Few things beat enjoying your favorite meat and cheese spread in the company of friends on a warm summer evening. When good wine and conversation are flowing, you wonder why other seasons exist. As much as we wish for eternal summer, it will eventually come to a close. So, all we can do is enjoy this season while we can.

This week, I spent some time chatting with Havenly designer, Autumn Williams about her charcuterie staples.

I always assumed that the decision between a round and rectangular platter came down to personal preference. But, Autumn explained that “round cheese boards are ideal for smaller, more intimate gatherings” because it’s easier for guests to reach all the goodies.

If you’re hosting larger parties, Autumn suggests long, rectangular boards. They hold more cheese and thus serve more people. This means you won’t have to refresh your spread as often. Phew!

Pro tip: Platters without sides won’t get in the way of you taking down an entire block of brie, and they allow you to arrange your charcuterie board more freely.

Perfect for nuts, hummus, olives, and other dips. A few serving bowls make your charcuterie all the more inviting—plus, you get the joy of showing off your wide variety of snacks in perfectly sized containers.

Go for a matching set of bowls for a calm, cool, and collected aesthetic.

Or, round up an eclectic mix, varying size, shape, pattern, and finish to keep things interesting. In turn, you’ll achieve an effortlessly prepared vibe, which is every host’s dream, making your party feel organic and comfortable.

Stylish glassware makes the drinks you serve even more sippable.

If wine is on the menu, don’t forget to pick out an opener and stopper. To keep your white wines and roses cool and crisp, a wine bucket is a must.

Next time you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, give our pisco sour recipe a try! For a more classic cocktail, we recommend this straightforward negroni. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Finger foods lend themselves to making messes. When entertaining outside,“it’s important to have a napkins within reach that won’t blow away should the breeze pick up,” Autumn says. Napkin holders with a clip, like the one below from Crate & Barrel, are the perfect solution.

Autumn believes that “it’s the little details that set you apart from the rest.” Collect thoughtfully-crafted, timeless pieces that reflect your personal style. Her rule of thumb is to keep staples neutral “so they fit any occasion.” The materials she loves are marble and wood because they complement one another and are the perfect canvas for displaying scrumptious treats.

If you don’t know where to start when arranging a charcuterie spread, take to the internet for some inspiration images online and mirror one.

You can shop all of Autumn’s charcuterie staples here.