto a sheet pan.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While baking, roughly chop the dried cherries.
Allow granola to cool completely, then stir in cherries.
Store in an airtight container and enjoy throughout the week.
Gather, Savor & Celebrate
We hope this Summer Entertaining Series has inspired you to invite friends over, light the candle, pour the sangria, and enjoy the simple moments that make summer special.
Sometimes the best gatherings aren't the most elaborate—they're simply the ones where everyone feels welcome.
Here's to good food, great company, and a summer well spent.
