A day with Betty: Here’s what to bring to a cottage hangout
Don’t show up to cottage season empty-handed.
No one curates a good time like Betty; this new series is about how to bring fun to every occasion. Here’s what’s worth bringing, making, and playing.
Heated Rivalry got us through the winter, but the ice is melting, the dock is calling, and it’s time to touch grass. Betty’s got everything you need to make the most of the upcoming season: consider this your cottage packing list for the fun stuff.
The snacks
The cottage snack spread should have at least one thing that surprises people. Keep the basics like chips, cheese and in-season fruits, then throw in a head-turner.
Right now that’s M&M’s Pop’d Caramel, M&M’s first-ever freeze-dried product: light, crunchy, and just different enough to get people talking. Check candy shops or order online before you head out.
The drinks
Not every great cottage drink needs to be boozy. The Hugo Spritz mocktail is having its moment; it’s floral, fizzy, and looks like it took more effort than it did. Here’s what you need:
- 2 oz elderflower cordial (St-Germain works; so does the Ikea bottle)
- Juice of half a lime
- Fresh mint
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice
Build it in a wine glass filled with ice and add a mint sprig, or make a big pitcher and let people pour their own. It batches easily, travels well, and looks refreshing dockside.
The games
If you’ve seen The Traitors, you already know the basics of Ultimate Werewolf. All you need is a group of people willing to deceive each other for an hour, which honestly describes many friend groups.
If you haven’t played before: some players are secretly werewolves trying to eliminate the villagers. The villagers are trying to figure out who, and someone is voted out every round. Grab the official Bezier Games edition if you want the full version with moderator notes and role variants.
The gear
Forget a Bluetooth speaker and the vibes will be down all weekend. The JBL Flip 7 is the current sweet spot: waterproof, loud enough for an outdoor setting without being overkill, and it runs for up to 16 hours on a single charge. Now who gets to pick the playlist?
The reads
Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry is the source material for Shane and Ilya’s story, and if the show left you wanting more, the book has what the finale cut. There’s a full epilogue and the inner monologue the show could only hint at through unsent texts. Pick up a copy or borrow it from your library app before you leave the city.
The slots
Big Bass Trophy Catch dropped in March 2026, and cottage season is a great time to jump in. Three fishermen wait on the side of the reels and collect fish symbols whenever they land. It’s a high volatility slot, which means it can go quiet for a while. Pull up a dock chair and wait to see what you catch.
