Top Garden Party Food Ideas
The colder weather is on its way, meaning it’s your last chance to throw a garden party in the sun. When gathering your family, friends, and neighbors on the best artificial grass Watford has to offer or on your decking in Westchester, one important thing springs to mind, and that’s food! From casual get-togethers to formal affairs, food has the power to set the right tone for parties. So, when it comes to planning your menu, be sure to make the most of fresh and seasonal ingredients that are easy to prepare and enjoy al fresco. You can discover some of the most delicious and creative garden party food ideas that are sure to impress your guests and guarantee success.
Refreshing Beverages
First and foremost, you need a selection of refreshing beverages to keep your guests cool and hydrated. If you want to take the classic route, then you might go for some simple lemonade. You can mix things up, though, by offering a wide array of flavors like lavender, raspberry, and mint. Otherwise, you can take a more sophisticated route by serving iced tea with a hint of fruit like peach or mango. If you want to throw an alcoholic option into the mix, you might go for a pitcher of sangria made with fresh fruit and either red or white wine. To counter the sangria, you could offer a non-alcoholic option of a cucumber-mint spritzer or sparkling elderflower drink.
Elegant Appetizers
Appetizers need to be light, fresh, and easy to eat while mingling. So, you might consider serving a variety of crostini topped with seasonal ingredients. This might include Bruschetta with ripe tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella – a simple yet flavorful option. Another option is smoked salmon on rye with a dollop of cream cheese and dill, which is also rather elegant. That said, if you’re looking for something more exotic, you might serve avocado and crab salad in endive leaves. Not only are these appetizers sure to taste great, but they also provide the elegance you’re after.
Salads with a Twist
You can’t host a garden party without salad, and salads open up avenues for creativity. For instance, you can go for a classic caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you wanted to do something a little different, you could go for a watermelon and feta salad, as this combines sweet and salty flavors in a refreshing dish. Another option is a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and a lemon-tahini dressing. Not only are these salads healthy options, but they’re also great to look at, which is why they’re ideal for garden parties.
Grilled Delights
Naturally, you need to throw some grilled dishes into the mix for a garden party. This might include grilled zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and other vegetables. You might also bring in some grilled marinated chicken skewers or shrimp with a zesty citrus marinade. Vegetarians might like halloumi cheese with a squeeze of lemon; just make sure that it’s a halloumi that’s suitable for vegetarians, as this isn’t necessarily a given. With the smoky flavors from the grill, it’s easy to create dishes that complement the fresh outdoor atmosphere.
Savory Tarts and Quiches
Since tarts and quiches can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature, they’re a great option for garden parties. The classic quiche Lorraine has a rich filling of bacon, cheese, and eggs, meaning it’s almost always loved by guests. If you’re looking to serve something a little lighter, you might opt for a vegetable tart with a puff pastry base, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
