Catering Ideas for an Unforgettable Summer Party

A pool party is a perfect way to enjoy the summer heat and spend time with friends and family before the busier school months are in full swing again. If it’s your turn to host, this blog post covers some excellent summer party catering ideas and menu-designing tips you can refer to while planning your next barbecue, picnic or summer pool session.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for an experienced, reliable catering company to craft a one-of-a-kind summer party catering menu, contact Catering by Design today. With over 20 years of catering experience, our talented crew knows what menu items will delight, refresh and satisfy partygoers with various taste palates and dietary needs.

1. Choose the Right Menu

Don’t let the summer heat deter you from serving a diverse range of fresh, seasonal dishes and hors d’oeuvres at your outdoor party. Choose a catering menu that’s light but delicious and satisfying to prevent your guests from feeling too full or uncomfortable.

Freshly grilled meats and vegetables, fruit and pasta salads, and light appetizers and snacks are all wonderful for summer cookouts and picnics. Some of our favorite summer party catering ideas include:

  • Watermelon bites or frozen pops
  • Mango salsa and guacamole dip
  • Antipasto plates
  • Caprese skewers
  • Greek pasta salad
  • Hamburgers and hot dogs
  • Vegetable trays with cucumber dip
  • Grilled corn on the cob
  • Chicken quesadillas
  • Hawaiian pineapple pizza
  • Cucumber and radish salad
  • Ocean-themed cake or cupcakes
  • Chicken, beef and veggie skewers

2. Offer Refreshing Beverages

No summer cookout, barbecue or summer pool party is complete without a refreshing drink menu. Lemonade and fruit juices make excellent summer refreshments that are perfect for all ages. You’ll also want to keep plenty of water on hand so your guests are well-hydrated. You can mix cucumbers, lemons, limes, strawberries or other berries into ice water for added flavor.

If your guests are of legal drinking age, you can include a selection of equally fruity, refreshing alcoholic beverages adorned with fresh garnishes. A few summer favorites include:

  • Wine spritzers
  • Piña coladas
  • Margaritas
  • Fruity cocktails
  • Mojitos

3. Keep Food Safety in Mind

Some foods will spoil quicker in the summer heat and are better suited to the fall and winter months, including dairy-based dishes like deviled eggs. Other foods might be too messy to eat around a pool and become soggy if handled with wet hands.

If possible, choose light, refreshing dishes and hors d’oeuvres that don’t contain raw seafood, mayonnaise, eggs or other dairy products for your next outdoor summer party. Some foods to avoid at your summer pool party include:

  • Caesar salad
  • Cereal with milk
  • Cheeses that tend to sweat
  • Chili, stews and hot soups
  • Spicy foods
  • Dairy-based foods
  • Soggy sandwiches, including grilled cheese sandwiches
  • Potato chips, cheese doodles and Doritos
  • Sloppy Joes and other messy hand-held foods

Schedule a Tasting With Catering by Design Today

If you need help crafting a tasty, satisfying summer party catering menu, call on Catering by Design. As a leading catering company in the Raleigh-Durham area, we have the equipment and experience necessary to keep your summer food items fresh, inviting and delicious.

Contact us online or call 919-481-2366 today to learn more about our social event catering or delivery services and schedule your free consultation.

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