When I lived in an apartment (which had no air-conditioning or balcony), I usually avoided entertaining in the summer months. It was just too hot. But I would day dream of being able to have friends over to eat freshly baked pies that I’d have out to cool on the windowsill and I so badly wanted to be able sip lemonade on a breezy porch. I’m sure that kind of imagery only made it worse for myself because baking anything - actually no, hold on - turning ON the oven during those months, was not an option.
After realizing that I was growing to resent summer while being cooped up in a hot apartment, I decided to turn the lens on the great outdoors. I started to see the possibility of entertaining, sans-backyard option, in one of our gorgeous city parks.
I invited my best friend and her boyfriend over for cocktails and appetizers - outside. I packed up a cooler with spiked lemonade, shrimp cocktail, brie, grapes and crackers. I pulled out a soft blanket and some plastic tumblers and we were off. It was fantastic!
For those of you who are in a challenging indoor space this season, or for those who just want to shake it up a bit, don’t hesitate to think outside the box for entertaining options. People are so rarely invited to something like a picnic lunch. You can keep it old-fashioned and simple and focus on hearty sandwiches and potato salad, or go gourmet and opt for sliced tenderloin or smoked salmon on an open-faced baguette, or a zingy Asian noodle slaw. You just may pull off the best invite of the summer!
Pick up a copy of this pretty picnic resource, Eating Outdoors, by the editors of the beautiful Country Living Magazine. On sale now at Chapters Indigo.
