Hosting summer parties is such a joy. When the weather is superb, and the food is fine and the company is divine, well then, it’s simply sublime.

Such was the case with this summertime cocktail party with neighbors. Now before you start wondering, this was not a recent event, on the contrary. Usually whenever we host events my intention always is to share the festivities, and of course, the food choices/combos in a prompt, timely manner. Sometimes good intentions aren’t enough, which is why I never had a chance to post this event that took place back in 2019. That’s right, way back 2 years ago. At first, I felt remise not meeting my own self imposed ‘timely reporting duties’. But after some consideration, I am glad now about the delay. I think this post might have gotten lost in the soup given that none of us were entertaining in 2020, and therefore, could have been forgotten or overlooked. As I’ve often said, things happen exactly when they should. And so I believe this post is more timely presented now as we ponder hosting more gatherings during the warmer weather and for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend.

Let me first start by setting the visuals for you. We live in the most charming little enclave of Hartsdale, NY known as Manor Woods. By its name you can imagine that we are nestled within decades old trees that tower above us 40-50 feet. Our ‘hood also sports 4 dead end courts which means no through traffic, and ultimately super quiet streets. (Minus all the dog barking.)

Our backyard tucked under towering trees.

Our front yard guarded by this majestic Oak Tree.

Looking down from our backyard, more trees.

No way out, but we don’t mind. We love it here.

And if those weren’t reasons enough to live here, the neighbors are something special. A diverse group of considerate, caring, joyous people that truly enjoy one another’s company and look out for each other. Which is why for the past several years we have been swapping hosting get togethers at one another’s homes. As I mentioned, the last one we hosted was during the summer of 2019, and the weather was simply flawless for a Friday night of food, drink, good conversation and laughter. There is something so special about just hanging and savoring the moment, as well as the food. Relaxed and easy going with no agenda but to chill.

We had a few more people than our original group which brought the headcount to 18. And it was great to see the camaraderie among all. For this type of event, buffet-cocktail style foods are ideal. Fill up a large table with a good variety of eats and let people pick and mingle as they may. I pulled from some of my favorites and had fun arranging the table from high to low, from hot to cold. For more tips on outdoor hosting, give a gander at 5 Key Steps to Hosting a Garden Party.

Florals don’t have to be fussy, just pretty.

Fill the table, and remember height adds dimension and interest.

Everyone finding their space and favorite drink so we can all catch up.

Back then dipping was encouraged. And no, there wasn’t a line for food.

I do like to ensure that there is variety. If your party is scheduled for 2 hours then it’s true you don’t need as many options. But if it’s going to be longer, having only a couple of offerings simply doesn’t cut it. After a while the palate gets bored, and so do your guests. Plus, with so many people you need to have items that everyone can enjoy. The below menu seemed to hit all the right notes.

Here’s the menu:

Various Cheese & Charcuterie Board with grapes, olives, cucumbers
Fennel with Olive Oil & Course Salt & Cracked Pepper
Baby bell peppers with Chick Pea Mash
Endive Spears with Chick Pea Mash
Endive Spears with Peaches, Goat Cheese & Basil
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on Cucumber Rounds
Spicy Chorizo Pigs in a Blanket
Grill Meats
Watercress, Cucumber & Herbed Butter Tea Sandwiches
3 Dips with Potatoes, Carrots & String Beans
Rice & Quinoa Crunch Salad in Individual Cups
Puff Pastry Tomato Tartlets
Dessert: Homemade Ice cream balls

*Note: Since some of the above items do not have recipe links, please do not hesitate to contact me for simple instructions on how to prepare them. dana@2fishinc.com

Nothing better than Cheese/Charcuterie platters. Always and forever a crowd pleaser.

The freshness and simplicity of fennel dressed with coarse salted, cracked pepper and olive oil. Refreshing and super easy.

Mini bell peppers stuffed with Chick Pea Mash, Smoked Salmon/Cream Cheese/Cucumber Rounds, Watercress/Cucumber Sandwiches.

3 Dips a Dipping. A hearty take on a crudité platter. String beans are blanched, potatoes boiled, carrots are raw all served with 3 different dips that perfectly complement those veggies.

Pretty in Pink. I love playing with color. Rosy Prosciutto, pink Mortadella, red globe grapes and endive spears. What’s not to love here?

Mini spicy chorizo wrapped in puff pastry served with a mix of grain mustard, Dijon and yellow mustard.

Easy to grab and eat Rice & Quinoa Crunch Salad.

Now, I realize that this may seem like a ton of different plates, but for this amount of people for the length of the party (5-11p), the variety and quantity were much needed. Our guests included meat eaters, as well as no pork eaters, plus those who are gluten free. So having options is key to ensure that everyone is satisfied and has enough from which to choose.

Scott & Harry. White wine chilling. (Notice the bug spray between them. Important to have some key essentials available for a backyard party.

All the dishes were well appreciated and loved, even by the kids, which is a great feat if I do say so myself. The best part about these food choices were that most did not require much attending. A couple of dishes were hot/warm but the majority were room temp. Place and walk away!

I can’t wait for our next get together. I’m really going to have to up my game and come up with a whole new offering. Or maybe since 2 years has passed they won’t mind having some repeat performances. I know I wouldn’t.

Hope you give some of these a try, even if on a smaller scale.