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 ~
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
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!
Blackberry Mojitos
A Bobby Flay recipe that is perfection for Summer. Greet your guests with a tray of these.
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
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
Dipping Sauce
With just a touch of heat, this is a chic choice for outdoor feasting.
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.
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?
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.
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
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
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
Arugula Salad
This salad blends the sweet freshness of the melons and cherries against a backdrop of a peppery arugula.
Bakers Royale
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.
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
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
Chipotle Sauce
I love a recipe that gets the crowd involved. Everyone will have fun building their own perfect taco.
Saveur
Bring new meaning to "season while you cook."
Provisions by Food 52
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
Now on sale at
Sur La Table
~ Sweet Endings ~
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
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
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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
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
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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