Warm days and lazy weekends call for hosting outdoor parties! Today’s post gives an outline and menu for an outdoor seafood party….complete with dessert! Drawing inspiration from a 1956 New England Cookbook (see source at end of post) this party will sure to be a hit whether you live on the east coast or the midwest!
Lets start with the menu – all recipes/ideas follow menu outline:
Seafood bake or Boil
Parker House Rolls Mustard Pickles
Marble Cake
Watermelon Refresher
Interested in creating a real New England Clambake? Read the excerpt below for tips and tricks ( and a little 1950’s view of history):
For a simpler take on this classic dish, I love Farmhouse Rules Nancy Fuller’s Summer Shrimp Boil. Includes both your main dish and sides!
Farmhouse Rules Summer Shrimp Boil
Parker House Rolls
Mustard Pickles
Marble Cake
Watermelon Refresher – From Better Homes and Garden
Prep time: 5 minutes. In a blender, combine 6 cups peeled seedless watermelon (about 4½ lb, or 1 small melon), 1/2 cup lime juice, ¼ cup mint leaves, and 1 Tbsp sugar; puree until mixture is smooth and only flecks of mint remain. Add 1 cup white rum, stir to combine, and cover and refrigerate until cold. Serve with ice. (The watermelon mixture — before you add the rum — can be made up to 6 hours ahead. Refrigerate until serving.) Makes 6 cocktails.
Now that we have the menu, lets looks at some decorating ideas to help set the mood!
Images from Better Homes and Garden.
Whether its a celebration for two or twenty-two, this party would the be highlight of anyone’s summer!
Happy Planning!
Source:
The New England Cookbook, 1956, Book Production Industries, Inc.