Actually, the start of the Summer Olympics is very representative of late summer entertaining--how so? Well, it brings together people for summer sports at the end of summer, and the colors of Team USA are good for late summer entertaining, as I explain below.
When we lived in NYC everyone had a late summer "blowout," one last summer gathering to concurrently celebrate summer, mark summer's waning, and look ahead to fall. These blowouts often took place at the beach (or "shore" as it's called there) or began at the shore and ended at someone's home, whether a beach home or home in the city/boroughs.
To create celebrating late summer elements at your gathering, here are 3 ideas:
- Use certain colors--Here's where the Olympics idea comes in--Red or dark red and royal blue in napkins, tablecloths, plates, flowers, or decor are "bridge" entertaining colors, bridging summer into early fall. Other bridge colors are marigold, dark sea green, and navy mixed with white or with a pastel, e.g., marigold with medium pink or with light blue. Still says summer, but the mix of medium and light colors also says looking ahead to fall.
- Serve bridge foods--Take advantage of summer produce but serve it with a slightly heartier dish that also looks ahead to fall. For instance, sauté some lovely spice-rubbed t-bone steaks in a mix of butter and oil until just underdone, then add 1/2 cup Marsala and cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until done to your liking, and serve with pan juices. Accompany with a pasta salad of diced ham and cheddar, diced red onion, diced tomatoes, maybe some diced cucumbers, and a dressing of sour cream mixed with pesto and chopped fresh tarragon and dill. For dessert, serve a verrine (layered parfait) of chocolate cake chunks, chocolate mousse, and mascarpone with sugar to taste. A bit more substantial than the food of high summer, but it still says summer.
- Create a "this summer" activity--This is fun for you and your guests. Invite guests to bring "this summer" photos (print, phone, tablet) of trips, their garden, kids, activities, or other "this summer" moments and add yours. Then have fun with it as everyone explains the photos to each other-don't go around the room doing this, which would make it boring, but have everyone choose a few photos and show them to the person nearest them, then move to the next person. The most fun is when everyone is talking at the same time! This celebrates summer but also marks it as moving toward its finale. And a great icebreaker too, BTW.
What was your summer like?
Warmly,
Kristina
Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
www.fandango-catering.com
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