Fandango Catering Offers 6 More Ideas to Make Your Summer Event Distinctive

Today in our popular blog series, "Summer Entertaining," we offer 6 more ideas for making your summer gathering distinctive, without being too much work.

As we've said before, summer is one of the best times to entertain, whether you're an experienced host or not, since people are more relaxed and just happier.  Run with it and try one or two of these easy touches that will make your summer gathering a hit, make you look great, and make your guests happy.

Ditch the crudités but keep the concept--most people really don't like crudités, so don't serve them, but keep the concept by grilling narrow strips of chicken, meat, or even vegetables and serving with an interesting sauce, such as pesto mixed with mascarpone, a bit of vermouth, and pepper, or crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, and chopped fresh herbs, pureed in a blender.  These grilled strips don't need to be skewers, which would be a bit more work--just put the strips on a plate or tray next to the dipper(s).
We love this idea from Martha Stewart--Mix fresh berries into softened vanilla ice cream and then pack into popsicle molds with popsicle sticks.  Our own take on this--They are so fun served casual-style, or make them elegant by passing them on trays, laying them out buffet style on elegant trays or platters (but make sure they don't melt), or even putting one each in a nice glass or goblet.  Even easier? Buy boxes of high quality ice cream-type bars and serve them on a nice tray.  People love these fun foods, and if nicely served they're so cool.
Also use a nice tray to serve mini desserts or chocolates--If you buy mini desserts or truffles or  some small sweets, lay them in rows on a rectangular tray.  Elegant, and little work.
Punches are hot but sub if you are short on time or don't have a recipe--Substitute an Italian soda.  Italian sodas are available at upscale food emporiums (in our area, places like Central Market and Whole Foods).  Stick to just one flavor or two max mixed together and pour into a cool punch bowl. Voilà-a cool punch.
Grilled and Fruit Main Course--Cook flank steak, chicken, or pork, cut into strips, and mix with fresh cut summer fruit (grilled or not) and mixed greens.  Mix in a gourmet vinaigrette from a good food emporium.  Maybe add an Asian touch with a bit of soy sauce or sesame seeds.  If you like, mix in a bit of tomatoes or cucumber.  Great for groups that like grilled food that isn't too heavy.
Make your outdoor guest area distinctive--A cool colorful oilcloth for the table (you can often find cool oilcloth solids or patterns by the yard at a fabric store, then have it pinked-cut there if you take your table measurements with you, then all you have to do is put it on your table), solar lamps, a galvanized or Moroccan lamp, colorful paper fans for guests to fan themselves, mint julep cups to hold utensils or rolled up paper napkins, old-fashioned striped straws...Some touch that will make your gathering better than takeout.

Any of these will lift your summer gathering out of the ordinary and make it fun and memorable for you and your guests.

Warmly,

Kristina

Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
www.fandango-catering.com