We’re kicking off a new summer series around here: Supper at the Ranch. It’s our little love letter to seasonal cooking, slow evenings, and the simple joy of gathering around a table—whether it’s full of friends or just the two of us.
Derrick and I have always had a shared love for home-cooked meals, but over the past few years he’s really stepped up his chef game (and honestly, he keeps trying to outdo himself). It’s become this fun rhythm—planning, cooking, taste-testing, and setting the table with intention, even if we’re simply eating on the back patio with the sun going down.
Summer always feels like the perfect excuse to open a bottle of wine and invite people over … or just hang out with each other. So, I figured it was time to start sharing a few of our favorite seasonal recipes with you. Last week was our anniversary, so we went all in on one of Derrick’s favorite cuisines: Italian. We kept it simple but special, with a light, summery pasta that always feels romantic (thanks, Barefoot Contessa). Then, we tried something new for dessert—a boozy affogato that I’ll now be making on repeat. Check out how it turned out on our Instagram!
Let’s break down what we made, what you’ll need, and exactly how to bring this dreamy little dinner to life in your own kitchen!
How I’m Setting the Table (Hint: It’s Nothing Fancy)
One of my favorite parts of any dinner we host is putting the table together. I’m not talking about anything over-the-top—I mean truly simple, sweet touches that feel thoughtful but not try-hard.
Since it was just the two of us this time, I didn’t bother setting the whole table. I actually used a kitchen towel as a runner-slash-placemat (yes, really). It grounded the space, gave the whole setting a bit of texture, and made everything feel casual and pulled together in the best way.
I mixed in some classic dinnerware, wooden utensils, and a handful of mismatched glass bud vases for some wildflowers from the yard. Empty wine bottles made for perfect candlestick holders, and because we were making a tomato pasta, I laid a few bunches of tomatoes right down the center of the table as a centerpiece. It’s easy, it’s colorful, and it doubles as your ingredients.
If you’re looking to elevate your next meal or bring a thoughtful hostess gift, I linked a few of the pieces I used (and some similar finds I love).
The Pasta: Our Favorite Barefoot Contessa Summer Dinner
Okay, if you’ve never made Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta—this is your sign. It’s one of those recipes we go back to every single summer. It’s light, flavorful, satisfying, and somehow tastes even better when eaten outside with a glass of wine.
The real beauty of this recipe? You barely have to cook anything. You just toss cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, torn basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into a big bowl, cover it up, and let it all sit at room temp for a few hours. That’s it. The tomatoes soften and basically turn into their own sauce while you go live your life. Later, you just boil some pasta, toss it all together, and you have summer on a plate!!
The Tomato Trend
Okay, let’s talk about the tomato trend for a second. I’ve been seeing it everywhere lately, and couldn’t resist joining in. There’s something so charming, a little nostalgic, and honestly just playful about all things tomato-themed this season!
I ordered this hand-painted tomato plate from Etsy (you probably spotted it in the photos), and now I’m convinced I need an entire set. It’s giving countryside picnic meets Italian trattoria—and I love how it adds that “just for fun” energy to a table without trying too hard.
Whether it’s a cute little dish, a napkin, or even a tomato-shaped candle (yes, I found one), this trend is such a sweet nod to seasonal eating and slow summer dinners. It feels like the grown-up version of fruit-themed kitchen towels … in the best way.
Here’s a quick roundup of some favorite tomato-inspired finds right now—things that can live in your kitchen or come out just for your next summer party.
Which one’s your favorite? Or is this trend too niche for you? Comment below or DM me, I love hearing what you guys are seeing out there.
Tomato Plate | Bandana | Dutch Oven | Oval Platter | Heirloom Tomato Soap | Tomato Puzzle | Tomato Candles
The Easiest Fancy Dessert You’ll Ever Make
This dessert might look impressive, but it takes less than five minutes and always feels like a moment. Boozy affogato is one of my favorite summertime treats—half dessert, half nightcap, and completely delicious. I love prepping these ahead of time by scooping ice cream into martini glasses and popping them in the freezer. Then after dinner, all you have to do is pour and serve.
It’s the kind of thing that makes a weeknight feel special or ends a dinner party on the perfect note. Derrick’s not usually a dessert guy, but he loves this one. It’s simple, a little elevated, and you really can’t mess it up.
A Few Last Notes Before You Pour the Espresso …
Every time we set the table, even just for two, I’m reminded how special it is to slow down and make a meal feel like an experience. It doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, some of my favorite nights have happened around mismatched chairs, a half-burned candle, and a bottle of wine we opened “just because.”
If you’re planning a little summer dinner of your own, here are a few more ideas:
- Use old napkins or tea towels as makeshift placemats—they add personality and feel collected
- Add a tiny bowl of salt or olive oil at each setting to make it feel restaurant-y
- Grab a few sprigs of herbs (basil, rosemary, mint) and tuck them into the napkin rings, or lay them across each plate for a scented surprise
- Mix textures: linen with rattan, wood with ceramic, old with new. This gives your table depth
And, if you’re ever feeling stuck, try keeping a little folder of tablescape inspiration—screenshots, magazine clippings, even pictures from restaurants you’ve been to. Let your next table setting be inspired by a trip you took, a memory you love, or even what’s fresh at the farmers market that week. Tomatoes, lemons, fresh bread—it’s all fair game.
More than anything, don’t wait for the right occasion. Make dinner tonight the moment, even if it’s just pasta and a scoop of ice cream with a little something boozy on top 😉
See you at the next supper.
xo,
Allison
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