Warm-weather gatherings are a perfect way to spend time with family and friends. Follow these four simple tips for a perfect, stress-free summer soiree that both you and your guests will enjoy.
Pick a theme
Start by choosing a theme for your summer celebration. A defined focus will allow you to quickly narrow menu and décor selections. Easy ideas include seasonally inspired concepts, like Christmas in July; location-specific parties, such as a Hawaiian luau; and era themes, like the Roaring Twenties.
Select the perfect kitchen sidekick
When preparing your menu, an essential kitchen partner is a high-performance blender that does all the work for you. The Vitamix Professional Series 750 reduces prep time and cleanup and allows you to create a variety of delicious recipes. Easily chop ingredients for gazpachos, salsas and coleslaws; achieve a smooth texture for hummus and spreads; emulsify vinaigrettes and marinades; and blend up frothy frozen beverages.
Streamline your menu
Consider whipping up a large batch of appetizers, such as guacamole, a yogurt-based vegetable dip or a cold soup. Make a style statement by serving them in glass shooters with veggies or pita bread for perfectly sized servings. For dessert, opt for seasonal ingredients, such as sliced fruits paired with shortcake on skewers, which can be assembled prior to your party. Sorbets are also simple to make in a blender with only a few ingredients—fruit, ice and an optional sweetener such as honey or maple syrup. By choosing recipes that are easy to prepare, you’ll have more time to mix and mingle.
Make beverages a breeze
Ensure your guests have easy access to drinks by setting up a station with pre-mixed beverages in large dispensers. Mixtures of lemonades or flavor-infused waters are perfect for keeping cool on a warm day. For a more unique approach, let guests personalize their drinks with flavored simple syrups, frozen fruits and herb ice cubes—a great way to add a refreshing twist.
With just a bit of creative planning and prep work, you’ll be ready to host stress-free parties and enjoy more time with your guests this summer.
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