Summer Entertaining Tips with Peter Som

“Som”mer Entertaining with Peter Som

At Rombauer, we believe that the best summer moments begin with simple pleasures: fresh ingredients, favorite people, and a bottle of wine that brings it all together.

This season, we’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Peter Som—award-winning designer, lifestyle expert, and the author of Family Style, a cookbook filled with bold, joyful recipes made to be shared. From vibrant summer dinners to playlist-perfect evenings under the stars, Peter brings an effortless elegance to every gathering.

In this Q&A, Peter shares his favorite summer hosting tips, wine pairings (hello, Sauvignon Blanc!), go-to dishes, and a link to his personal playlist. Whether you’re planning a backyard feast or a beachside picnic, we hope he inspires you to savor the season—family style.

What does your ideal summer gathering look like? Is it a backyard brunch, a beach picnic, a long table under the stars?

My ideal summer gathering is any of the above truly. What I do love is a long table under the stars —friends and family gathered around, glasses clinking, laughter floating through the warm night air. There’s an easy elegance to it: candles, bowls of vibrant fresh salads, platters of roast chicken or fish, and of course, great wine. It’s less about perfection and more about connection—that magical mix of food, conversation, and the summer breeze. Truly heaven!

You’ve said your cooking is all about ease and joy. What’s your go-to approach for stress-free summer hosting?

Prep ahead and don’t overthink it. A big, bold dish in the center of the table, some easy seasonal sides, a chilled bottle (or two), and letting the moment unfold—that’s my recipe for stress-free summer hosting.

What Rombauer wine are you most likely to pour this season, and what would you serve with it?

I’m all about Rombauer Vineyards’ crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. It’s sunshine in a glass. I love serving it with my Mahi Mahi Larb with Grapefruit Chili Crisp from my cookbook Family Style. It’s bright, bold, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. I also love pairing a chilled glass of Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc with Summer Roll Fish Tacos. It’s all about bold flavors, easy vibes, and sharing around the table.

Peter Som's Mahi Mahi Larb and Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc

You’ve styled everything from runway looks to dinner parties. What’s your secret to creating a beautiful tablescape?

Simple is always best, especially with summer entertaining. I love a simple tablecloth in a stripe or a summer floral for instant elegance, hurricane lamps glowing down the center, and little arrangements of local flowers mixed with herbs for a just-picked feel. It’s relaxed, thoughtful, and lets the food and company shine.

Music makes the mood. If you were to curate a summer entertaining playlist, what would be your must-have song or vibe?

Music absolutely sets the mood, and for summer entertaining, I’m all about that laid-back, feel-good vibe. Think Sade, Anderson Paak, a little Fleetwood Mac, and always something unexpected. I’ve actually got a Spotify playlist I throw on whenever I host. It’s the perfect soundtrack for golden hour cocktails and long, lingering dinners.

Now, a rapid-fire round...

Favorite summer ingredient? Farm stand strawberries.

Underrated kitchen tool? A SHARP knife!

The dish that always disappears first at your parties? My Crispy Deviled Tea Eggs

Summer wine and snack combo you secretly love? My secret summer obsession? Carrot Gochujang Hummus with crispy pita chips and a chilled glass of Rombauer Chardonnay. The creamy, spicy-sweet dip plays perfectly off the wine’s richness—it’s unexpected, addictive, and always something I can easily make when the craving hits.