The Perfect Summer Party

IT is now summer 2014 and with it comes a dearth of summer parties.From showers to grad parties to barbecues? Hosts will be creating get togethers.Some parties will be successful while others will may miss the mark.Anyone can throw the perfect summer party.Just follow a few simple rules and you"ll have a memorable gathering. The first step in creating the perfect summer do is planning your menu.Many people want to have everything at a barbecue, from hot dogs to chicken to bruscheta.Whoa! whoa!Whoa! If you want a barbecue then stick with a barbecue centered course of action. Add some coleslaw or a macaroni salad as sides to offset the spiciness of the barbecue .As for bread think corn bread which is good mopping up extra sauce or good with butter.As for hot dogs and hamburgers, roasted plank fries and a corn onion salad would be great accompaniments.Have a table with add ons, such as lettuce ,tomatoes,onions and sliced pickles.For dessert, think mini sundaes with homemade ice cream and s ' mores for the kids while adults can enjoy a fresh made blueberry or strawberry crisp?Have chilled bottles of beer for the adults and chilled bottles of both root and birch beer for the little ones and non drinkers.End with iced coffees. Many hosts want to throw a party with exotic or sophisticated fare.Don't go all over the culinary map for your dishes.If you want to serve lamb kabobs and Harissa, don't have a side of potato salad followed by pad Thai.Stick with just one nationality.Finish off the kabobs with a rice pilaf or couscous.Finish with honeyed figs,or serve them with a fruity sorbet.If you want to have bruschetta, fine,but remember it goes best with a steak or chicken with an oregano rub.A perfect side is a tomato salad and a perfect dessert are strawberries soaked in either Asti Spumente or Marsala wine.If you're throwing a potluck party, make sure everyone is on the same page.If many people are involved have a meeting and discuss the menu and who should bring what.Also find out what their culinary strengths and weaknesses are a d assign dishes accordingly. Anyone can throw the perfect summer party.It starts with organization and ends up with happy guests.There's nothing complicated at all about it.