3 elements of a superb summer soirée
Staying in is the new going out, and though hosting can be intimidating, here are 3 surefire ways to curate a memorable experience.
Florals
Nothing is as welcoming as the sweet scents of summer. Check out your local grocery store for what’s in season, and try to keep the vibe you have in mind while selecting flowers. P.S. Complementary colors and a hint of green do the trick every time.
Be sure your arrangement is full, or at least looks that way and you can determine that by the vase you chose. Keep in mind flower heights as well. For a more lowkey vibe, upcycle your prettiest glass jars. It’s all about presentation!
Food
What’s a party without it? When cooking for others keep in mind allergies, and also your own capabilities. Hosting is supposed to be fun, so don’t stress yourself out over Julia Child’s greatest hits.
Take to socials and find something that speaks to you and your tummy. The summer is already hot so steer clear of making it hotter with the oven. Keep in mind seasonal produce and make something that can be served chilled or cold as a complement to the warmth of the sun. You want to channel cool, calm, and collected hostess with the mostess.
An easy app and a large format salads always does the trick.
Try this tomato mozzarella caprese and shrimp summer citrus salad with avocado crema for low maintenance deliciousness:
The caprese
Ingredients:
• EVOO
• Beefsteak tomato
• Mozzarella
• Basil pesto (I used Trader Joe’s kale cashew pesto)
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper
Directions: Cut tomato and mozzarella in slices of the same size. Using your plate of choice, take a large spoon and gingerly and evenly spread the pesto. Once the dip is spread, alternate the tomato and mozzarella to taste. Top with more pesto, balsamic glaze, salt and pepper.
The shrimp summer citrus salad with avocado crema salad
Ingredients:
• Kale
• Red onion
• Mango
• Shrimp (4 or 5 per person)
• 2 limes
• Tajín
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cilantro
• Navel oranges
• EVOO
Directions: Massage kale and cilantro leaves with evoo and juice of a quarter of a naval orange, chop red onion, mango, and oranges. Take the shrimp in a small bowl and season with tajín, salt and pepper. Cook shrimp until pink and curled into a “C” shape.
Avocado crema
Ingredients:
• Half of an avocado
• Juice of the whole lime
• One greek yogurt container
• Half of jalapeño
• Cilantro
Directions: Add contents to a blender and blend until smooth.
Last, but certainly not least —
Refreshment
Mocktail, cocktail, spritz, or sprite — a good party works up a thirst. You can always go the open bar route, but a signature drink brings a level of well thought cohesion to any event.
Think about what complements your food and your guests. Is your group split between sobriety and inebriation? Try this gorgeous base that can be elevated with sparkling wine or liquor as well as sparkling water. The camera always eats and drinks first, aesthetically minded is the way to go. Try this watermelon mint spritz:
Watermelon spritz (serves 2)
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of watermelon
• Palm full of mint
• Lime
Directions: Blend, strain and add over ice. top with seltzer, sparkling wine, vodka, gin or rum. Garnish with mint.
Ingredients for honey Tajín rim:
• Honey
• Tajín
Directions: Run honey on the rim and dip the rim in Tajín.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips and tricks! Happy hosting. 🥂