Endless Summer Party
Hold on to summer as long as you can. Our eye-catching luau is easy, but it looks like a million bucks. Your guests will be so impressed! Hit the clearance aisles for bedsheets, beach towels, and tab-top curtains in your selected color scheme to get started. With the right elements, everyday grilled food, plates, glasses, and flatware transform into tiki-worthy wares. The menu is no-fuss, and most of it is make-ahead. You'll have time to relax and enjoy your guests - and not get stuck in the kitchen while everybody else has fun.
menu
- coconut mojito
- salmon rolls (recipe follows)
- grilled vegetables
- pork vegetable kabobs
- grilled french bread
- grilled peach ice cream parfait (recipe follows)
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Coconut Mojitos may be made a few hours ahead up to the point of adding sparkling water. Stir together the Mint Simple Syrup, lime juice, and rum. Store in refrigerator. Rim the glasses in coconut a few hours ahead. Let stand, covered loosely with parchment paper or a clean tea towel. Add sparkling water just before serving.
The coconut used to garnish the moijitos can be toasted several days in advance. Store in an airtight container.
Salmon Rolls can be made ahead up to the point of adding the avocado and rolling. Cut salmon and cucumber into strips, and store separately, covered, in refrigerator. Stir together cream cheese and capers; store in an airtight container in refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
The Grilled Peach Ice Cream Parfait can be assembled and frozen up to one day in advance. Let them stand at room temperature to soften before serving and topping with the granola and Mint Simple Syrup. You can take them out of the freezer, clear the table, and make coffee to serve after dinner.
The bamboo structure could be assembled the weekend before you entertain. Remember to water the plants. Just add the tab curtains the day of your party. A quick turn in the dryer and hanging immediately will help get rid of the wrinkles.
We purchased flat bedsheets in various sizes from the clearance table for our tablecloths. A quick run through the washer and dryer, and they are table-ready. A king-size sheet will usually reach the floor for a buffet table. Smaller twin and full sheets can be folded to fit your needs.
Beach towels work as cushions. Just fold to hide any undesired motifs or decorations.
Grass table skirts can be ordered from a number of online sources.
We ordered greenery from the florist, but banana leaves or palm fronds from your yard or home work just as well. Make sure the leaves are pesticide-free and clean. Dendrobium or Phalaenopsis orchids are available inexpensively at discount stores, warehouse clubs, and larger grocery fl oral departments.
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