The following content is created in partnership with Le Gruyère AOP. The editorial staff of NBC Washington had no role in the creation of this content. To learn more about Le Gruyère AOP, click here. What is a better ice-breaker than food? Shareable snacks and bites offer an effortless wa y to gather, create community, and enjoy delicious treats. As such, charcuterie and cheese boards have become go-to hosting staples thanks to their convenience, presentation, and shareability. They also go hand in hand with the grand tradition of apéro, a common practice throughout Europe, particularly in France, where shareable bites and drinks are enjoyed in social gatherings before sitting down or going out to dinner. It’s an easy way to elevate a casual gathering that still feels low-key and fun. But what exactly is “apéro”? Below, learn why and how to incorporate the social ritual into your hosting, what you will need (cheese and wine, of course), and why it’s worth a try. A brief history of Apéro The term apéro comes from apéritif—a pre-dinner drink meant to open the palate like an Aperol spritz, or a negroni. Though usually attributed to France, the tradition has roots throughout Europe; Italy has the aperitivo and in Spain, the late-afternoon snacking culture fuses with tapas hour. In Switzerland, aprés-work gatherings often center around cured meats, light drinks, and local cheeses like Le Gruyère AOP. As the ritual traveled and evolved, the apéro became less about rules and more about a mood—unhurried, convivial, and centered around simple pleasures. That spirit is exactly what’s fueling its rise in the United States today. With Americans increasingly embracing slower living, unfussy hosting, and a preference for shared bites over formal courses, the apéro offers a refreshing in-between: a pre-meal pause where friends can unwind, graze, and connect before the evening truly begins. We can see the growing prevalence of unpretentious, thrown-together meals in the apéro’s unmistakable overlap with the viral girl dinner. Back in 2023, content creator Olivia Maher posted a video of her haphazard snack-based meal consisting of whatever she felt like eating that would preclude her from cooking, and she dubbed it “girl dinner”; the rest is history. 1.5 million views later, people everywhere resonated with the unrestrained freedom girl dinner upholds. And while Maher’s creation is all her own, harnessing a certain feminine ingenuity and whimsy, the connection to the apéro tradition is easy to trace. Apéro 101 Think of apéro as part atmosphere, part flavors, and part attitude. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just curate elements that encourage relaxation and mingling. Start with a cheeseboard If you’re wondering what to serve, a cheeseboard is your best friend. It’s indulgent, varied, easily shareable, and elevated, especially with the right products. Start with a high-quality cheese like Le Gruyère AOP—it offers a complex, nutty flavor that’s broadly appealing. Add a few more textures with a softer cheese or two, add some crunch with crackers or roasted nuts, then add some savory and sweet bites like marinated olives and dried cranberries. You can find more cheeseboard guidance here. From there, you can also turn it into a charcuterie board with the addition of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo. Throw in some crudité for the veggie-lovers. If time allows, make delicious homemade bites that really set the tone. For hors d’oeuvres inspo, check out Le Gruyère AOP flûtes, and Le Gruyère AOP gildas. Serve a light drink As the name suggests—apéro comes from apéritif, a light pre-dinner drink—it’s best to serve spritz-style cocktails such as Aperol spritz or St. Germain Spritz. In the unfussy spirit of apéro, it’s also perfectly acceptable to simply pour your guests some dry white wine. Set the mood Ambience is everything—or at least, as important as the bites and drinks. Turn off your overheads and turn on dim mood lighting and candles for a warm and festive vibe. Set up a low-key playlist and various snack stations so the Le Gruyère AOP cheese is always within reach. Ultimately, a good apéro creates an atmosphere that feels elevated without being elaborate and social without being structured. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend hang or the warm-up to a holiday dinner, the apéro ritual sets a tone of ease and togetherness. Find Le Gruyère AOP at your local supermarket or your favorite cheese shop today. Click here to learn more about this tasty, versatile ingredient and to find more delicious recipes. ...read more read less