Watermelon & Whipped Feta Bruschetta

Note: This post was originally posted in August 2016 and was updated in June 2021.

Summertime is a perfect season for last minute, casual entertaining! There's no need to make it stressful or complicated. I have a few tricks (as well as simple pantry staples and super easy appetizers) up my sleeve that help make last minute guests a welcome thing throughout the entire year.

Easy Last Minute Entertaining Snacks

I can't tell you how many times I've had friends pop by and have used whatever I have on hand to make a quick party spread. Over time, I've gathered a list of some of my favorite store-bought snacks that I can pick up on the fly or set out as guests walk in without breaking a sweat.

• Hummus + Veggies {and Pitas}. I almost always have hummus in my fridge, so this is a no-brainer. Many stores carry a fantastic assortment of interesting flavors, so buy a few containers, peel back the seal and set out a few varieties with some fresh, chopped veggies {another good reason to always have those in your reach!} and pita triangles.  

Pro Tip: Pre-chopped broccoli, cauliflower and carrots from your produce section are a tiny bit pricier, but worth the cost when time is of the essence!

• Crusty Bread + Olive Oil & Seasonings. It doesn't get any easier than slices or chunks of delicious crusty bread served with quality olive oil. {Just like the restaurants!} Grab a fresh loaf from your local bakery or right from the grocery store; serve the bread warm or grilled for a smoky char, or don't! Carbs are carbs.

Pro tip: Toasted bread slices make a great base for easy bruschetta! See the recipe for my favorite summer version below.

• Cheese + Crackers. The old standby! I ALWAYS have cheese in the house. Many stores now carry small sample pieces of "fancy" cheeses, which makes it easy to buy a variety without having to invest in an expensive hunk.  

Pro-tip: Many aged cheeses are naturally lactose-free -- consider buying some so all guests {lactose-intolerant or not} can enjoy!

• Chocolate Ganache + Dippers. As far as I'm concerned, it's not a real party unless there's dessert... and wine! Dessert doesn't have to be complicated. Make a simple "ganache" {don't freak out, it's basically melted chocolate} by bringing heating heavy cream to just under a simmer, then pouring it over chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, and whisking until it's melted, smooth and silky. Try a 2:1 ratio {two parts cream to one part chocolate} for a good dipping consistency. Set out strawberries and bananas {or your favorite fruit}, chunks of pound cake {store bought or homemade if you have it}, and even pretzels for those who like the sweet & salty thing.  Then sit back and sip while your guests dip. 🙂 If all else fails, store bought ice cream or small bakery treats are always good options! 

Pro Tip: You can buy dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut milk instead of cream if you're cooking for vegan friends!

Notice that NONE of these things required turning on an oven {unless you're warming that bread after all} or excessive prep time, which means more time for you to actually have fun with your guests.

Basic Bar Essentials

You don't have to have the trimmings for a world-class cocktail bar in order to have the essentials to offer guests! Next time you're at the liquor store, pick up a few basic bottles to have on hand for classic cocktails:

• Vodka. Many cocktails such as martinis start off with this basic liquor. Pick something palatable in the mid-range price to ensure a smooth flavor.
• Rum. There are hundreds, if not thousands of rums you can choose from on the market, but I'd stick to one bottle of light rum for things like daiquiris and one bottle of dark or spiced rum for cocktails like the Dark n' Stormy.
• Whiskey. Whiskey is actually my favorite spirit. Much like rum, there are many different styles and variations, but there's no need to go wild. A basic bottle like Jack Daniels will do, though I prefer a bourbon whiskey like Woodford Reserve for cocktails like an Old Fashioned and a Mint Julep.
• Tequila. I like to keep a bottle of silver tequila in my bar for simple drinks like margaritas.
• Gin. Gin is another popular liquor that can be served in basic drinks like a Gin & Tonic or a Tom Collins.
• Wine. Wine is a perfect option if you don't want to mess with mixology! Keep a few bottles of a white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay and red like Merlot and Cabernet in stock to have options for guests.
• Liqueurs, Mixers, Juices and Garnish. This is one area where you can really go crazy as there are tons of liqueurs, bitters and mixers to choose from. I suggest starting with the most basic like Angostura bitters, tonic, and vermouth for simple cocktails and building from there. It's also nice to have a signature or themed drink for special occasions, so you can plan ahead for the ingredients needed for your pick.

Easy Last Minute Recipes

Low key entertaining is what summer is all about! Be prepared for last minute gatherings by having an arsenal of easy summer recipes at your disposal. A few of my favorites include:

• Summertime Crab Cake Salad (made with frozen or fresh store-bought crab cakes!)
• Hot Honey Peach & Brie Bruschetta
• Meyer Lemon Mascarpone Fruit Dip
• Mandarin Avocado Salad

Last, but not least, this incredibly delicious Watermelon & Whipped Feta Bruschetta is the perfect summer appetizer!

Fresh watermelon, cool cucumber and juicy tomatoes are piled atop a salty whipped feta cheese spread on toasty bread slices. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey tops everything off beautifully.

This simple, no-cook appetizer is one that I guarantee you'll want to make again and again.

What are your favorite tips for last minute entertaining?