Hosting a Casual Summer Soirée

It’s summertime and the heat is on! While the thought of cooking indoors might be too hot to handle, a casual summer soiree can be easy and fun to host — no oven required! Sphinx Date Co. offers some suggestions for hosting a casual and simple summer soirée.

Simple is the key word! It’s summertime and there’s no need to add any unnecessary stress. A pool-time potluck is the perfect easy summertime party. This allows guests to bring their favorite dish and takes the pressure off the host to provide all the food. Loop everyone in on what others are bringing so dishes aren’t doubled up. The host can provide the main meal (grilled burgers, dogs and veggie skewers are easy and crowd-pleasing), while guests can bring appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Keeping the menu simple calls for cold salads, charcuterie boards and veggie platters — things that don’t require a ton of prep work. Encourage guests to keep it easy and have fun with it. A salsa bar with a variety of selections is always a fun idea. And for dessert, set up an ice cream bar with several choices, toppings, syrups and, of course, sprinkles, whip cream and cherries.

Create a fun theme and encourage guests to dress the part. This can be a tiki/Hawaiian theme, 50s beach party, glow-in-the-dark, adult “summer camp” — the list goes on. Get creative and challenge guests to put their own costumes together by thrifting! A costume contest complete with prizes can help entice the crowd.

Set up a “serve yourself” bar station and pack a cooler with canned beverages and waters so the host doesn’t have to spend the whole party serving as a bartender. Consider creating a signature cocktail for the event and pre-make batches of the beverage for guests to pour themselves. Sparkling spiked punch, “adult” lemonade and sangria in pretty glass containers with dispensers are perfect for this.

Summertime is all about keeping things simple and easy. Relaxing poolside with good company and good food is one of the best ways to enjoy the simplicity of the season. Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry is stocked with all sorts of local and artisan goodies to make up an easy appetizer platter — and don’t forget the wine and beer. Stop in anytime to stock up on great items for the perfect simple summertime soirée.