perfect summer party

Birthday parties, pool parties, romantic dining under the summer stars, and just-because-the-weather-is-so-beautiful parties! Summer is all about fun gatherings, so GourmetFoodStore wants to get you ready to dazzle your guests with your entertaining skills. We have the ultimate planning guide to throwing your best summer soiree yet. Expert ideas and tips for choosing the perfect summer food – and the best drinks to go with it – setting a charming table, picking out the music, and so much more!

• Soft enough to be charming, strong enough as not to have to squint to see your fellow diners.

• Candles make a pretty centerpiece, but make sure they’re properly contained so as to avoid potential fires. Try: bowls filled with water and floating votives.

• Avoid tall candles that obstruct your view and could tip over.

• Place lanterns in strategic corners, or drape them around trees or plants to create a whimsical setting.

• Citronella candles work double duty for lighting and keeping bugs away.

• Fresh flowers are just the thing for a pretty summer table.

• Remember, you don’t want to obstruct people’s view so don’t make arrangements taller than 11 inches.
  

• Classic elegance. English tea roses in bright colors, like oranges, bright pinks, yellows and reds.



• Countryside Charm. To bring the country to your table, use bunches of fresh daisies and sunflowers. Place them in big rustic porcelain jars.



• Modern Urban. Streamlined shapes and solid colors in glass or metal containers. Try: gerbera daisies in a tall square vase.

• Keep it mellow and unobtrusive (hopefully, the guest will follow suit!).

• Theme? If you’re having a Latin fiesta, go for some smooth Latin rhythms. French fête? A selection of jazz full of sultry soul.

• When in doubt, subtle classical music is always a crowd pleaser.

• You can relax the rules a bit, but keep it elegant.

• Provide enough utensils for all the different dishes, so that flavors don’t mix.

• Food is always served from the left side of the diner.

• Make sure to place utensils correctly: fork on the left, knife on the right, and spoon above the plate.

• Place empty plates or small bows strategically for people to discard their napkins or inedible garnishes (such as shrimp tails).

• Ingredients: The summer heat calls for dishes that are lighter. Focus on fresh ingredients and cool recipes (no more slaving over a hot stove!).
  
  
• Selection: People have different tastes so always have a variety of dishes and foods. Include simple dishes to suit all palates, and take into account any dietary restrictions (low fat, low carb, kosher, etc).
  
  
• Sit-down vs. buffet: A self-serve buffet is more comfortable, convenient and more conducive for conversation if you’re hosting a large gathering, but a prettily set table is perfect for more intimate gatherings.
  
  
• Cheeses: Always a crowd pleaser, easy to eat, and fuss-free. Make sure you include a variety of them. To be safe, include cheeses from each family, for example: creamy Brie or Camembert, a pungent goat cheese (like a mild Caprifeuille or a strong Bucherondin), a blue-veined cheese like Roquefort or Stilton, a firm and mild Washed Rind cheese like Munster, and a flavorful hard cheese like Cheddar or Mimolette.
  
  
• Antipastos: A summer favorite, giving the party a relaxed and colorful atmosphere. Include several different meats, like Prosciutto di Parma,  Serrano Ham, Duck Magret, and add other savory accompaniments like Olives Nicoises or Picholine du Gard. Browse our full Specialty Meat Selection
  
  
• Salads: The summer staple, salads are also a great way to add color to the table. Instead of heavy dressings, season salads simply with fine olive oils and flavored vinegars. Try traditional Balsamic Vinegars, or experiment with some luxurious Vinegars Flavored with Truffles.  See our full Oils and Vinegars selection
  
  
• Barbeque:  The undisputed ruler of summer events, also offering a casual, healthy (grilling is an almost fat-free way of cooking) cooking alternative.

• Spice it up! Season meats like chicken or meat with flavorful Herbs of Provence or spicy mustards before grilling them to add some great flavor (check our Condiments section for ideas)
  
  
• Wrap it up! Wrap meats and vegetables in foil to seal in their juices and concentrate the flavors. Then unwrap and dig in!

• Make sure you offer your guests drinks as soon they come in.
  
  
• Serve coffee after dinner in small cups. You can add one some Italian style by serving espresso with small pastries or chocolates.

• Ideally, the best thing would be to place the bar out of the way in a corner table, so that guests can fix their own drinks.
  
  
• Beautify the bar with containers of fresh limes and lemons for cocktails, plump olives (such as Olives Nicoises or Picholines), pretty cherries, and elegant straws and stirrers.
  
  
• Have a shaker available, and plenty of tumblers for cocktails.  
  
• Don’t forget the ice, preferably in an elegant ice bucket. 
  
  
• Provide lots of coasters and napkins.
  
  
• Keep an attractive but practical kitchen towel to mop up any mess.

• Pare down your offering to a few select vintages.
  
  
• Pick a matching wine to suit the type of food you are serving.
  
  
• Different wines might follow different courses (a smoked salmon appetizer will call for a whit wine, while a creamy truffled pasta entrée will undoubtedly demand a full bodied red), so plan accordingly.