A summer party should be easy, stress-free and permit ample time to spend with your guests. Enjoying the weather outside with friends and homemade food is what I think makes summer memorable.
Recently I attended a garden party with some of my fellow blogger friends and it was so much fun that we decided to share our day and menu with you.
Meet the Girls:
Christina – Christina’s Cucina, Valentina – Cooking on the Weekends, Kelly – Tasting Page, me, Judy – My Well Seasoned Life.
There is always something new to learn from your friends when it comes to entertaining. Watching someone prepare a dish is a great way to acquire new tips and tricks in the kitchen.
We laughed, cooked, and in classic blogger style, photographed our way through a delicious meal. Our easy recipes below are perfect for summer fun. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Garden Party Recipes:
Hi! I’m Valentina from Cooking On The Weekends. Working with whole foods and seasonal ingredients, my focus is creating unique and comforting food for casual entertaining.
I love rich and intense flavors, and serving them in ways my guests will never forget. This scrumptious summer appetizer is no exception — creamy goat cheese, sweet and spicy heirloom tomato preserves, and fresh mango make it a bite to remember!
Sweet and Spicy Tomato-Mango, Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe
I made a summertime Fresh Tomato & Strawberry Gazpacho because of its simplicity and refreshing flavor. It only takes three basic ingredients whirled in a blender to create an appetizer bursting with lip-smacking goodness. Make this ahead of time and simply serve it straight from the refrigerator when your guests arrive. A French recipe inspired me to think outside the box from a traditional Spanish gazpacho.
Fresh Tomato & Strawberry Gazpacho Recipe
I’m Judy from A Well Seasoned Life, where I write thoughts and stories on food, travel and many points in between.
I made Lamb Skewers with Mint and Feta Salsa for our party. I love to make this dish for the lamb haters out there. After one bite, I’ve heard my guests proclaim, “this is the best beef I’ve ever tasted!” It can be served as a starter or main course, depending on how large you want to make your skewers. Serve it at your next party for beef and lamb lovers alike.
Lamb Skewers with Mint & Feta Salsa Recipe
Hi I’m Christina from Christina’s Cucina, a Scots-Italian who has been baking since I was 7 years old.
Today, I’m sharing a fresh fruit and meringue dessert to end your meal. I was inspired to create this dessert based on a recipe card I saw while in the UK at a Mark’s and Spencers grocery store. It’s fresh, light and balanced, and should be a perfect way to end your Summertime Garden Party! Enjoy!
Summer Berry Meringue Roulade Recipe
No matter what you decide to serve at your soriee, remember,
“Friends are the best ingredient in the recipe of a party”.
…and then, she paused for thought.
This was too much fun! Love your photos, Cathy! Let’s do this again very soon!
Thanks Christina, I am looking forward to our next soirée.
So true – friends indeed are the best ingredient in the recipe for a party. Such a good time. I’m already dreaming of the next event together!
Always fun hanging out with you. Can’t wait for our next party.
Cathy, this looks excellent. What a fun time we had! LOVED your gazpacho with those ever-so-perfect little strawberries. Can’t wait till the next gathering. XO
Thanks Valentina, everybody’s dish was delicious. We need more parties.
Nice job everyone, great seeing how it ll came together.
Thanks Nan, there will be videos coming as well to show how we made each recipe. Stay tuned.
Wow, I’ll bet there was some serious food energy with this group!
Yes, Maggie we had some serious food mojo going on.
Mouth watering recipes and pics…love it
Thanks Sophia its not too late to have your own garden party! (hint, hint 🙂
Beautiful ladies making beautiful food together – thank you for sharing your hearts with us, enjoyed seeing every photo and every recipe! Quick question to Christina on the Summer Berry Meringue Roulade……. must the meringue be baked and served the same day? Sincerely, Julie
Julie, here is Christina’s reply; Tell Julie it’s best the same day; as long as it’s refrigerated, it should still be fine the next day, but I’m not sure because I honestly have never had any leftover! 🙂
Looks beautiful! Super yummy!
Thanks Christina we were having a blast. Glad it turned out beautiful.
Wow! What a beautiful spread! Well done ladies!
Thank you, we had a blast creating it.
What a beautiful spread. I can tell you had a blast from the smiles on your faces. GREG
Thanks Greg, we sure did. 🙂
Great photos. What a wonderful day filled with friends, food and fun.
I couldn’t agree more Judy!
Oh my gosh, what a beautiful group – and the food looks amazing too! 🙂 Seriously, several recipes here I’m going to have to try…the Lamb Skewers and your Gazpacho…perfect summer entertaining dishes!
Thanks Sue! I think you will love all of the recipes!
Wonderful, the whole thing!
The whole thing was wonderful, I have to say. Food bloggers make some of the best friends. 🙂