The Art of the Simple Summer Supper
Living in such a cold climate I relish my Chicago summers and love having friends and 
family over to celebrate our beautiful, albeit short, season.
I also love being a guest at my own party, so keeping the evening simple is a top priority. Slow Cooking is a perfect way to take some heat, and yourself, out of the kitchen during the party – either a slow cooked Chicken Marbella or spicy Salmon Taco are a perfect summer treat.
So I asked my friend and founder of The Creative Planners, Stephanie Cook, to give me a few tips on creating a stress free evening. I then added a few notes of my own.
Summer … conjures up images of the easy life …. living in flip flops, reading a good book in the hammock, life just feels so relaxed in the summer months. This time of year I just love being outside and spending time with family and friends. Entertaining in the summer should also be an easy and fun time even for the host! Whether you love to cook and put all the fun special details together or find the idea of this too stressful, enjoy these Easy Summer Entertaining Styles to make your gathering memorable!
- When I entertain in the summer I shop the Farmers markets first! There is one in
almost every town these days and with such a variety of vendors you can get most of your shopping there: Fresh flowers for your table, gourmet cheese and crusty bread with a fun spread for your appetizer, fresh veggies for a salad and add something homemade for dessert. Meg’s note: Lake Bluff’s Farmers Market has the “best” sunflower arrangement – a perfect centerpiece for a buffet table.
- Keep the cooking easy …consider doing an appetizer from the store but adding some homemade touches! Start with your favorite pre-made hummus flavor that you enjoy. Put the hummus on a serving plate – something colorful and fun – add chopped tomatoes around the hummus and sprinkle feta. Add some chips and veggies for an easy crowd please appetizer. Meg’s note: Check out Elawa Farm’s pea hummus!
- Specialty Drinks do not have to be just for special occasions …any gathering is a special time. Offer your guests something fun and different when they arrive to set the stage for a memorable night. My new favorite summer drink Cucumber Lemonade – so fresh tasting! For those wanting to spice it up a bit just add some vodka with a twist! Meg’s note: Use a martini class with sugar on the rim.
- My mother taught me to plan ahead so you are relaxed and enjoying your guests! Set your table or buffet the night before, pick your platters, serving pieces and tableware so it is all ready to go. I even set up the bar in advance. This way I can just be in the moments of the evening without stress. Meg’s note – I organize by putting post-it notes on each serving dish.
- I love dessert, but baking is stressful for me. If baking is not for you or you don’t have the time, think about creating a Smore’s Bar ! Start with the basics but make it creative with salted caramel bars, peppermint patties, fresh fruit and Reese’s peanut butter cups …let your guests imagination go wild with all sorts of creations and they will love being a kid all over again! Meg’s note. Check out Katherine Anne Confections for delicious caramel marshmallows.
We hope that with Stephanie’s tips, my notes and Jane’s slow cooking recipes you will inspire you to gather a group of friends and either dine in or plan a simple picnic at one of my favorite Chicago summer landmarks – Ravinia.
Cheers!
Zen Moment
“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him… the people who give you their food give you their heart.”
-Cesar Chavez
