4 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR SUMMER PARTY FRESH AF

Summer is in full swing!  The temperatures are high, the fresh produce is abundant, and there is less traffic to fight due to schools being out. *sigh* 😍  All indicators it is summertime in Tennessee!  With the summer season typically comes pool parties, holiday barbecues, and Saturday get-togethers just because.  And have you ever noticed a common thread throughout these events... 

...they always involve food!  Hosting get togethers can be stressful enough, especially when they're a spontaneous summer soiree.  What's they key to keeping your cool?  VARIETY!  Today, I am sharing 4 ways to add variety to your next party to make all your guests happy and healthy.  

​1) Vary the options.  It's important to have different options on the food table - hot, cold, meat, seafood, vegetarian.  At parties, we are trying to please multiple palates so offer up different types of foods to accomplish just that. No need to go overboard. It's easy to make a variety of options.  A good rule of thumb is to offer 1-2 items in each category you choose. 

2) Vary the flavors and textures.  Flavor is where the creativity in the kitchen is.  You can easily change up the flavors by adding in different spices and herbs to most anything - burgers, salads, even cocktails.  And a variety of textures is another way to add excitement to the plate.  Try foods that are soft, creamy, crunchy, etc.
 
3) Vary the beverages.  You will likely have a mixture of people who will have different drink preferences.  Offer a variety, but keep it simple.  Make sure to always have water on hand to keep your guests hydrated. But you can mix it up by making a fruit-infused water or offering a flavored sparkling water to add flavor and variety. Flavors we love in the summer are: cucumber, rosemary and lemon. 

4) Vary the colors.  We eat with our eyes first.  So we want our food to be visually appetizing. A variety of colors on the buffet table will help guarantee your tastebuds and tummy are in-sync.  After all, no on wants to eat just beige colored foods.  Plus, by upping the variety in color, you will automatically up the variety of fruits and vegetables being offered. Think blueberries, strawberries, orange bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach to incorporate into dishes. 

What's your favorite way to keep summer parties fresh?  Tell us in the comments below! 

christy