For Alina Inacio, hosting starts with intention. In spring, that means setting the table more often, celebrating more freely, and finding beauty in the small, everyday moments, especially with the ones you love.
Tell us a little about yourself — what feels most inspiring to you about hosting in the spring?
I have always loved hosting people in my space. Ever since I first started living on my own in my early 20s I realised the joy that comes with making space at the table, and how it's the intention behind gathering that makes the occasion and not the circumstance. Spring is my most favorite season, I feel like everything is calling to be noticed, relished in and savored. I don't wait for the occasion, but rather create my own: a Spring breakfast speed with our best linens, because why not? Something extra special for dinner because the tulips we brought home are just marvelous at the center of the table and that's reason enough. I believe that everything can be made beautiful and special if one pays just a bit more attention, so that is what I challenge myself with - to make the ordinary just a little more extraordinary.
What does a perfect spring table look like to you?
People you love. Fresh seasonal flowers. Uncomplicated food that is enjoyed by everyone. Tableware that reflects our personality and makes any simple meal feel like a celebration - thoughtful pieces that are also functional (for a family there is no other way), something handmade, a sprinkling of found and vintage objects that make you feel connected to so many good times that were had. Laughter.
How does your approach to hosting shift as the season changes?
I feel like each season nudges me to celebrate togetherness in its own way. In Autumn I feel the need to give thanks for the season we had, the harvest, the goodness. I always find myself cooking for friends and filing our calendar with at-home dinner dates. Winter is long and slow here in New England, we turn inward and gather over Saturday bakes, favorite belgian waffles or dinner of vegetable stew passed down by my mom. In the Spring I feel inspired by the newness around me and make the smallest opportunities into occasions of my own. It feels like there is always something to celebrate - bird song, a blossoming tree in the yard, warming Earth, each other. In the Summer time I long to sit under the open sky with friends and strangers alike and eat and drink and share conversation. From that longing a community project was born a few years back - KIN, celebrating connection within the local creative community. It brings me so much joy to dream up these gatherings and see people come together over a shared love for beauty.
What’s your go-to spring menu or dish to serve this time of year?
I love to cook and bake. I am equally known for making complex meals that require multi-day prep and serving toast for dinner. I believe in ebbs and flows, in adjusting with the season, in listening to your needs. Most days we focus on simple meals that nourish us and don't take a lot of time to prepare. There is always bread at the table from our favorite local bakery, fresh produce, and color. On weekends I bake, often and a lot. Our Spring favorite is carrot cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting, I make them individually sized, that way it feels like everyone is getting their own little cake.
When setting a table, what detail matters most to you?
Eating out of dishes I love makes me happy. I think the simplest meal can look, feel and taste better when it's set on a beautiful table. I gravitate towards blues, I love the serenity it carries. There are always some blue dishes at the table. Patterns always make me smile: polka dots, victorian, hand painted - all of it is a happy make and I take the business of joy very seriously, that is where the magic happens - it's all in the details. My rule is not to have rules - play with what makes you feel good.
What do you hope guests feel when they gather around your table?
We have a small dining space and I have to admit, at times I get a little self conscious about the lack of space. But here is what I love about sharing your life and meals with others - it's something you never regret doing. I always leave enriched and full of gladness, sitting in gratitude over having enough, connecting and sharing, being human together. For me then, the big, busy world feels many times warmer and it is my hope that it's what we all feel, not alone, but seen and cherished.
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