Don’t let “I don’t have enough time to cook!” be your excuse for not inviting over friends. We live in a foodie town! Pick up prepared foods and then raid the fridge. Slice up apples and cucumbers, or whatever you have on hand. Mix a pitcher of sangria and call it an evening. Focus on what’s important — reconnecting with friends and family. Style Queue’s Goods Guide has some tips.
BEACH PEA BAKING COMPANY, KITTERY
When in doubt, fougasse. This decorative bread, brushed with olive oil and sea salt, is easy to tear and share. Ply with cheese and cured meats, or if you are one of those sweet/salty combo loving types, smear with Nutella. While at the Beach Pea, pick up a baguette as well. Baguette slices are ideal for DIY layering.
Fougasse / $5.95
Baguette / $3.05
beachpeabaking.com
MADELINE’S TRULY ORGANIC KITCHEN, PORTSMOUTH
Located in the back of the Portsmouth Health Food Store, Madeline’s is truly a hidden gem. Stop in and load your cloth bags with fresh baked goods and vegetarian sides, like Kale & Carrot Ginger Salad. Word on the street is the mini quiche is available on Mondays. While at the Health Food Store, pick up fresh fruits and veggies, aaaand a bag of Barbara’s Bakery crunchy jalapeno cheese puffs. You know, for the kids.
Mini Quiche / $3.49
portsmouthhealthfood.com
TERRA COTTA PASTA COMPANY, KITTERY
Talk about prepared food — it’s what Terra Cotta is all about. This place offers ready-made lasagna, small-batch pasta, gourmet sauces, and fresh side salads. If instant gratification is your thing, reach for the marinated goat cheese. The fresh herbs, peppercorns, and premium olive oil make it look fancy and taste delectable.
Marinated Goat Cheese / $5.49
terracottapastacompany.com
FOLK SHOP & GALLERY, KITTERY
This finely curated shop continues to introduce the Seacoast to beautiful new things, like these bamboo fiber plates by Xenia Taler. These biodegradable plates sport fresh modern designs and are a smart choice for kids since they are light and won’t shatter when dropped.
Lido Dinner Plate (set of four) / $48
shop-folk.com
THE FRESH PRESS, PORTSMOUTH
If you are craving something sweet but not too sweet, think Cacao Energy Truffles from The Fresh Press. Everything at The Fresh Press is crazy good, and these are no exception. They are made with organic carrots, dates, oats, and cacao powder, and rolled in coconut. Besides being light and tasty, they are pretty, too. They look lovely served in a little decorative bowl. No one will believe they are made with carrots.
Cacao Energy Truffles / 5 for $4.50
freshpressne.com
STONEWALL KITCHEN, PORTSMOUTH or YORK
Stonewall Kitchen is known for exceptional jams and spreads, but they’ve also got microwave popcorn (still on the cob) and sangria mixer. Think about it — popcorn and sangria! So wrong, it’s right.
Farmer’s Popcorn Cob / $3.25
Sangria Mixer / $9.95
stonewallkitchen.com
P.S. Elevate microwave popcorn with Sriracha Infused Sea Salt ($7.99) from Portsmouth food boutique The Salt Cellar.
VERTERRA DINNERWARE, ONLINE
VerTerra plates and bowls are made from fallen palm leaves that are shaped with steam heat and pressure. Yes, really. They are compostable, sturdy, microwave safe, and can be used to store leftovers in the fridge. Check out their to-go boxes online. Great for sending leftovers home with guests.
5″x5″ bowls / $15 per 25-pack
Wooden Tasting Spoons / $10 per 100-pack
verterra.com
ERIN MORAN DESIGNS, PORTSMOUTH (IN THE BUTTON FACTORY)
These locally made ceramic pieces will add handmade charm and pops of color to your table. The lunch plates and cereal bowls are the perfect sizes for serving snacks and sides. The multi-colored wine cups make it easy for guests to not confuse their drink with someone else’s. Cheers!
Lunch Plate / $30
Cereal Bowl / $36
Wine cup / $20
erinmorandesigns.com
YUMMIES CANDY & NUTS, KITTERY
Start a new candy tradition. When hosting a special party, always serve a particular unique candy. Over time, those candies will remind friends and family of good times.
Premium Milk Chocolate Coins / $4.99 per bag
Sugar Free Gummi Bears / $3.99 per bag
yummies.com
E-CLOTH, GREENLAND
Why use toxic chemicals to clean surfaces? These e-cloth microfiber wipes get rid of messes and bacteria with just water. You can buy fewer plastic bottles and reduce paper towel waste by choosing these reusable cloths. And the company is based locally in Greenland.
eCloth General Purpose Cloth / $9
ecloth.com
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