The essentials list: Camila Alves McConaughey shares her dinner party essentials

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Eighteen years ago, actor Matthew McConaughey met Brazilian model Camila Alves at a Los Angeles nightclub. They talked and drank margaritas, quickly fell in love, married in 2012 and have welcomed three kids.

Now comes a new baby: Pantalones Tequila, the McConaughey’s recently launched spirits line. “Tequila is our favorite drink, so we discussed creating one of our own for years,” Alves McConaughey says. “It’s been a long time in the making.”

Made in Jalisco, Mexico, with 100% organic Blue Weber agave, the tequila is available in three blends: blanco, reposado and añejo. The couple also worked with Tequilera Tap, a certified-organic, family-owned distillery run by fourth-generation agave farmers. Alves McConaughey notes that the two of them were hands-on in the creation and did 47 taste tests over two years to perfect the flavor. “We were involved in every step and sip, from the name to testing the liquid to the packaging,” she says.

In their spare time, the couple like to serve their tequila during regular dinner parties. Alves McConaughey — also the founder of Women of Today, an online community that shares lifestyle ideas and recipes — usually does the cooking and has picked up some valuable tips over the years. “Prepping everything ahead of schedule is key,” she says. “Then you have to set the table, dim the lights, create the playlist before the guests arrive and make sure the candles are lit and the Pantalones Tequila is on ice!”

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Alves McConaughey shares her dinner party essentials with CNN Underscored.

Anthropologie Morgan Stemless Wine Glasses, Set of 4

Alves McConaughey likes using stemless glasses because “it allows the ice to mix well with my Pantalones Reposado as the ice melts,” she says. Made from hand-painted borosilicate glass, these pink wine glasses from Anthropologie are “especially fun” for Valentine’s Day, she says.

$56 at Anthropologie

Anthropologie Mini Taper Candles, Set of 12

For table decor, she recommends pairing candles with fresh greenery and vibrant flowers. “My trick is to play around with the heights of the candles,” she says. “Then place greenery around the display to create a longer trail that can follow the table length.” She likes this set of sasol wax candles that are available in eight colors, with a burn time of up to four hours and a cotton wick.

$30 at Anthropologie

Lodge 17-Inch Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet

Alves McConaughey loves this sturdy, 2-inch-deep, ready-to-use cast-iron skillet and frying pan. “I love to whip up a lot of one-pan meals for family and friends,” she says. Seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, the skillet features an ergonomic two-handle design.

$70 at Amazon

Pantalones Tequila Reposado

The tequila, made from organic agave, is relaxed in American oak whisky barrels for nine months. And for every bottle sold, a portion is donated to 1% For The Planet, an organization committed to helping the environment. “It’s my favorite drink,” she says, adding that she consumes her liquor “on the rocks, period!” As for her go-to nonalcoholic drink? Water with fresh cucumber and lemon.

$50 at Pantalones

Naturally Med Olive Wood Cutting Board

The best way to create a great charcuterie board, says Alves McConaughey, is to first check out the supermarket. “If I see that the berries, grapes and cherries look great, then I’ll go with a light and young goat cheese and super-light crackers,” she says. “If I go heavier on the veggies, then I like a heartier, older goat cheese and sheep’s milk.” She assembles the mix on this asymmetric, 14-inch hardwood chopping board.

$33 at Amazon

Monopoly Board Game

“I can be very competitive — even though I usually lose!” she admits. “It can take us days to finish the game.” They also enjoy playing Charades because “it brings so much laughter to the night,” she says.

$20 at Target

Dior Essential Beauty Trio

Looking for a hostess gift? Alves McConaughey loves this limited-edition Valentine’s Day makeup set, which includes the multiuse Le Baume balm, Dior Addict Lip Glow and the waterproof Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara. “It’s reasonably priced for a high-end brand, and it has items that any lady can use daily!” she says. Plus, she notes, “The packaging is beautiful.”

$133 at Dior

Dior Le Baume Multiuse Balm

$60 at Sephora
$60 at Ulta

Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm

$40 at Nordstrom
$40 at Sephora

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

$33 at Sephora
$33 at Ulta

Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable

The McConaugheys favorite tech product is this old-school record player. “It’s simple to use for the kids, the sound still has a little bit of a grainy background and it takes me back in time,” she says, noting that she spins everything from Chris Stapleton to the Notorious B.I.G. “I love using it when cooking!” Her turntable of choice can be connected directly to a home stereo, powered speakers or computer.

$150 at Best Buy

Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.

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