There’s something about the last few weeks of August that makes us want to slow things down.
The evenings are still warm, the markets are full, and there’s just enough summer left to squeeze in a few more dinners outside, impromptu happy hours and meals made with whatever looks best that day.
This time of year, we’re leaning into the simple things: cooking something good, setting the table even when there’s no occasion, and enjoying home before September routines begin again.
Around the Table
Late-summer entertaining doesn’t need much of a plan. A big salad, something simple in the oven, a bottle of wine and a table filled with people you love is more than enough.
We love pieces that make even the most casual dinner feel considered. The Oliver Striped Green Dinner Napkins add an easy hit of colour to the table. And for the cheese, olives and little bites that inevitably come out before dinner, the Vintage Appetizer Fork is one of those charming details that make the whole spread feel special.
What We’re Cooking
At the end of summer, we want recipes that are delicious without keeping us in the kitchen all evening.
Simple Baked Chicken is exactly that.
Chicken, whole heads of garlic, olive oil, white wine, plenty of fresh herbs and lemon are baked low and slow until everything has had time to come together. Serve it with a fresh salad, or add rice or noodles when you want something a little more substantial.
It’s uncomplicated, comforting and perfect for one of those late-August dinners that starts while the sun is still out.
Simple Baked Chicken
Ingredients
1 chicken, cut into pieces
2 heads garlic, separated but not peeled
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup white wine
Lots of fresh herbs — sage, rosemary, Italian parsley, oregano and/or thyme
Salt & pepper
2 large lemons, cut into eighths
Method
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Place all ingredients in a large shallow baking dish and mix with your hands.
Cover with foil and bake at 300°F for 2 hours. Uncover, increase the oven to 400°F and bake for another 30 minutes.
Serve with a salad, rice or noodles.
A Little Late-Summer Inspiration
If August has you wanting to cook with the season, The Farm Table by Julius Roberts is one to keep close by. Filled with 100 seasonal recipes alongside stories from Roberts’ life as a farmer in the English countryside, it’s as lovely to sit down and read as it is to cook from.
It’s a reminder of something we love about this time of year: start with what’s fresh, keep things simple, and let good ingredients do most of the work.
The Everyday Things
Not everything beautiful at home needs to be saved for company.
We’re big believers in making the everyday things a little nicer, too. Lineneway’s No Paper Towels are made from 100% linen and designed to take the place of disposable paper towels. They're practical, reusable and pretty enough to leave out in the kitchen.
And after a summer spent in the garden, at the lake or simply outside as much as possible, Iris Hantverk Garden Soap feels particularly fitting. Scented with rosemary and olive and made with micro-exfoliating granules, the set of three bars is designed to help scrub away the evidence of a day spent getting your hands dirty.
Before Summer Slips Away
Make the recipe you’ve been saving. Invite someone over on a weeknight. Eat outside while you still can. Use the good dishes. Set out the pretty napkins.
There’s no need to rush into the next season just yet.
We’re making the most of these last, lovely days of summer, and we hope you are too.
