Easy Summer Entertaining Ideas
Summer brings a flurry of outdoor living and cookouts. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor day and family gatherings are coming our way. If you’re thinking of entertaining, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of easy ideas to keep you out of the kitchen, giving you time to mingle with your guests!
If someone asks if they can do or bring something, don’t hesitate to suggest an easy side dish for them to bring. When I was a kid, everyone brought something to cookouts — back then, we referred to them as a “covered dish.” If someone doesn’t cook, ask them to bring cans of soda, bottled water, etc.
Go Old School! The usual hot dogs and hamburgers are easy to grill. Also consider kielbasa or chicken sausage. Many stores carry a variety of chicken sausages that are “hot dog bun” size. Perfect to grill or pan fry.
Whether it be sausages, burgers or hot dogs, give them the “wow factor” by simply by adding a platter on the buffet table of gourmet/unusual condiments that you can find at your local store (usually in the jarred olive and pickle section). Here’s some ideas to get you started: pickled mixed vegetables, mini dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, hot pepper slices, roasted red pepper, pickled onions, relish, assorted olives, etc. Let folks pick out their favorite cheese for their burgers, hot dogs or sausages by putting out a plate of assorted PRE-sliced- cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, American.
Keep the sides easy. Cole slaw, potato salad, cucumber salad and pasta salad can be bought or made the night before. See the free-style recipe below for Easy Pasta Salad. Toss a few cans of baked beans in a crock-pot and let it simmer on low heat on the buffet table. Keep a ladle by the crockpot with a “help yourself” sign.
Deviled eggs are always a favorite. IF you have the time, whip some up. Somehow deviled eggs never seem to go out of style!
DESSERTS: A nice platter of assorted store-bought cookies, brownies and/or mini-cupcakes are easy for folks to grab. Old-school FREEZE POPS can still be bought in the store and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults! Got a fire pit or grill? Roast marshmallows on long skewers – sure to be a hit with the kids.
DRINKS: Nothing screams summer like lemonade! Sodas and bottled water are easy to keep in a chilled bucket. In the mood for something stronger? Keep it simple by picking up a good sangria. A chilled fruity sangria is sure to go over well with the adults! And hey, with all the “ready to serve” cold-brew coffees in our local grocery stores, keep caffeine addicts happy and let them pour themselves some iced coffee!
FUN & GAMES: Bean bags are still popular and can be played by both young and old, plus it’s easy to setup and take down and store for the next outing.
EASY VEGGIE PASTA SALAD RECIPE:
Cook a bag of mixed frozen vegetables according to package. Cool vegetables and add them to cooked macaroni (or a spiral pasta). Free-style the pasta your way: Love veggies? Then do half pasta and half veggies. To stretch out the servings: 1/3 veggies and 2/3 cooked pasta. Then toss with your favorite Ranch dressing to taste. Alternative: Instead of Ranch dressing, toss the pasta/veggies with some balsamic vinaigrette then add a little mayo to taste. Season with salt/pepper.
MUSIC: Looking for some Memorial Day, 4th of July or summer music? Visit our “music category/oldies” for blasts from the past to load into your favorite listening devices.
Especially during these hot summer months, keep your outdoor entertaining simple so you have time to simply ENJOY!