Aperitivo Hour: Bringing a Slice of Europe to Our Home
By: Ashlyn Walters / Southern Hospitality Company
As the sun begins to set and the air warms with the promise of spring and summer, my husband and I take a moment to pause, savoring the simplicity of life. Inspired by our travels to Europe, particularly Italy, we’ve adopted a tradition that has become an essential part of our evening ritual: aperitivo hour.
Aperitivo is more than just a pre-dinner snack—it’s an experience that’s deeply embedded in European culture. In cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence, restaurants and cafes often offer aperitivo hour in the late afternoon or early evening, typically between 6 PM and 8 PM. It’s a time to unwind with friends and family, where light drinks like Aperol spritzes, Campari, or chilled prosecco are paired with small plates of appetizers, ranging from olives and cheese to bruschetta or cured meats. It’s a moment to slow down, enjoy the company of loved ones, and ease into the evening without the rush or stress that often accompanies a busy day.
When my husband and I returned from Europe, we wanted to bring that same sense of relaxation and connection home with us. As we leaned into the beauty of the warmer months, we created our own version of aperitivo hour—our little escape at the end of each busy day.
In today’s world, where time seems to slip away in the rush of responsibilities and commitments, we realized we needed to create space for each other. The pace of life can be overwhelming, but aperitivo hour has become our way to slow down, be intentional, and reconnect before diving into the busyness of evening routines.
We often share these moments on our covered porch or nestled into the rocking chairs on our deck, where the natural beauty of our surroundings enhances the experience. On some evenings, we walk over to the garden, observing the new growth that emerges with the changing seasons, marveling at nature’s rhythms. This is our time—just the two of us—before the chaos of the day slips into the quiet hum of dinner prep.
Our snacks reflect the spirit of ease and freshness we cherish in these moments. Most often, we assemble simple platters of meats, cheeses, and nuts, but we love to mix things up with homemade touches, too. Sometimes, I’ll make homemade pita and serve it alongside creamy hummus and a fresh cucumber, tomato, onion, and feta salad. Other nights, we enjoy a refreshing bowl of fresh fruit topped with lime zest and mint—light, bright, and full of flavor.
A chilled glass of red wine or prosecco often accompanies our aperitivo hour, adding to the feeling of celebration, no matter how small the occasion. These quiet moments are about more than just food and drink; they are about being present with one another. To keep the conversation flowing, we’ve started using table topic cards, a simple but effective way to ask one another thoughtful questions and spark deeper discussions after a long day.
These intentional moments of connection have become our sanctuary. They remind us that in the midst of a world that can feel constantly in motion, we can carve out space to pause, be still, and truly enjoy the simple things together. Aperitivo hour is about much more than the snacks or the drinks; it’s a way to slow down and savor life’s quieter moments—together.
– Ashlyn Walters / Southern Hospitality Company
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