With all the heat, I don’t know about summer living being easy but if you’re looking to throw a party outside, there are a few tricks you can use to beat the heat. In the middle of a sweltering heat wave, a cool venue, cool drinks and light food make the weather more bearable.
The Venue
Your options are endless when it comes to finding the right summertime venue. One option is a relaxing soiree by the pool. This makes for a lovely, refreshing setting and keeps the guests feeling cool. You can invite guests to bring suits and towels to lounge in the water while enjoying a visit. Those who are shy about donning swimming attire can enjoy the poolside atmosphere without even wetting a toe.
A lakeside dock party can provide beautiful vistas and casual entertaining opportunities. If a pontoon is available, a sunset float on the water with drinks and food can make this a one-of-a-kind event. With safety in mind, be sure to provide unbreakable containers for the party barge.
A riverside gathering can provide unique scenery for family and friends. If you and your guests are outdoor types, a sunset canoe excursion can be set up for some casual exploration. A cooler in each boat filled with seasonal refreshments will make this an enjoyable and unforgettable occasion.
As you can see, there are plenty of venue ideas out there for a summer party.
Summertime Drinks
Along with a refreshing venue comes the need for cooling drinks. One drink loved by men and women alike is the “Bourbon Slush”. It can be prepared ahead of time and travels well. The idea of serving a signature drink makes the party easy and keeps costs in check. Of course, water should be available for extra hydration in the summer sun. A flavorful way to mix it up would be to infuse your water with vegetables or fruits. Try seeded, peeled cucumbers or lemons and oranges. Place cold water in a pretty pitcher and float the fruit with lots of ice. YUM! If taking the party out on the water, plastic, colorful pitchers are available and will make serving easier and safer.
Bourbon Slush
Mix in freezer safe container: 2.5 cups tea (2.5 cups water + 2 tea bags)
1 12 oz container frozen lemonade, thawed
1 6 oz frozen orange juice, thawed
2 cups good bourbon
1 cup sugar
6 cups water
Freeze this mixture overnight. Scoop frozen mixture into glass and top with lemon-lime soft drink or club soda.
The Party Menu
Keeping the menu light as possible is wise, especially with the hot weather. No one wants to eat something heavy when there is a heat wave. A light option would be one of my favorites, watermelon salsa, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The addition of sweet watermelon gives this classic snack a summer twist.
Watermelon Salsa
3 cups finely chopped seedless watermelon
1.5 tsp. lime zest (1 lime)
1/4 cup lime juice (3 limes)
1 tbl. sugar
Freshly ground pepper
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic salt
Combine all ingredients and chill for at least four hours. Serve with toasted pita chips.
Another great appetizer is flatbread pizza. You can offer a variety of toppings to serve any size crowd. Tasty flatbread can be bought in your local store, making your job easy. You just add some type of pesto and any combination of ingredients that are tasty. I like to make one with premium bacon pieces, crumbled blue cheese and caramelized onions on a base of artichoke pesto. Don’t forget the vegetarians in your crowd. Fresh veggies and mozzarella will be sure to please. This type of pizza, great on the grill, will save you from a steamy kitchen in the summer heat. As the bread comes off the grill, have your guests put their own pizza together using the toppings you prepped ahead of time.
For a fun dessert, you can have homemade ice cream chilling in the freezer. Bring this tasty treat out when the pizzas are gone, and be sure to have some waffle cones ready! This is a cool, delicious way to end your summer time party.
We can’t control the heat in the summertime, but we can have some control over the venue, libations and food that make those summer parties a little more palatable.
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