What If We Paused for an Apéro? A Summer Card for Spontaneous Gatherings

Not a dinner. Not a big plan. Just a simple clink of glasses, a patch of sun, and a soft invitation to slow down.

Introducing the Apéro Invite — a limited-edition flat card set from the What-If Collection, created for those spontaneous summer moments that deserve to be shared, but not overthought.

From What-If to “You In?”

The What-If Collection was born from a quiet truth: sometimes we want to reach out, but traditional cards feel too much. So we made cards that feel like less pressure, more heart.

And now, as summer stretches out like a long afternoon, this new design brings the What-If spirit to the outdoors. Think picnic blankets, rosé, olives, laughter, and a light breeze of possibility.

With just enough space to write where and when, these cards let you say, “Let’s meet here, let’s pause together.”

 

Made for Summer, Designed to Keep

Printed on luxe matte cardstock with a soft crinkle paper design (printed—no texture), the Apéro Invite is casual, charming, and effortlessly artful.

• Set of 10 flat A2 cards
• Printed design, blank lines to personalize
• Ships free in the US
• Click here to shop

You can gift a stack, slip one into a summer journal, or leave one on someone’s doorstep. No pressure, just a little toast in the sun.

 

Part of the Summer Reverie

This card also plays beautifully alongside our Summer Reverie Journal—designed to hold your soft thoughts, memories, and everyday poetry. Pair the two together as a seasonal gift or intentional self-treat.

And if you’re still hunting for meaningful summer presents, revisit our Forget Amazon: 5 Gifts That Actually Mean Something guide. 

 

The Smallest Invitations Make the Sweetest Memories

 

Why Little Invitations Matter

In a world that often runs on noise and rush, these cards whisper something gentler: presence. And that, too, is a gift. Psychologists say the smallest social rituals—like a thoughtful note or a casual invite—can spark real joy and strengthen relationships.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard apéro or planning a picnic in the park, a simple handwritten card creates a moment that feels meaningful, even if it’s unplanned.

Explore more in our What-If Collection or pair it with a Summer Reverie tote for a laid-back seasonal set that turns everyday gestures into small rituals.

 

As with all things summer, it’s not about perfection, it’s about presence.

An apéro, at heart, is an invitation to simply be together. And whether you’re setting the scene for a few close friends or an impromptu gathering under the fading sun, a little inspiration goes a long way.

How to Host a Casual Summer Apéro

When it comes to hosting an apéro, the magic lies in its simplicity. An apéro is not a dinner party, nor a fully planned event — it’s an invitation to pause, sip, and savor a moment of connection.

Start with the spirit: think spontaneous, low-pressure, and joyful. Whether you gather on a sun-dappled terrace, a picnic blanket in the park, or around a kitchen counter, the goal is to create an atmosphere where conversation flows as easily as the rosé.

And while a quick text can do the job, there’s something about a handwritten summer apéro invite card that elevates the gesture — turning a casual clink of glasses into a small, memorable ritual.

 

Summer Apéro Ideas: What to Serve and How to Set the Mood

Provence, where I’m from, and where apéro is an art form in itself. 

For an effortless summer apéro with heart, take inspiration from the timeless gatherings of Provence, where I’m from, and where apéro is an art form in itself. 

Here are a few simple ideas to set the tone:

What to Serve:

• Olives: the essential start to any apéro
• Tapenade: spread over rustic bread or crisp toasts
• Tomato tart à la Provençale: mustard, ripe tomatoes, herbs de Provence, a touch of Gruyère — an absolute summer favorite
• Olive cake (cake salé aux olives:  savory, rich, and perfect alongside a glass of chilled wine
• Panisse: golden chickpea fritters, delicious warm with a sprinkle of sea salt
• Saucisson: thin slices of good-quality French dry sausage
• Cheese: a few wedges of goat cheese or soft cow’s milk cheese
• Fresh figs or melon: when in season, they add a lovely sweetness
• Rosé: naturally, crisp and cold; the apéro essential

 

Setting the Mood:

• Soft background music: Bon Entendeur is a favorite for many younger summer hosts in the South of France, blending retro French charm with a modern vibe
• Simple linens or a Provençal tablecloth: for color and charm
• Wildflowers or sprigs of lavender: evoke the South of France
• String lights or candles: or gatherings that linger into golden hour and beyond

 

Whether indoors or out, the key is to keep it warm, welcoming, and delightfully unhurried.

 

 

Here for a Limited Time

We’re only printing a small batch of these Apéro Invite cards for summer. Once they’re gone, that’s it—like that perfect light before sunset.

So if you’ve been waiting for a little nudge to gather your people, this is it.

The perfect companion for your spontaneous summer gatherings and casual apéros, ready to send a little sunshine this season.

 

Write it. Give it. No overthinking.
Shop the Apéro Invite here →

 

N.B: If you’d like a more personal version of this story, and the little memory that inspired this journal, you can find it here on my Substack