Comfortable, fun, simple, tasty, and stylish as chic- this is my summer simple formula for a July festive summer gathering.
Endless harmonies and celebrated lyrics frame the definitive summer soundtrack we know as the music of the Beach Boys.
Styles and times may change, but the legions of fans of the sun and sand season echo the joy discovered in the good vibrations we’ve been having fun all summer long.
Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Kritsada Panichgul
Last week I saw an image similar to the one below, and since I’m on a matching paint color kick lately, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and summer is peak hydrangea season, here’s a discovered paint color and article on the subject.
How to Grow Hydrangeas in Containers for Beautiful Blooms on Porch or Patio
Flower Magazine – Photo by Sarah Bell of Sélavie Photography
Matters not if your celebration is held indoors or outdoors, point is it’s summer, it’s a party, and options are always good.
Traditional red, white, and blue shines through in plates and accents in patterns that don’t lock you down to a strict 4th of July theme.
The Pioneer Woman 12-Piece Daisy Bamboo Melamine Dinnerware Set, Blue
Blue & White Chinoiserie Paper Plates
The Pioneer Woman Classic Charm Ceramic 18-inch Oval Platter
Celebrate Together™ Americana Gingham Tablecloth
Gingham Check Plaid Cotton Table Cloth Dinner Napkins Set of 4 – Blue
Grilling on a charcoal grill ups the flavor quotient and gives great grilled flavor.
Photo by Santa Pile
Brushing the grate with oil helps to prevent food from sticking.
Take three or four paper towels and wad them up in a bunch.
Pick up the paper towels with tongs and dip into a bowl of peanut, Canola or vegetable oil.
Lightly coat the grate and proceed to grill.
Using a charcoal chimney starter is both easy and a safe way to get things cooking.
For those of us who do not care for the taste of lighter fluid this is a great option. When you use a charcoal chimney starter there is no need for lighter fluid.
Simply fill the chimney starter about ¾ full with charcoal and light it over several sheets of scrunched up newspaper over the bottom grill grate.
Allow the fire to catch and then burn for about 10-20 minutes or until the fire comes out of the top and the coals are glowing orange.
Carefully spread out the charcoal in a single layer across the bottom cooking grate, place the oiled grate on top, and you’re ready to grill.
Culinary experiments put the taste and c’est si bon in the summer entertaining mix.
Favorite menu items found on a summer menu more often than not include traditional classics, chilled salads, savory BBQ bits and bites, cool and tasty sweet treats, and serving pieces big with summer style for a presentation to beat the band.
Fried chicken is a mainstay of the summer dining and picnic table.
Since discovering just how good the fried chicken is from the deli at our local grocery store, frying chicken at home has become a thing of the past.
Let’s visit my tip for simply summer impressive- it’s all in the presentation.
Folks, this isn’t rocket science.
Reimagined mini terra-cotta clay pots from the dollar store become individual s’mores supply pots.
Chippy, rusty, and charming- this vintage Hershey’s Milk Chocolate metal tray would make a great serving tray or decorative accent for the s’mores table.
Keep it summer simple is the mantra of this season of entertaining.
Invariably, when sharing the restaurants and cafes part of our vacation trip reports someone weighs in with the comment, “Named restaurant is a chain.”
Must be mighty good eating if there is several hundred locations within said chain.
Same school of thought applies to the goodness of two store-bought favorites, Oreo cookies paired with a scoop or two of Blue Bell ice cream.
Blue 12 Ounce Glass Ice Cream Bowls – Set of 4
Summer is sweet, but summer is hot.
Strawberry Banana Popsicles Recipe
Delicious and easy frozen treats of the leaded and unleaded type make a big splash with guests.
Plum Smoothie Pops
Ingredients
¼ cup sugar
1 Tablespoon corn syrup
1 lb. assorted plums
8 tsp. fresh lime juice
6 oz. plain yogurt
Directions
Bring the sugar, corn syrup, and ¼ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and cool.
Puree the plums, cooled syrup, and lime juice in two batches, using a blender, until smooth. Stir the plum puree and yogurt together in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about ½ inch at the top, as the mixture will expand when it freezes. Follow popsicle mold manufacturer’s instructions and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
Trips to antique shops, garage sales, Goodwill stores, and vintage online sites can result in an ironstone serving piece find or two.
Homer Laughlin Ironstone Mixing Bowl
Antique Ironstone Covered Serving Dish
Antique French Ironstone Soup Tureen
Nautical Collection Mixing Bowl
Strawberry-Lemonade Punch Recipe
An easy July festive summer gathering objective works in concert with summer fun, delicious dishes, and stylish accessories that won’t break the bank.
I’ll drink to that!
