Summer entertaining should feel easy, breezy, and beautiful—not stressful or expensive. The truth is, you don’t need a gourmet chef or a long list of fancy ingredients to wow your guests. Sometimes, it’s the simplest touches that turn everyday dips and spreads into an unforgettable experience.

Imagine a soft, creamy block of cheese transformed into a delicate flower. Sun-dried tomatoes, glistening like jewels, gently draped over each petal. A fragrant drizzle of basil oil catching the light, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt with just a kiss of lemon zest. It’s effortless elegance—and it starts with ingredients you can pick up on a quick grocery run.

Why Elevating Dips & Spreads Works

It’s budget-friendly. You’re taking affordable, store-bought staples and giving them a little glow-up. It feels intentional. When you add fresh herbs, infused oils, and thoughtful garnishes, it shows you care. It’s low effort with high impact. A few minutes of prep = a beautiful presentation that gets all the “oohs” and “ahhs.”

My Favorite Summer Entertaining Trick: The Cream Cheese Flower

One of my go-to entertaining ideas is the Cream Cheese Flower with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil Oil. It’s as easy as it is stunning. You simply shape a block of cream cheese into soft “petals,” spoon sun-dried tomatoes from a jar over the top, drizzle with fragrant basil oil, and finish with sea salt flakes and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve it with crostini or crisp veggies, and you’ve created a centerpiece that doubles as a delicious appetizer.

It’s proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to host beautifully. You just need a little creativity, fresh seasonal flavors, and a touch of love.

So the next time you’re hosting—whether it’s a backyard gathering, a girls’ night in, or a simple family dinner—skip the stress. Elevate what you already love. Because entertaining is all about connection, not perfection. Here are a few I played around with. Enjoy and remember to always Set the Table with Love .

Cream Cheese Flower with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil Oil

Ingredients:

1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, chilled ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (jarred) 2–3 tbsp Pure Chilean basil oil (or good quality basil-infused olive oil) Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) Sea salt flakes Lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Shape the Cream Cheese

Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Using a small knife or spoon, gently carve or press it into a flower shape (you can create simple “petals” by scoring lines or shaping with a spoon).

2. Top with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Gently spoon the jarred sun-dried tomatoes (with a little of their oil) over the cream cheese petals, letting them cascade naturally.

3. Drizzle with Basil Oil

Generously drizzle Pure Chilean basil oil over the entire “flower.”

4. Finish with Garnish

Sprinkle sea salt flakes and fresh lemon zest over the top. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of green.

5. Serve

Pair with crostini, crackers, or crisp veggies.

Creamy Mexican Street Corn Dip

This fresh, zesty dip is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for summer entertaining! It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right kick of heat. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips for an easy, flavorful appetizer.

Ingredients:

1 bag charred frozen corn (or regular corn), thawed

½ cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt (such as Fage or Chobani)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 jalapeño pepper, diced (reserve some for topping)

1 tablespoon crumbled Cotija cheese, for serving Hot sauce, chili powder, and/or cayenne (optional) Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt until smooth.

2. Combine the Dip

Set aside about 1 cup of corn for garnish. Add the remaining corn, most of the chopped scallions, and most of the diced jalapeño to the yogurt mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

3. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

4. Garnish & Serve

Spread the chilled corn dip in a shallow serving dish. Top with the reserved corn, scallions, and jalapeño. Sprinkle with Cotija cheese, drizzle with hot sauce (if using), and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve with plenty of tortilla chips!

Recipe adapted Love and Lemons Corn Dip

Cream Cheese Flower with Peaches, Apricot & Cherries

This stunning centerpiece is deceptively simple—a creamy base of chilled cream cheese shaped into a flower, topped with warm, buttery peaches glazed in apricot preserves, juicy cherries, and a touch of fresh mint. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and refreshing!

Ingredients:

1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, well chilled

2 ripe peaches, sliced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons apricot preserves

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

½ cup fresh cherries, pitted & halved

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Optional: drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for finishing Crackers or baguette slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Shape the Cream Cheese Flower

Place the cream cheese on a serving plate. Using a small spatula or spoon, gently carve or press it into a flower shape—soft rounded “petals” around the edges. Chill while you prepare the fruit topping.

2. Sauté the Peaches

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the peach slices and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the apricot preserves and lemon juice, letting the peaches glaze and become glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Flower

Spoon the warm glazed peaches over the cream cheese petals. Scatter the fresh cherries over the top.

4. Garnish & Finish

Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of green. Optional: drizzle lightly with honey or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Pair with crackers, baguette slices, or even lightly sweet tea biscuits for a decadent bite.