Foodie Friday: Cookout Chic ~ Recipes And More

I am of the mindset that even the most casual events can be chic. All it takes is a little effort and creativity.  Good food always helps, as well. If you are hosting a cookout, think about what would excite you. Certainly not a hot dog in a Wonder Bun, right? Music, even outdoors, is a must throughout your cookout.  Save the paper plates for some other time. Make your guests feel special with a real dish and a colorful napkin. And I highly recommend creating a "House Drink."  It is always a fun start to any event. When entertaining, it's the little details that count.  I hope you enjoy this perfectly yummy post.

~ Beverages ~ 

Lavender Lemonade
Recently I was served this at a backyard party. I found it so lovely that I just wanted to share the recipe with you. Most people were adding a dash of Grey Goose Vodka at the suggestion of the bartender.  
One Kings Lane

Cocktail Snow Cones
Wouldn't this just make you smile as you arrived at the party?  Genius idea for a warm weather party.
Honestly Yum

Watermelon Coolers

Make these your house drink at your next barbecue and you will me the talk of the town! 

Style Me Pretty

Blackberry Mojitos

A Bobby Flay recipe that is perfection for Summer. Greet your guests with a tray of these.

Epicurious

Grilled Peach Old Fashion

Even if you don't think you like bourbon, I bet you enjoy this Summer sip.

Martha Stewart

Rope Party Bucket
A galvanized liner will keep your bottled refreshments cool when filled with ice. So much nicer than a cooler.
Serena and Lily

~ Appetizers  And Starters~

Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut 
Dipping Sauce

With just a touch of heat, this is a chic choice for outdoor feasting.

Pure Wow

Roast Tomato And Caper Gazpacho

What's better than a ripe tomato? A roasted one. This recipe is no fuss and perfect for a Summer supper.

The Red Bistro

Bruschetta

These two bite appetizers make a perfectly pretty party dish. Easy to make, with in season ingredients. And who doesn't love grilled bread?

Food Network

Grilled New England 

Clam Chowder Dip

Oh how interesting!  Serve with grilled potato wedges, celery sticks and/or oyster crackers. Love that this can be made up to two days before service.

Food Republic

Fig Jam + Arugula Pizza

Sweet and salty and oh so stylish!

The Glitter Guide

Thomas Paul Plate Set
Break resistant Melamine adds style while still being practical. Go ahead, play with pattern.
Burke Decor

~ Salads ~

Nicoise Salad With 

Sesame Seared Tuna

Is this not the most stylish salad you ever saw? One of my favorite dishes to eat any time of the year. Recipe calls for searing the tuna in a pan, but you certainly could grill it as well.

Heather Christo

Tomato-Mozzarella Salad 
With Pesto
Such a simple salad to create, yet so attractive!  Your guests will enjoy selecting their favorite color tomato.  And doesn't pesto just make everything better?
Williams-Sonoma

Shaved Melon Cherry 
Arugula Salad
This salad blends the sweet freshness of the melons and cherries against a backdrop of a peppery arugula.
Bakers Royale

Porcelain Paper Plates and 
Chambray Linen Napkins
I just think these are so casual chic! Find the Napkins HERE and the Plates HERE. Both are from
Provisions at Food 52

~ The Main Event ~

Grilled Clams 

With Tomatillo Bacon Salsa 

What a sophisticated dish to serve to guests. My own Meg just went clamming in the Hamptons, and I could not resist this recipe.

Heather Christo

Rosemary-Skewered Scallops 

This recipe promises loads of flavor with only six ingredients. I personally love the clever Rosemary Skewers. Company deserves an extra touch.

Food Republic

Sausage Mixed Grill with Balsamic Vinaigrette
So easy and colorful. This recipe just looks like a party for the tastebuds. With an assortment of sausages, your guests can pick and choose.
Food And Wine

Grilled Fish Tacos with Creamy 
Chipotle Sauce
I love a recipe that gets the crowd involved. Everyone will have fun building their own perfect taco.
Saveur

Salt Plates
Bring new meaning to "season while you cook."
Provisions by Food 52

~ Super Side Dish ~

Grilled Corn With Cheese and Lime
Why would you serve plain corn when you can serve this? Crumbled queso fresco and cayenne pepper give ordinary corn on the cob a Mexican flair.
Real Simple

Rosewood Corn Skewers
Now on sale at
Sur La Table

~ Sweet Endings ~

Strawberry Lemonade Trifle
This wow worthy dessert is actually anchored with layered pound cake. To make it even easier, use a store bought cake. It screams summer and certainly can be made ahead.
Bakers Royale

Toasted Pineapple Marshmallows

Get the gang to cook their own dessert.  A real conversation starter and  perfect ending to your stylish Summer soiree.  Martha Stewart has a "How To" make adorable sticks with stars on the end HERE

Gourmet Traveller

Grilled Fruit – Skewers

Almost like strawberry shortcake on a stick! These easy desserts will be as much fun to make as it is to eat. 

Shanty Chic

Lemony Blackberry
Vodka Gelées
If you are 18 or 20, you would call these "Jello Shots." But not at my party. Gelees sound so civilized. Whatever you call them, they are pretty and will end the evening on a high note!
The Bitten Word

Paper Lanterns
Ever since my days of dining at Tavern On The Green in Central Park,  I have been obsessed with hanging lanterns.  They add a pop of pizazz and color to any party. Hang them from a tree or market umbrellas. You will find a stylish selection at
Luna Bazaar

Goats Milk Caramel
Keep 2 jars of this unbelievably good sauce around this Summer. Perfect for your Ice Cream Sundae Bar. And with this fabulous presentation bag, it makes a great host or hostess gift.
Provisions by Food52

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