The Perfect Summer Party
So you want to throw a backyard party, eh? Something a little more sophisticated than a bowl of guacamole and a smoothie? One that will be remembered for the ages? Well before you crown yourself King/Queen of the summer soiree here’s a few tips to help you rule in style.
Set the Mood Right
What kind of atmosphere are you trying to create? Are you having a lively mid-day with loud music sure to attract everyone to your home or are you having an intimate dinner with your closest friends and family, as the sun goes down. Lighting can play huge role in this. I’m a big fan of string lighting to add ambiance to a late night event. For a day event try using glass vases in varying colors as table settings to bend light in an amusing way. You can even fill the containers with brightly colored flowers to really bring out the essence of spring.
The Table
The table setting is just as important as the decorations on the wall. Consider you table setting a feast for the eyes. A good place to start is by gathering a collection of glassware, silver and china then edit your choices until you are pleased with the end look. Once your place settings are done the fun adornments can be added to make you table unique as shown below.
Once done, sit down at the table to make sure there is nothing that will obstruct a guest’s view or inhibit conversation. After all this is a party!
Summertime Menu
The summertime , in my opinion, is the best time for food. Everything is so fresh that is seems wasteful to have meal that isn’t full of all summer has to offer. Again, this is also a preference but when I’m at a summer party, I prefer foods that are light and zesty rather than heavy and savory. So, if you share my same sentiments about summer meals here are a few recipes that might interest you.
Avocado Feta Salsa (From Allrecipes.com)
- 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado – peeled, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- In a bowl, gently stir together tomatoes, avocados, onion, and garlic. Mix in parsley and oregano. Gently stir in olive oil and vinegar. Then stir in feta. Cover, and chill for 2 to 6 hours.
Crab Cakes (Allrecipes.com)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 3/8 cup olive oil
- 1 (16 ounce) can canned crabmeat, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 8 ounces buttery round crackers, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning TM
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs) or regular dry bread crumbs
Directions
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over high heat. Saute green onions briefly until tender; cool slightly.
- Combine crabmeat, sauteed green onions, egg, mayonnaise, dry mustard, crushed crackers, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper. Form into 1/2 inch thick patties. Coat the patties with bread crumbs.
- Heat 1/2 cup oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook cakes until golden brown on each side. Drain briefly on paper towels and serve hot.
Angel Food Cake (Allrecipes.com)
- 1 (10 inch) angel food cake
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 (18 ounce) jar strawberry glaze
Directions
- Crumble the cake into a 9×13 inch dish.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Fold in whipped topping. Mash the cake down with your hands and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake.
- In a bowl, combine strawberries and glaze until strawberries are evenly coated. Spread over cream cheese layer. Chill until serving.
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