When it comes to getting together with friends, I love pulling ideas to host and keep things interesting. It can be casual, formal and anything in between – there is never a shortage of fun when there are friends and food involved.

It’s been an interesting year, to say the least, and I love seeing the creative ways businesses have had to develop in order to stay relevant. One of my favourite biz dev inventions is the resto picnic. I’ve had a few this summer and I think it’s a great idea that I hope is sustained in coming years.

Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is known for its fashion, but locals all know that their restaurant is also a huge draw. Their menu is inspired by some of the most delicious French dishes – one of my personal favourites is their niçoise salad… it is beyond!

This year, my brother wanted to a host a small family gathering to celebrate my birthday. We decided to keep things simple and grab a super well-stocked Holts picnic basket. They sent along such an incredible spread filled with everything from focaccia, olives, little pickles and a fine array of charcuterie and cheeses. Not to mention their insanely yummy macaroons and Moët & Chandon. We feasted like royalty and had absolutely zero prep or clean-up to take care of. Makes hosting a no brainer.

I loved being able to be with everyone without the fuss of planning and cooking – I’ve been crazy busy this summer with family and work that it made things simple to just grab a basket and indulge. Speaking of indulgences, my family spoiled me with a little extra something special this year for my bday: a hot outfit from Holts!

It’s around this time of year that I usually hit the fashion scene hard – planning my fashion week outfits and pulling looks from my favourite stores around town. I usually collaborate with Holts so it was fun to be able to walk in, shop around a little and pull a look that would’ve most likely ended up on my roster for NYFW this fall. I’m obsessed with this oversized hot pink Balenciaga shirt and the sickest basket-weave Bottega Venetta red slip ons. I know most people aren’t necessarily shopping right now, but I gotta say, dressing up made me feel like myself again.

From an informal French picnic by one of Montreal’s finest luxury restaurants to a family gathering by the pool celebrating my birthday, I think I’ll keep this picnic idea in my bank for next year’s celebration as well! My Holts afternoon was a serious win – fashion, food and family, what more can a girl ask for!?