Here's a great article on summer entertaining ideas using your 5 senses:
Jenna Lowe, Lifestyle Expert for the Karen Neuburger brand has great tips for pulling off a beautiful party in your backyard or home with friends. Jenna explains, “As a lifestyle designer, I’m always thinking entertaining in a way that will engage the five senses – sights, sounds, taste, touch, and smell. It’s important to keep all of these in mind, especially when throwing a party during the summertime.”
TOUCH: Invitations
“Picking the right invitation and themes for the party is very important as it sets a tone and keeps party guests on the same page of what to expect,” Jenna explains. “One of my favorite summer themes is High Tea at High Noon. It’s a great chance to bring girlfriends together to sample light hors d’oeuvres enjoy one another’s company.
A great resource for invitations is
BeforeYourParty.com, a design-your-own invitation website. Hosts and hostesses can personalize everything on the invite from the color scheme to the font, artwork, and layout ($100-$300 for 50 invitations). Or, to save on cost, try sending invitations from a free online, invitation website like
Evite”
Invitation available at
BeforeYourParty.com
SIGHT: Setting the Table
“The table setting should be the main focal point to any party and take center stage. Create something whimsical and fun, and don’t make anything too formal. One way to do this is to mix and match tabletop pieces to create different looks. I’m obsessed with KN Luxury Home’s Willow tabletop line ($8-$32,
www.bonton.com). The ruffled design is feminine and whimsical and all pieces in the collection are microwave and dishwasher safe. I also love KN’s Rattan Charger ($12) new Thicket 20-Piece Flatware Set ($86), which is adorned with a nature-like design, perfect for summer.”
SMELL: Fresh and Clean
“Scent is an essential element to parties – more than people think. Instead of opting for traditional flowers that don’t last very long., why not set up beautiful diffusers? They add color and great scents to the party. Try KN Karen Neuburger® 6-Pack Trial Reed Diffuser Gift Set ($20,
www.bonton.com). The set features 18 reeds with 18 decorative and various scents including Pink Cashmere, Asian Pear, Warm Sugared Vanilla, Tranquil Oasis, Fresh Linen and Lavender Vanilla.”
SOUND:
“Before the party, create a fun mix of songs to keep the energy up at the party. Pick songs that really center around your party’s theme and don’t be afraid to mix genres or eras of music,” Jenna explains. Here are some of Jenna’s favorite picks for the perfect summer playlist:
The Beach Boys ''California Girls''
Red Hot Chili Peppers' “Dani California”
Lynyrd Skynyrd “Sweet Home Alabama”
Yellowcard “Ocean Avenue”
Sheryl Crow “Soak Up the Sun”
Violent Femmes “Blister in the Sun”
The Beatles ''A Hard Day's Night''
Sublime “Summertime”
The Wallflowers “One Headlight”
The Monkees “Daydream Believer”
TASTE: Flavorful Food
“Finger sandwiches are an easy, affordable, and adorable solution for food at parties. Simple recipes include cucumber and ham and cheese sandwiches. Pair them with fruit and veggies platters and my favorite Shrimp Dip (find the recipe below).
Jenna’s Shrimp Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese (full strength, not light!)
¼ cup of milk (1% is fine)
2 tbs Miracle Whip salad dressing (not mayo!)
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
2 tps of crushed garlic
2 4 oz. cans deveined shrimp
¼ tsp of paprika
Sprig of parsley
Directions:
Put cream cheese, milk and Miracle Whip in a mixing bowl
Mix with electric beater on medium until soft, creamy and totally blended.
Add the Parmesan cheese and crushed garlic, blend
Drain shrimp keeping a little juice for flavor
Fold shrimp and juice into mixture
Taste again and then garnish with paprika and parsley
Chill for 1 hour
Serve with your favorite dipping crackers
TASTE: Delightful Drinks
“What better way to enjoy a warm summer day than with lemonade? Serve it in a beautiful glass lemonade stand and jar (
www.surlatable.com) and slice lemons to give extra color. Refreshing and totally chic – your guests will certainly go back for more!”
www.surlatable.com and KN Luxury Home Mocha Glassware Coolers, $26
www.bonton.com
TASTE: Delicious Dessert
“I love serving macaroons for dessert. Try Paulette’s Macaroons (
www.paulettemacarons.com). They ship all over the United States and come in a variety of flavors and colors ($36 for 24 macaroons).”
A Sip and See with a Tropical Twist. A Sip and See is a great option to a baby shower to introduce your newborn to friends and family. As you can probably tell I love brights, especially this time of year when the Northwest Gray skies start getting to me. Traditionally you serve tea or coffee but why don't you turn it up a notch and serve tropical cocktails with and without alcohol. Don't forget some nibbles, all that baby holding works up an appetite. Try a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait served in martini glasses and coconut cupcakes. 
