Simplify: Summer Party Trends

Summer is a terrific time to shun the rigors of the workweek and invite friends and family for a casual evening together. The dress is laid back, the effort is minimal and the result is relaxing. Here are a few summer party tips and trends that you will want to fit into your summer entertaining.

An Easy Menu
Minimize the effort that you put into your party by incorporating some of the numerous previously prepared foods that are easily purchased from your neighborhood specialty food shop. Cookbook author, Ina Garten, has recently published the popular book, Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun. She freely incorporates those dishes that are readily available at her widely known store with her home-cook's favorite meals. Her secret to terrific entertaining is to compliment the menu with food that is easily assembled in advance by you or by your guests. Her dishes use the freshest ingredients and are simply prepared. Her style of entertaining is perfect for relaxed summer parties and takes less thought to plan than you spend on your weekly calendar!

A Fun Cocktail
On a hot summer afternoon, there is something totally satisfying about the first icy sip of a chilly frozen cocktail. The frosty glass slips between your fingers and the garish fruit garnish juts over the rim. Your body heat immediately reduces as you take a smiling gulp of a drink named "Beach Bum Cooler" or "Choco-Banana Splash."

Oh sure, I know that your outward sophistication exudes a composed self. But, secretly, you see yourself tossing aside that little paper umbrella with an air of abandon, and then sipping a frozen concoction directly from a straw. Well, so do your pals! A specialty cocktail or two is the perfect way to break the ice at a summer party and turn down the heat at the same time. Likewise, a cocktail with a name like "Strawberry Shortcake" or "Peach Melba Freeze" aptly takes the place of any dessert after a leisurely meal.

Blender cocktails have come a long way in terms of high-tech complexity. The ingredients include obscure liqueurs and all sorts of seasonal fruits. The perfect gadget to use is the Waring Commercial Bar Blender, which is available at Williams Sonoma. It comes in ice-crushing, ultra-trendy chrome. This is the perfect tool for mixing together a "Cool Operator." In a blender, half filled with ice, combine 1 ounce Melon Liqueur, ½ ounce Lime Juice, ½ ounce Vodka, ½ ounce Light Rum, 4 ounces Grapefruit Juice and 2 ounces Orange Juice. Blend until thick. Pour the drink into parfait glasses and garnish with a slim melon wedge. Blender beverages like this one are just the inspiration you need to create your own favorite frosty concoction to serve at your summertime party.

Home-Based Parties
New for 2001 is the trend for parties to be held at home including events like a backyard wedding. Resist the urge to meet co-workers at the corner restaurant and instead ask them back to your home or apartment - even if you stop on the way to gather a few fun ingredients.

Great home party celebrations are all about - nothing. Use ANY reason for toasting friends with cocktail parties. You don't have to wait for a birthday or engagement to throw a FUN bash. Use everyday occasions like Howie is departing on a summer vacation, or Sophie's last kid is off to college, or Sam and Rita are back visiting from out of town, or let's tell Shirley "thank you" for being our friend, or - how about throwing a party to celebrate the good news that "my bathing suit actually fits this year!"

Helping Hands
Hiring helpers for your party is no longer a luxury. They are a must for a successful event. Your guests do not want to see you bustling around, while they sit by the pool twiddling their thumbs and asking if you need help in the kitchen. Professional bartenders and servers are easy to find - and although expensive, add just the right touch of pampering to your casual summer party. If you're watching your budget, try hiring students or teenage neighbors to help you with the drudge work of clearing plates and washing dishes.

Summertime parties are relaxed, casually planned and should be a frequent occurrence in your busy schedule. Take the initiative and invite a few pals over for an impromptu get together. You may be surprised when you receive a couple of invitations in return!

For more great party ideas and some super summer menus, check out Jorj's new cookbook At Home In The Kitchen or visit her website at www.Jorj.com. Share your favorite summer party ideas with other BlueSuitMoms by sending an email to Jorj at jorj@jorj.com.

Also see:
• An intimate summer dinner party
• More dinner party suggestions

Jorj Morgan is the Lifestyle Director of BlueSuitMom.com and the author of At Home In The Kitchen.