Warm weather is coming and it’s time to get together! If you’re ready to celebrate the season of summer’s bounty, a themed party can be a wonderfully fun way to connect with friends you haven’t seen for a while. You don’t need to put together anything fancy or expensive to have a fun time with those you love. We have some unique summer dining ideas for parties with friends and family.
Put a Griddle on the Buffet
Get a couple of packs of tortillas and put a griddle at the end of your buffet. Set up your Mexican favorites, including
- taco meat
- beans
- rice
- cheese
- veggies
Focus on Light and Cool Foods in Hot Weather
This may also be the time to dig into some culinary history. How long has it been since you had a Jell-O salad? Now is the time to dig back into this cuisine. Another fun food to add to a summer meal is an old-fashioned 3 bean salad with a vinegar dressing. Summer foods you don’t have to monitor; that is, those with no eggs and no mayo, can make your hot weather meals much simpler.
Serve a Bowl Buffet
Another yummy bowl creation will feed your favourite vegetarians and can feature a hearty bean stew over
- rice, white or brown
- crunched-up corn chips
- farro or cous cous
Adding cheese and sour cream to this bowl can boost the protein content.
Of course, you’ll need fresh bowls and spoons for dessert. For a brunch, try a lemon sherbet with different ice cream and pancake syrups, from pineapple to strawberry to blueberry.
Set Up a Smorgas-Grill
Budgets are tight; not everyone can provide a steak or a slab of salmon, but a burger bar can be a fun way to feed a lot of folks and avoid blowing your budget. Ask guests to bring a salad as a side. If you have friends who always show up right on time or early, assign them chips and dip. Chronic latecomers are in charge of dessert.
Consider a Mediterranean Meal
Stuffed grape leaves, pita and baba ghanoush and a yummy fattoush salad will round out the meal beautifully. For dessert, serve almond cookies or try your hand at baklava! Finally, consider serving this with a crisp white wine, preferably with bubbles.
If the past few years have taught us anything, the chance to gather and share food and friendship is a tremendous gift. You don’t need to have a huge fancy gathering to share the joy with your loved ones. A themed potluck can be a wonderful way to bring folks together and eat well.
Such wonderful tips. I am looking forward to summer dining.