Six Summer Soiree Suggestions
To celebrate the season of sun, a true partyphile must throw
a summer party. There is something about summer parties that inspire the
party-lover in everyone. Perhaps, the casual and carefree vibe of the season
works well with the idea of partying and enjoying the company of family,
friends, and food.
To give you more summer inspiration, here are five summer
party tips that are easy to pull off, affordable, and add a festive flair to
your summer soiree.
1.) Pop
and Stir. Sparkling water is the perfect base for any summer drink. The fizz of
sparkling water refreshes the palette, while the absence of sugar that is
common in carbonated drinks keeps thirst away. To create the perfect summer
refresher, simply squeeze some fresh citrus juice (Lemon/Lime/Calamansi) into a
glass with ice then top it with some sparkling water. Add powdered sugar for
some sweetness. Here’s the cute summer suggestion: instead of sticking a
stirrer inside the glass, pop a citrus-flavored lollipop instead. This adds
color, some sweetness, and novelty to your drink.
2.) Sand
in Hand: Desserts make your summer spread even more special, especially if your
dessert-of-choice is kitschy and cute. To create cupcakes that are
attention-grabbing and oh-so-summery, all you need are some unfrosted,
store-bought cupcakes, store bought icing (or you can make some from scratch),
crushed grahams, and some cocktail umbrellas. Add some summer flair to these
dollops of cake by frosting them evenly with your frosting. Then, completely
cover the frosting with crushed grahams to resemble sand. Finally, top the
“sanded” cupcake with the cocktail umbrella, and your dessert is ready to be
served.
3.) Covered
Cup: Outdoor parties are perfect for summer. Unfortunately, celebrating in the
open also means that you have to come up with creative solutions to keep dirt,
bugs, and dust away from your spread. One simple way to add beauty to your
table while keeping your drinks bug-free is by using decorative muffin liners.
Simply fold your cupcake liners crosswise and cut a slit in the middle of the
liner. Then, run this through your straw with the bottom-side up. This could
fit most slim highball glasses. Also remember to choose cupcake liners that
come in colors to match the theme of your summer party.
4.) Bandana
Bonanza: Most people have a stock of safe and neutral table cloths that work
well as a blank canvas for any party theme. One way of adding a quirky pop of
color and instant attitude to your table during a summer party is by using
several bandanas in lieu of table runners or place mats. All you have to do is
arrange your bandanas over the neutral table cloth ad voila! Instant kitsch for
your party. You may also use your bandanas to hold some party favors like
pieces of candy or nuts by wrapping them up in a bun and securing it with a
ribbon. This unexpected touch definitely adds some zing to your summer soiree.
5.) Summer
Spring: One of the easiest ways to add some summer appeal to your table is by
creating flowers from cupcake liners and straws. All you have to do is choose
two shades/colors of cupcake liners and run them (right side up) through a
bendy straw by cutting a slit on the bottom. When done right, this will give
the effect of bloomed flowers.
6.) Gummy
Dummy: Summer is all about fun and festive flair. It is also about a carefree attitude
that brings us back to our childhood days when we were afforded the luxury of
not going to school and enjoying all the sweet treats we want. One way of bringing
back those times (while still staying interesting for your current age group)
is by adding some alcohol to your favorite childhood snack: gummy bears! All
you have to do is simply purchase a pack of gummy bears and pour some vodka
over it. Let it rest for at least twenty-four hours and serve them chilled
during your next summer party. What you get is pieces of reconstituted gummy
bears that have grown in size while acting like a sponge and sucking up all the
alcoholic goodness of vodka. This unique dessert/snack/cocktail is the perfect
treat for a hot summer day.
Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) on 105.9
Mix FM every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9. For comments, suggestions, and
more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph
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