The Easy, Breezy, Summer Party

By Mary Allen Perry

Try this appetizer-driven menu for your next summer party. It pairs well with crisp summer whites (linens and wine).

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Easy Summer Party

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Green Goddess Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Green Goddess Dip

Serve this chilled dip with blanched asparagus spears, sugar snap peas, sliced cauliflower florets or baby zuchinni.

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Shrimp Salad-Stuffed Endive 

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Gorgonzola-Grilled Pear Crostini

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Bacon-Parmesan Tassies

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Bacon-Parmesan Tassies

These tasty little appetizers made of pastry shells, bacon, and Parmesan cheese will be a hit at your party!

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Chicken-and-Tortellini Salad 

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken-and-Tortellini Salad

Serve appetizer portions of this easy pasta salad on small tapas plates.

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Summer Fruit Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Summer Fruit Salad

Serve Summer Fruit Salad in short cocktail glasses to show off fresh mango, cilantro, and avocado.

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Wine Refresher Course

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.
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