Summer is the garden party season and so this second article in a three part series suggests menu tips, recipes and how-to's for that fabulous and well-provisioned garden party -- all the absolute must-have's for the serious (or not so serious) home garden party caterer. (That would probably be you if your garden party is at home and you are the head gardener, top chef and chief bottle washer in charge at your place.)
Food, glorious food! Isn't that what parties are for?! Most definitely, unless, of course, you have an upcoming eclipse to watch and are using that as an excuse to throw a party... but in any case, food is so important to the success of your party. This is especially true for garden parties. Well fed guests are happy guests, and don't you forget it!
Your guests will probably show up ravenously hungry after working hard in their own gardens all day. They do so invariably like to know right away that they will be well fed, so set out some reassuring snacks for them to nibble on as soon as they arrive. Place the snack stations strategically throughout the garden so your invited guests may stroll and munch just as happy as bunnies in the pea patch, raccoons in the corn or deer in the rose garden. You, too, may find those thoughtfully provided snacks a welcome treat while you're doing that last frantic burst of garden tidying! (Do you need to review the all important planning ahead part of garden partydom?)
While Wine and Cheese may be just the right main fare for your crowd, others might prefer more variety or at least something with a bit of meat to it.
In either case, since this is a garden party after all, be sure to include exquisite little home-made specialties garnished with edible flowers. Do try to make something a bit beyond the day to day humdrum! Perhaps a little something quick and easy such as Goat Cheese and Herb Dip with Edible Flowers or the ever popular and simply divine Carrot Cupcakes With Ginger Cream Cheese Icing and Candied Violet Garnish.
To accompany those simple, quick and easy little dishes, whip up a few salads and main dishes artistically concocted with fresh garden produce (For a wonderfully stylish presentation, how about luscious Melon and Prosciutto With Balsamic Vinegar and Fresh Mint!) and of course, don't forget the crocks of refreshing cool drinks chilled with home-grown viola-filled ice cubes and fresh applemint sprigs.
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