Try this appetizer-driven menu for your next summer party. It pairs well with crisp summer whites (linens and wine).
Easy Summer Party
We love the no-fuss vibe of a wine and cheese party, but something about a big block of Cheddar feels too hearty for 90-degree days. Try this refreshing menu of chilled dip, tea sandwiches, and light salads instead.
Breezy Table Setting
Start simple: Echo the natural beauty of a garden setting with a neutral color scheme of cool leafy greens and crisp white linens. (Our menu was even inspired by the color palette!)
Mix and match: Skip the formal centerpiece and fill glass decanters and carafes with fresh-cut ferns and flowers such as Queen Anne's lace or oakleaf hydrangeas.
Add a touch of glam: Tuck unexpected touches of silver in with serving pieces—julep cups are a standout on the vegetable tray.
Green Goddess Dip
Recipe: Green Goddess Dip
Serve this chilled dip with blanched asparagus spears, sugar snap peas, sliced cauliflower florets or baby zuchinni.
Shrimp Salad-Stuffed Endive
Recipe: Shrimp Salad-Stuffed Endive
Endive leaves serve as the perfect serving piece for this light and fresh shrimp salad flavored with green onions, lemon juice, and red pepper.
Gorgonzola-Grilled Pear Crostini
Recipe: Gorgonzola-Grilled Pear Crostini
Grilled fruit is delicious year-round. Serve grilled pears atop a cream cheese-gorgonzola spread with roasted pecans and rosemary.
Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Recipe: Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber, cream cheese, and fresh herbs make the filling for this delightful finger food. Add a festive trim with spicy micro-greens.
Bacon-Parmesan Tassies
Recipe: Bacon-Parmesan Tassies
These tasty little appetizers made of pastry shells, bacon, and Parmesan cheese will be a hit at your party!
Chicken-and-Tortellini Salad
Recipe: Chicken-and-Tortellini Salad
Serve appetizer portions of this easy pasta salad on small tapas plates.
Summer Fruit Salad
Recipe: Summer Fruit Salad
Serve Summer Fruit Salad in short cocktail glasses to show off fresh mango, cilantro, and avocado.
Wine Refresher Course
Here are a few tips when it comes to the wine for your summer party.
Play up the setting by chilling bottles in a garden urn filled with ice. Remember that 1 (750 ml.) bottle of wine holds about 5 (5-oz.) glasses. Estimate that 2 glasses of wine per guest for the first hour of a party plus 1 glass per guest for each additional hour. For a wine tasting, choose 5 to 6 different wines and plan on 1 bottle of each for every 6 to 8 people.
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}
.){kind=link}