If you're as excited about getting into the swing of summer entertaining as we are, check out these great tips for opening your kitchen, and the rest of your home, to guests this summer. Plus the best pet friendly, non-toxic cleaning products for cleaning your home!

5.  Dominos: You can get a decent set of dominos in double-six, double-nine, or double-twelve counts (perfect for a gathering of double-ohs, right?), and a shout-out to the Bond Girl of Thunderball, Domino. ($10-15)

Planning a summer gathering for Independence Day can be a breeze with the right approach to logistics. By choosing to order your beverages online, you can bypass crowded aisles and manage your party inventory from home. This method allows you to compare tasting notes and calculate quantities, ensuring your bar is well-stocked for the heat of the afternoon. To master your party planning, consider the duration of your event and your guest count. A general rule is to plan for two drinks per person during the first hour and one thereafter. Focus on a balanced menu featuring refreshing white wines, crisp rosés, and a variety of craft beers to suit different palates. For those who want to spend more time socializing than bartending, pre-mixed cocktails are a sophisticated and efficient solution. Staying organized early ensures you are ready to celebrate with your guests instead of running last-minute errands.

Hosting a summer barbecue shouldn't feel like a logistical marathon. When you elevate your drink selection beyond standard grocery store options, you transform a simple backyard gathering into a memorable event. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Choosing high-quality wine and spirits shows guests you care about their experience. Instead of a crowded table of random bottles, curate a thoughtful selection. Focus on crisp whites, refreshing spritzes, and versatile spirits that shine in the summer heat. LEVERAGE LOCAL EXPERTISE Working with local merchants provides a distinct advantage. Experts can recommend bottles that are drinking perfectly this season and suggest pairings for your specific menu. They understand local tastes and can help you avoid common mistakes, like choosing reds that are too heavy for humid afternoons. SET THE SCENE Your bar area should be an intuitive centerpiece. Keep white wines chilled and ensure you have plenty of ice. By focusing on presentation and quality, you make the experience feel effortless for your guests. Planning ahead allows you to spend your time enjoying the company of friends rather than managing the bar.

WHAT IS A JEROBOAM? Picture four standard 750 ml bottles fused into one sleek 3-liter statement piece. That’s a jeroboam. The name hails from Jeroboam I, an ancient king—medieval merchants loved giving big bottles royal titles to signal power and plenty. WHY HOSTS LOVE IT • One cork, twenty-four five-ounce pours: fewer mid-party top-ups and less glass to recycle. • A lower oxygen-to-liquid ratio keeps flavors bright long after the first toast. • The bottle itself is theatre; lift it and every guest leans in. SPIRITS, NOT JUST WINE Champagne producers popularized the size, but 2026 bottles now include small-batch bourbon, reposado tequila, and craft gin. Thick glass walls help cushion temperature swings that can mute aroma. POURING TIPS Grip the punt with your thumb, cradle the neck with your other hand, and tilt slowly, letting the liquid glide down the glass. A jeroboam delivers practicality and spectacle in one pour, turning any gathering into a story.

TINY NIPS OR TOWERING MAGNUMS? Choosing bottle size shapes cost, flavor, and atmosphere—especially on Long Island, where a sailboat brunch and a vineyard wedding might happen the same week. WHY MINIS SHINE - 50 ml travels light and chills fast. - One mini pours a classic 1.5-oz drink plus a friendly taste. - Ideal for tasting flights, party favors, or tight apartment shelves. WHERE MAGNUMS WIN - 1.5–1.75 L lowers cost per ounce. - Thicker glass slows oxidation, keeping wine or whiskey vibrant through a long dinner. - The sheer scale becomes instant décor and photo bait. QUICK HEAD-COUNT MATH • 1 mini ≈ 1 drink • 1 fifth (750 ml) ≈ 17 drinks • 1 magnum ≈ 40 drinks SUSTAINABILITY BONUS One large bottle can replace a dozen nips, trimming glass waste and cooler clutter. BOTTOM LINE Match size to the moment—minis for experiments, engraved magnums for milestone toasts—and every pour feels intentional.

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