For many of us, the ceremony involved with wine service is deeply rooted, yet personal and meaningful. Cutting the foil, removing the cork, cradling the bottle for the first small pour: these simple rituals are among my favorites. Well, put down that corkscrew this week. I am not going to tell you to give up on these things, but I do want to highlight some interesting possibilities that the bag-in-box format provides.

Many people proudly purchase products in large formats for cost effectiveness or vacuum seal their food, in order to maintain freshness. So, why do we find it so difficult to apply these same notions to wine? Here is how and why I have personally made peace with the boxed wine format.

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I know what you’re probably thinking: “Who has sweet peppadew peppers just hanging around the kitchen?” Point taken. But these little guys (sometimes also called “sweet piquante peppers”) are on every olive bar we see. They are crunchy and sweet with a tiny bit of heat, and they come already hollowed out — in other words, ready to stuff and absolutely perfect for a quick appetizer or simple snack.

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If you’re going to a Memorial Day gathering, chances are it’s a potluck. This year, bring a pasta salad that will please adults and kids alike. With silky roasted red peppers, oil-packed tuna, and an herbaceous vinaigrette, this one’s got lots of Mediterranean flavor, and it comes together quickly with just a few ingredients from your pantry.

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This spring my friends and I spent a sunny afternoon toasting our friend Beth and her baby boy on the way. We skipped the usual baby bottles and blue food, and instead focused on the party details we knew Beth would appreciate: a fresh, sophisticated salad bar spread, sunny and colorful decor, and a fun, simple craft table where guests personalized burp cloths for her to take home.

Here’s a full look at the party, from the set-up to the beautiful bundt cake finale, including all the resources we used to make this shower happen. Planning a baby or bridal shower this year? Here’s some inspiration for making it feel extra special.

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I am always trying to think of new dessert recipes to have on hand for easy entertaining. Recipes that are fresh, simple, and allow you to spend time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

When Anjali asked me to help her with a cake for her Grown-Up Baby Shower, I knew this Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake would be a winner. With summer just around the corner, this no-fuss recipe is perfect for whatever backyard gathering or barbecue is heading your way.

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