Simple summer hosting with caprese and sauvignon blanc
Hi! I'm Sabrina. I spend my days working in fintech, but my true love language has always been cooking, baking, and hosting.
sabrinajpark
•
June 9, 2026
A few weeks ago, two of my closest childhood friends came over for a little dinner party. Life has taken us in different directions over the years, so anytime we can sit around a table together, catch up, laugh, and share a meal feels especially meaningful.
Since it was just the three of us, I wanted to keep things simple.
No elaborate menu.
No spending all day in the kitchen.
Just an easy but delicious appetizer that I knew my girlfriends would enjoy while we settled in with a glass of wine.
I had picked up a New Zealand sauv blanc for the evening, and a caprese appetizer felt like the perfect match. The bright acidity and citrus notes in sauvignon blanc pair beautifully with fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella, making it feel light, refreshing, and perfect for a warm evening.
The food may have been simple, but I still wanted the table to feel special. I already had a linen-blend tablecloth and a few candle holders at home, but I was missing a few finishing touches. So, of course, I made a quick stop at HomeGoods. :)
I went in looking for napkins, some natural-toned candles, and a colorful serving plate. I wanted to make the table feel layered and inviting without spending a fortune. While browsing, I stumbled across individually wrapped raspberry milk Dubai chocolates in the prettiest pop of pink. They immediately caught my eye because they matched the pink potted plant I already had on the table. (Sometimes the best hosting details are the ones you don't plan.)
As for the caprese, I know this isn't the traditional presentation, but it's one of my favorite ways to serve it. I love how colorful and summery it looks spread across a fun plate/platter. It feels a little more relaxed and a little more festive than the classic stacked version. If I can find it, I sometimes swap the mozzarella for a good burrata, which makes it even more indulgent. Unfortunately, the supermarket I ordered from through DoorDash had completely sold out, so mozzarella it was.
In the end, that's what I love most about hosting. It doesn't have to be complicated. A simple appetizer, a bottle of wine, a few thoughtful details, and people you genuinely enjoy spending time with are often all you need for a memorable evening.
Cheers!
Sabri
Slice the tomatoes and arrange on a serving platter, leaving room at the center for the fresh mozzarella ball.
Place the fresh mozzarella ball in the center.
Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the tomatoes all the way around the platter.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Finish with flaky / coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
I like to slightly separate the mozzarella before so the olive oil and balsamic can work their way into the little crevices. It adds more flavor and gives the dish a beautifully rustic look.
If you can find burrata, it makes a wonderful substitute for the mozzarella. I actually prefer it this way.
This is my favorite way to serve caprese because it feels more relaxed and visually abundant than the traditional stacked version. Enjoy!
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