When summer arrives with its warm, dry, hazy evenings, thoughts turn to sitting down with friends and family to enjoy a perfect summer party out in the open air. Whether you fancy firing up the BBQ or would rather serve something a little more sophisticated, take a look at the following ideas for food, drink and pretty garden accessories to make your party chic but fun.
Of course, having delicious food and drink is the main event at any picnic. Instead of classic sandwiches, try a selection of summer salads, tasty wraps or small savoury pastries to keep everyone happy. Having something to nibble on while you chat is always nice, so why not include some delicious olives, antipasti or even some good old crisps. Whatever you choose, make sure there’s a good balance of flavours, and that any dietary requirements are met.
If you’d rather serve something more substantial, make sure that the food isn’t too heavy; think poached fish, roasted vegetables such as aubergine, courgette or butternut squash, or even a light risotto such as asparagus and goats cheese. If you are firing up the BBQ, why not go beyond the usual beef burgers and bangers? Try serving Turkish style kebabs with yoghurt and flat bread or even some whole BBQ fish such as sea bream or trout.
When it comes to choosing the drinks, it all depends on your guests’ preferences. You might be having a few friends over who like a particular wine or beer, in which case, it’s a good idea to get those in along with a few other drinks or cocktails to choose from. If you’re serving a larger gathering, choose a crowd pleaser and something that really shouts ‘summer’! A chilled bottle of fizz or a crisp rosé wine will always go down well. So will a large jug of a chilled alcoholic punch, served with plenty of crushed ice and fresh fruit.
If you have the BBQ on, it might be nice to have some red wine open to go with any red meat; a Bordeaux wine is a great wine to pair with lamb and beef. Always have some soft drinks ready to go too; fruit juices, elderflower cordial and some sparkling water are great alternatives to opening big bottles of fizzy pop. To avoid spills and lost drinks, invest in some good quality plastic wine glasses and goblets; they won’t break easily and you can now buy some very pretty plastic glasses that wouldn’t look amiss at the dining table.
Aside from the food and drink, making your summer party look good will make your guests feel special. Whether you have a small garden with no furniture or a bigger garden with plenty of places to sit, adding a few accessories will make it feel welcoming and stylish. A simple step to take is to add plenty of candles or battery operated alternatives. As the sun goes down and the light fades, there’s something special about sitting and chatting by candlelight.
Fairy lights can also be effective, adding a soft playful glow to your party. You can also think about adding some cushions and blankets to seating areas to make things a little bit more comfortable and cosy if the evening temperature starts to dip. Small bud vases with a few garden flowers will also look super chic placed on tables and walls. Citronella candles or incense is another quick step to take to avoid any uninvited flying guests.
Having a few party games to turn to will get people mingling. Be sure not to choose anything too noisy or raucous though, as it might spoil the atmosphere a little - you still want your guests to be able to chat and enjoy the food and drinks! A giant ‘tumbling tower’ game can be fun for all ages or how about classic lawn games such as boules and quoits if you have the space for them. If you have younger guests, a bubble machine or some bubble wands will be sure to keep them entertained too.