It’s the perfect season for family and friends to get
together for outdoor summer gatherings, but you can transform your typical BBQ
into a unique and memorable summer event!
Turn your next Summer
BBQ into a Clambake
The origin of clambakes began along the
coast of New England as a way to prepare the plentiful seafood that fishermen
caught from the Atlantic Ocean. Although now you don’t have to be on a beach to
host a clambake, so why not do it in your own backyard? The preparation of the
seafood can last an entire day, so make it be a part of the fun! Serve
appetizers and summer drinks while guests wait and enjoy being a part of this
culinary affair. Visit this
New York Times article for recipes and ideas to
turn your next party into this unique gathering.
Throw a Country-Style
Hoedown
An All-American hoedown can turn any BBQ into a fun party for
all ages. Do Si Do with your partner to a live band or make a country playlist!
Have some down home fun with square dancing and Southern dishes
served cold at a help-yourself station overflowing with buttermilk fried
chicken, herbed biscuits, cabbage slaw, and heirloom tomato salad. Get more
ideas by visiting
Country Living.
Host a Summer Movie
and Dessert Night
Instead of hosting a dinner party, invite guests to an
evening event serving sweets. Create a spread of desserts and champagne
cocktails for friends, and show an outdoor screening of your favorite summer
movie. Martha Stewart lists this event idea on her
2013 Best Summer Ever BucketList.
Take Your Party on
the Water
Whether you own a boat or prefer to charter one, take your
summer
BBQ party on the water! Enjoy an afternoon cruise or evening sail and entertain
your guests with music, cocktails, finger foods, Hors d'oeuvres and
premade treats. Remember to send invites with details including the dock
location, departure and return time. When guests commit to a boat party, they
will want to know exactly when they will be returning. Keep consistent with the
agenda, adhere to the maximum number of people allowed on the boat, and ensure
that the proper safety gear are on-board and your summer BBQ on the water will
become the party of the summer.