My childhood summers served on an aluminum tray

My grandad, on my mum’s side, absolutely loved fish. Every summer, we’d gather around the table on the veranda for long family lunches. While the main course was cooking, he and my dad would play backgammon, sipping ouzo with meze (the Greek version of tapas) and arguing—always with big smiles—about who was the better player.

Without even realizing it, they were teaching us what it meant to enjoy time with family: gathering around a table, sharing good food, laughing together, and simply being present.

As many of you know, I host a themed dinner party every month. This month’s theme was inspired by those childhood summers with my grandad—sitting under the pergola, listening to Greek island songs, and waiting for lunch to be ready.

Setting the table is always one of my favourite parts. This time, I folded the napkins into little boats, used a striped duvet cover as a tablecloth, and draped a blue scarf down the centre as a table runner. Blue, white, and rattan—the ultimate Greek summer combination. I also hung straw hats and little wooden boats from the pergola, and, as if on cue, a gentle breeze made them dance above the table all afternoon.

When planning the menu, I wanted to recreate the dishes we made together during those summers with my grandad: grilled sardines and sea bass on the barbecue, always served on an aluminium tray to keep the fish smells contained, pickled eggplant with garlic, fried cheese, dako salad, and finally loukoumades—crispy fried dough drizzled with honey and sprinkled with walnuts.

It felt like my childhood had been served back to me on an aluminium tray.

I hope this inspires you to recreate scenes from your own childhood—to bring back the meals, the laughter, and the people who made your table feel like home.

Love,

Foteini