Spice Up Your Soirées, A Quick Guide to Easier Entertaining.

We get invited to a lot of parties. If it's your turn to host a book club or movie night, or the whole family is in for the holidays, we're your creative culinary sidekick. Our gourmet jams, spreads, preserves, and hot sauces are a great way to add bold flavour from breakfast to happy hour.

Wanting to elevate your gatherings, add a little something with not a lot of expense or effort? If you're planning an intimate dinner party or a lively holiday bash, we've got just the secret ingredient—Salt Spring Kitchen Company's gourmet jams, preserves, and hot sauces.

Start with the Basics, The Cheese Board That Wows

Cheese boards are like fingerprints—no two are alike, but they all leave an impression! Start by choosing a variety of cheeses—soft, hard, mild, sharp—and pair them with at least one flavour from our Spicy Collection, like Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread or Raspberry & Habanero Spicy Pepper Spread.

Their sweet heat is perfect for cutting through creamy textures and will have your guests reaching for seconds (and probably thirds). Add some artisan crackers and nuts for crunch—voila! A board that's sure to shine and easy to assemble.

To elevate your cheese board further, consider adding fresh fruits like figs or grapes for a sweetness that complements the savoury elements beautifully. For an added touch, include a selection of cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. These additions provide a contrast in flavours and textures. Add at least one flavour from our Savoury Collection, like Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread or Charcuterie Mustard.

For vegan guests, include sliced smoked tofu, creamy soft vegan cheeses, hummus, and an array of sliced in-seasonal vegetables (skip the mini carrots, save those for the kids lunches). Your dairy and meat-free friends would also appreciate their options on a separate board or plate.

For more inspiration, check our Guide to Epic Charcuterie Boards.

Dress Up Your Mains, A Saucy Affair

Who says jams are only for breakfast? Not us! Our Red Fresno Pepper Jelly (available in the Winter Collection Set) is just the ticket to glam up roast meats or grilled veggies. Glaze your favourite protein (think chicken or tofu) with this peppery gem before popping it in the oven. The result? It's a main course that's juicy, glossy, and delicious.

Keep exploring your culinary creativity and try our Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread as a marinade for shrimp skewers or a tangy sauce drizzled over roasted cauliflower steaks. The vibrant flavours will transform ordinary dishes into memorable experiences that your guests will remember. Check our recipe section for more inspiration.

Delightful Desserts, Sweet Endings Made Easy

Dessert doesn't have to be complex to impress. Consider dolloping our Blueberry & Basil Fruit Spread over vanilla ice cream or a slice of cheesecake for an instant upgrade that says gourmet without breaking a sweat—or the bank!

If you want to get a few "Wow, what's in this?!" comments, experiment with incorporating something from our Spicy Collection into homemade tarts or pastry fillings. The unique blend of sweet fruit and spicy heat creates a beautiful balance that wows and leaves everyone asking questions.

Beverages That Bloom, Cocktails & Mocktails with Zest

Let's not forget about drinks! Stir in our Habanero + Curry + Orange Hot Sauce into Bloody Marys for brunches that pack a punch, or add a spoonful of Apple & Fig Spread into mocktails for an exciting twist on fruit juices. Your guests will toast your creativity! 

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, create refreshing iced teas infused with our Sour Cherry, Rhubarb & Rosemary Spread—a perfect companion for sunny afternoons with friends and family. For more inspiration, check our Ultimate Guide to Crafting Gourmet Mocktails and our Guide to Using Hot Sauces in Cocktails.

Gifts from the Heart (and Pantry)

The holiday season is right around the corner—when gift-giving becomes art and science! Why not spread the love with Salt Spring Kitchen Co. gifts? Mix and match our best-selling jars into custom boxes perfect for foodie friends who appreciate high-quality ingredients as much as good company.

To personalize your gifts even further, consider including recipe cards with your favourite handwritten pancake recipe, cookie recipe, or a dish you've made that you know they love. Get creative with the theme and add kitchen towels or utensils—small touches that show thoughtfulness.

Visit our Gift Guide (watch for updates throughout the year, join our email club to get them) for inspiration.

Hosting Tips From the SaltSpring Kitchen

• Variety is Key! Keep in mind dietary preferences by offering gluten-free crackers or vegan cheese options on your boards (and mains)
• Personal Touches. Label each item on your cheese board. Guests love knowing exactly what they're tasting.
• Create Ambiance. Set the mood by playing great background music tailored to complement different stages throughout your event—from mellow jazz during appetizers to lively tunes once dinner concludes—to ensure every moment feels special. Dim the light. Turn on lamps, and leave a nightlight or dimmed bathroom light on so guests know which door to find it behind. Don't go overboard with scented candles. Stick to one scent, something neutral, or that complements the food aromas.
• No peer pressure. Lots of friends may've cut down or cut out alcohol for any reason since you last saw them; make sure you have great options for them. And don't pry, especially in front of a crowd.
• Join Us: Join our email club and follow us on social media, where we dish out seasonal recipes that are guaranteed to impress.

Entertaining doesn't have to be daunting—it can be deliciously simple when done right! With us by your side (or table?), you're all set to host soirées filled with laughter, joy, and delicious flavours.

We hope these tips inspire you to gather those near and dear around your table soon because every meal shared is special—and at SaltSpring Kitchen Co.—we think every bite should be too.