Summer Parties: Bringing the Outdoors In
Are you entertaining friends, family and/or colleagues this summer? Why not enjoy the warmer weather to the fullest, and draw the outdoors in? This can be done a variety of ways, from including fresh wildflowers in your table vases to using seashells as a centerpiece. Here are some great ideas on ensuring your next dinner party is a mini-vacation in itself!
Oceanside Serenity
One of the more easier (and fun!) themes for a dinner party is the ocean. You can instill the soft shush of the sea by using a cooler palette, such as mint green, turquoise or light blue. For example, your tablecloth could be a light green color, with coral and sea glass as decorative pieces. If you happen to collect different types of sand, you can use that sand at the bottom of a glass for a candleholder; also, small glass rocks in water-like colors make an excellent base for floating candles. Although you could include any sort of items for your menu, to continue along with the theme you could go with tempera prawns as a starter, and perhaps a light salmon pasta for your main.
Picnic Party
Everyone loves a picnic … and who says they have to be outdoors? You can easily bring that relaxed but fun-loving mode indoors using a red and white striped or checkered tablecloth, and wicker baskets for the centerpiece, which could include everything from shiny red apples to bottles of wine. Small tea lights in glass holders can create a simple, yet elegant way of lighting your table. A sample menu would include your favorite pasta or potato salad as a starter, and some home-made fried chicken as the main. These offerings are comfortable and delicious, and will be sure to please.
No matter what you choose for your dinner party this summer, enjoy the weather and be sure to take some time to relax!