Published on June 15, 2018 | Last Updated on June 15, 2018

Next up on the entertaining at home series is Stephanie from Olive + Tate. I was first introduced to Stephanie through her best friend and one of my dear friends, Megan. Quickly after I started following her I fell in love with her candidness, wit and mutual love for wine. We’ve met in person a couple times and she’s the type of girl you’d love to have over for a glass of wine (or two!) and feel comfortable talking about the good, bad and ugly. Needless to say I love her and her eye for home decor plus any girl that has a cheese board go viral, is a girl after my own heart. Without further ado, meet Stephanie!

WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS KEEP ON HAND THAT IS QUICK TO SERVE? 

Wine! But seriously, wine. Also, I always have the makings of a cheese board in my fridge – Trader Joe’s cheese straws, crackers, a soft cheese and a hard cheese make for a perfect snack. Because most of my friends usually have little in tow, I’m also always ready to hand out bags of Pirates Booty and applesauce pouches.

PRETEND YOU JUST GOT A CALL FROM YOUR COLLEGE BESTIES AND THEY’RE STOPPING BY IN 2 HOURS… WHAT DO YOU WHIP UP? 

A simple red sangria with fruits I have stashed in the freezer (usually intended for preschooler smoothies, but Sangria is much more fun) paired with my fave bottle of discount wine, flatbread pizzas made from naan (also always in my freezer!), proscuito and goat cheese and topped with balsamic glaze and little bowls of nuts, dried fruits and crackers.

IF YOU HAD DAYS TO PREPARE FOR GUESTS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

Well, my house would absolutely be cleaner, that’s for sure! I actually don’t really stress about entertaining, my parents loved to host an impromptu get together so I’m used to putting together something fun without much stress! A few days would mean more time to clean and straighten, more time to grab flowers and pull out the pretty glassware. 

IF YOU COULD HAVE A DRINK (COFFEE OR COCKTAIL) WITH ANY PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

It would be super cliche to say Meghan Markle but I hear the beer pong table at their reception was one of a kind and I’d love to know whose the better shot; Amal or George. My honest answer would be coffee with Michelle Obama and a cocktail with Jaqueline Kennedy Onasis. 

DO YOU HAVE A NEVER FAILS CROWD PLEASING RECIPE? 

I do! My grilled cheese bruschetta with Halloumi cheese is always a conversation starter and a palate pleaser. Here’s the link: http://www.oliveandtate.com/2016/06/grilled-cheese-bruschetta.html

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST WHEN IT COMES TO ENTERTAINING?

I’m currently scheming all things outdoor entertaining, so I’m going to say Emily Henderson. Her outdoor space is stunning, her designs are beautifully laid out and she seems to always consider her guests comfort when planning. She has a welcoming, laid back style and I imagine her door is always open to her friends and family. 

ABOUT STEPHANIE

I’m Stephanie, a Starbucks fueled wife and mom who adores a glass of cheap red wine at the end of the day. I accidentally began renovating houses when we bought the ugliest house on the market and now we’re living a life of demolition, design and decor. 

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