Ice Cream Social
An ice cream social is the perfect summer function. It’s also a great excuse for everyone to have some good old-fashioned fun. Ask your
guests to bring a gallon of their favorite flavor, which will likely spark some
conversation, and maybe even some debate. You can provide the toppings and the
serving pieces. Invest in some sturdy scoops and dream up a scene straight out
of an old ice cream parlor. Colorful Fiesta Dinnerware lends a festive feel,
while an assortment of vintage teacups can be used in lieu of dishes.
Search online for tin signs or make your own that say I Scream for Ice Cream or Sweet Treats. Buffet style best suits this casual gathering, but you still can set up
seating for people to savor their scoops. Fill your tables with extra toppings
that when grouped together become a stylish centerpiece. Place an upside-down
cone at each place setting for an added decoration that tastes as good as it
looks. Everyone will feel like a kid again at this family-friendly affair.
Tip: Use waffle cups to hold toppings like sprinkles and chocolate chips.
Not Your Average Backyard Barbecue
A backyard barbecue may usually be synonymous with hamburgers and hot dogs;
still, you can spice it up for a special occasion. Swap the usual fare for
something slightly more sophisticated, like blackened chicken or salmon on the
grill. Grab some fabric to adorn your tables, and, while you’re at it, go ahead and haul some indoor furniture outside for a change. The same
can be said for accessories that come to life against the lovely background
Mother Nature provides.
Introduce your fine china for a more sophisticated feel that is far from fussy.
Tuck some leaves or flowers into your napkins to play up the outdoor setting.
Look to something whimsical for a centerpiece, such as an upside-down top hat
with a potted plant inside. Add some music and turn your deck or patio into a
dance floor after dark.
Tip: Serve fruit salad in a soup tureen and cookies on a cake stand for little
touches that go a long way.
Wine and Cheese
The time is right for spontaneous get-togethers, so it helps to have a handful
of easy-to-implement ideas up your sleeve. A wine and cheese theme fits the
bill because it requires little preparation. In fact, everything can be
purchased the day of the event. Set up bistro-style tables for casual seating,
occasional snacking, and better traffic flow. Fill a few bowls with grapes for
instant (and edible) adornments. Place a pretty cheese tray or cutting board on
every table so guests can nibble at their leisure.
Miniature wine bottles make charming vessels for leaves or flowers, while a bowl
of wine corks brings texture to the table. Look to your local liquor store for
wine crates that come in handy as serving trays. Opt for store-bought cookies
and coffee for dessert.
Tip: Mix in a variety of finger foods like olives and a veggie tray. Use carafes
as pitchers for ice water.
Pizza Party
Pizza is the ultimate crowd pleaser. It’s cheap. It’s easy. And it can be delivered right to your front door. No utensils necessary,
which means one less thing on your to-do list. Place a small plate or tray in
the middle of the table with shakers filled with salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese,
and crushed red pepper flakes. Be sure to have plenty of extra napkins on hand.
Paper plates and checkered tablecloths are in keeping with the low-key theme.
Offer your guests a vegetable platter or other such appetizers to snack on
before the pies arrive. Keep the beverages simple but refreshing, like water
with lemon. Italian ices are the perfect dessert. Add some Italian music and
you’re good to go.
Tip: Order your pizza earlier in the day and make sure the pies have a wide
variety of toppings to satisfy different tastes.
Whatever theme you choose this season, make sure it involves less work for you
and more play for your guests. That’s the beauty of outdoor entertaining. In the end, it’s all about having fun in the sun and taking a break to savor the essence of
summer. Written by Jeanine Matlow.
