We’re emerging from under piles of comforters and blankets. Winter weather is officially behind us. Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to plan warm weather festivities.
Throw a vintage-chic party
We’ve all had to read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel The Great Gatsby at some point or another. The timeless look into the way the other half lives is enduring, observational and sometimes depressing. One thing the author did seem to extract so elegantly was the party and leisure life of our fateful hero Gatsby. Hollywood is giving the book another go as stylistic director Baz Lurhmann (Moulin Rouge) brings the story to the screen this December with Leonardo DiCaprio donning the pink suits along with Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan.
Read more about Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in The Great Gatsby >>
The movie will be sure to dazzle our eyes and deliver a bevy of party ideas, but you don’t have to order crates of flowers, call in every butcher or deli within 50 square miles or even make additional stops at the market. Simple ideas and tasteful ambience will only make mealtime even better.
Decor
No need to get party-store tacky and rent vintage cars or wear a plastic flask on your thigh. Treat this as an inspired party and play with the color white as much as you can. Gatsby is all about looking clean-cut and crisp. Dress up your tables, chairs and dishware in white and cream. Add a gentle, sweet tone to your party with tiny white candles in Mason jars and string some twinkle lights from your trees. Add a touch of uniqueness with name cards at each spot at the table. Your guests will appreciate the personal touch and the light, snappy atmosphere.
Music
You don’t have to go overboard with a discography of jingly 1920s tunes. Your staples are “The Charleston” and anything Louis Armstrong. Definitely stick with slow Parisian accordions swooning in the background, some finger-dancing gypsy jazz from Django Reinhardt, and fancy-free compositions by Cole Porter. If you have a record player, even better!
Appetizers
Stuffed mushrooms
This light, chewy appetizer goes swimmingly with your outdoor party, prepping the guests for their main course.
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Stuffed cherry tomatoes
Time seems to slip away when preparing for any party. You can make these in advance and still have time to break out the tablecloths.
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Main course
Brie and smoked turkey panini
Sandwiches can be a staple for any get-together. They can be overly simple and overrated at a get-together, but this easy-to-do recipe gives your guests the opportunity to enjoy the creamy brie and the hot turkey, both filling them up and giving them the opportunity to mingle.
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Dessert
Every party needs something sweet to top off the day’s festivities.
Fruit and yogurt almond tart
Cookies are boring. Anyone can go pick up a roll of cookie dough and toss it in the oven. Get creative with this colorful, creamy dessert.
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English trifle
This tower of tasty goodness gives you the option to create your own dessert. Set out a small table with all the ingredients and choices your guests can use to get imaginative.
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The drink
Mint julep
Just like in the book, the mint julep is the quintessential thirst quencher for any warm weather party. The breezy fresh drink will add a sugary zing to your already sweet day.
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More entertaining ideas
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Top 10 Summer entertaining necessities
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