Summer is all about ease—and spur-of-the-moment get-togethers. Be prepared by keeping wine and spirits as well as pantry staples—crackers and crispbreads, nuts and dried fruits, and condiments—on hand. Aged cheeses, olives, and shelf-stable charcuterie abound, even at supermarkets, for a quick-assembly board. Consider stocking some local delicacies, like honey in the comb from nearby beekeepers, as a treat for traveling guests. Arrange it on one serving platter or multiple wooden boards in various shapes and sizes, as done below, for easy passing, and you’ll have a guest-worthy presentation in a flash. And for dessert? Pair fresh berries with good-quality dark chocolate and ice cream or sorbet. Done.
Home
Pack a Summer Car Kit
Adventure awaits! Be prepared for whatever you might come across.
Blanket: to wrap up tag-sale furniture finds or to have a picnic.
Drop cloth: for protecting the trunk when transporting plants and keeping your picnic blanket dry when placed underneath.
Cooler: to transport picnic provisions or fragile tag-sale treasures.
Collapsible organizer: for keeping small items from rolling around in the trunk.
Wipes: for cleaning up sticky accidents.
Hat, sunscreen, and umbrella: so unexpected weather changes don’t catch you unprepared.
IN-SEASON PICKS
Apricots Peak season for these (and other) stone fruits begins this month and extends into July. Look for common varieties from California such as Tilton, Blenheim, and Castlebrite. Choose fragrant apricots that are fairly firm and have uniform coloring. Keep them at room temperature, and rinse just before eating.
Strawberries Look for organic, locally grown berries that are brightly colored and plump and uniform in size, with no soft spots. If the berries smell sweet, they will most likely taste sweet, too. Sort and remove any damaged berries as soon as possible. Do not rinse until you are ready to use them. Refrigerate berries in a single layer on a paper towel in a sealed container, for two to three days.
