The Start of The Summer Party Season

Now that May is here, it's the start of the official summer party season. There are showers and weddings to plan for . Not to be left out are barbecues and graduation blow outs. What to serve? There's he question.

Small weddings and showers call for easy elegance. You may want to try the finger sandwich route . Here you can get creative with all sorts of yummy fillings such as deviled ham and chicken as well as with egg salad and cucumber. Add some watercress and cream cheese to bring an English tea vibe to it. To accompany these think small. Small dishes of pitted black and green olives or plates of grape tomatoes mingled with baby gherkins. To end it , think small again. Cupcake trees are better than an entire cake and then have plates of petit fours and butter cookies put on individual tables. Serve a champagne fruit punch foist followed by coffee and tea. This fare is light but still filling and perfect for a warm day.

For graduations and barbecues, think grilling. Nothing feeds a crowd like kabobs. They're simple to make, simple to cook and simple to eat. You can have steak chicken,veggie or shrimp ones to satisfy everyones' tastes. For sides think huge bowls of homemade potato, macaroni and pasta salads. These can be made the night before and easily chilled in the fridge. End with a store bought ice cream cake or easy to make pudding cream pies.


Get ready for the season ahead. May not only brings flowers but also promises of big get togethers that require a lot of planning and prepping. Be ready for these with easy dishes and desserts.