Summer is definitely here and it's only natural to take our partying out of doors.
Tired of the tried and true, but slightly worn out "All American" barbecue? The quickest way to put a little "pizzazz" in your summer entertaining is to create a theme party.
Warmer weather offers us the perfect occasion for frosty cocktails like Margaritas or Mojitos.
I personally am partial to a refreshing glass of Sangria, or rosé, the great warm weather wine.
Using one of these libations as a starting point, places you on the path to throwing a cool "theme" party.
Margaritas, of course, call for salsa, guacamole and chips.
For the main portion of the menu, I like to make my own chiles rellenos, a special occasion treat much anticipated by my family and friends.
Mojitos are great for accompanying a Cuban roast pig, with cristianos y moros (the classic black beans and rice), or a Jamaican "jerk" feast ( for this menu you still get to use your grill), complete with pigeon peas and curried rice.
Sangria demands a spread of tapas with paella for the "main event".
My personal favorite theme celebration is the Rosé and aioli party.
For the past several years I have hosted a Rosé tasting party at my home.
I adapt the southern French tradition of the "grand aioli"- platters of fish, meats and vegetables served up with plenty of that great hand made garlic mayonnaise (the California adaptation being that my meats and veggies come from, you guessed it, the grill).
Use rosy and salmony pink fabrics to dress your buffet table for the Rosé party, and decorate your tables with big, open roses from your garden.
The black, red and green colors of the Jamaican flag are a dramatic look for the "jerk" party, and brightly colored serapes with the big paper flowers found in Mexican markets are great for the South of the Border fiesta.
To round out the theme, supply a sound track with the appropriate mariachi, mambo, reggae, or French cabaret music (I've used Edith Piaf for the aioli party), for your guests to dance the night away.
You'll create a sizzling and memorable party.
Tired of the tried and true, but slightly worn out "All American" barbecue? The quickest way to put a little "pizzazz" in your summer entertaining is to create a theme party.
Warmer weather offers us the perfect occasion for frosty cocktails like Margaritas or Mojitos.
I personally am partial to a refreshing glass of Sangria, or rosé, the great warm weather wine.
Using one of these libations as a starting point, places you on the path to throwing a cool "theme" party.
Margaritas, of course, call for salsa, guacamole and chips.
For the main portion of the menu, I like to make my own chiles rellenos, a special occasion treat much anticipated by my family and friends.
Mojitos are great for accompanying a Cuban roast pig, with cristianos y moros (the classic black beans and rice), or a Jamaican "jerk" feast ( for this menu you still get to use your grill), complete with pigeon peas and curried rice.
Sangria demands a spread of tapas with paella for the "main event".
My personal favorite theme celebration is the Rosé and aioli party.
For the past several years I have hosted a Rosé tasting party at my home.
I adapt the southern French tradition of the "grand aioli"- platters of fish, meats and vegetables served up with plenty of that great hand made garlic mayonnaise (the California adaptation being that my meats and veggies come from, you guessed it, the grill).
Use rosy and salmony pink fabrics to dress your buffet table for the Rosé party, and decorate your tables with big, open roses from your garden.
The black, red and green colors of the Jamaican flag are a dramatic look for the "jerk" party, and brightly colored serapes with the big paper flowers found in Mexican markets are great for the South of the Border fiesta.
To round out the theme, supply a sound track with the appropriate mariachi, mambo, reggae, or French cabaret music (I've used Edith Piaf for the aioli party), for your guests to dance the night away.
You'll create a sizzling and memorable party.
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