Dinner Party Dilemma

So it's summertime and you want to throw a dinner party on your back patio, deck or by the pool. You're thinking casual but with a flair. Afterall, you want to show your friends that you did not spend your winter in vain. You spent it reading Cooking Light and trying new dishes! You ask yourself, 'what are the ingredients for a summer soiree for approximately 10 people?'

Here are my recommended ingredients for a smashing summer soiree:

1. The Lighting - Have you ever gone into a room full of candles that was really not that nice, but the candles gave you a new perspective on the room? *Side Tip: turn a small area into a quaint one with candles. It's all about perception!* I recommend candles on the table (not the overly smelly kind), floating candles in the pool, paper lanterns, and tiki torches in the grassy areas.

2. The Center of the Universe - The center of the party (besides the host and the food) are the centerpieces. I have two words that will change your life: lemons and limes. Add a lemon or lime to any centerpiece and you have added color and trend. Simplify and place one single flower in a low drinking glass. Or even combine the flower and the lime. Your invitation to the event can even reflect the lemon and lime theme.

3. Feed Them and Quench Their Thirst: You don't have to be Paula Dean to whip up a sepctacular event. If you want to go outside the box, don't take the barbecue route and go for dishes that are cool and airy (and I don't mean Cool Whip). Spend some time planning your menu. Great tips can be taken from watching shows like the Next Food Network Star. I also recommend such dishes as Orzo and Snap Pea Salad and Crispy Mustard Chicken.

Guests are always looking for new types of drinks. Try using the fruit of the year, the pomegranate. This fruit has gainined more popularity in one year than any pear or tangerine I have ever met! This site has many pomegranate ideas, and if you are still stumped just mix it with vodka.

4. Easy on the Ears: Music always sets the tone. Would you want show up at a summer soiree and the first thing you hear is elevator music or cheesy 90's music? Get your guests in the mood for the soiree by having easy on the ears music like Meditteranean, Jazz, or singers like Joss Stone, the new James Morrison, or any Pottery Barn compilation CD.

There you have it: decor, food and drink and music are the key ingredients to a great summer party for any number of guests.

Comments

[Mary]

I have used the lemon and lime idea at many parties. Maybe with a magnolia. It never fails to impress my guests. Great post!

[WebDrops]

Loved the post...i am sharing your post with my readers..they are going to love me for this:) all thanks to you!