Article archived: August 2010
Celebrate a summertime birthday while enjoying glorious weather with our easy entertainment guide. Seasonal motifs like long, sunny days and glorious floral blooms, new outdoor adventures — and of course, the pleasures of sweets and treats — provide the perfect backdrop for a summer birthday party that's sure to be the talk of the town.
Celebrate with seasonal flair
Summer presents an abundance of themed celebration opportunities. Whether your summer birthday party is for a child or an adult, you're sure to find the perfect ideas to put guests in the mood for the season.
Summer party decorations
Lovely themed cakes
Fun food for summer
More summertime fun
Summer party decorations
To get guests in the spirit of summer, decorate your home or party room with themed items. When selecting decorations, streamers and balloons, think bright — primary colors, neon shades, fresh flowers and outdoor themes. Stop by the Giant Eagle® Florist — and surprise your guests with some fresh-cut bouquets.
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Lovely themed cakes
The motifs of summer, such as beaches, gardening and days of abundant sunshine, translate beautifully to festive, decorated birthday cakes. Make the Giant Eagle® Bakery your first stop. There, you'll find an array of themed birthday cake options. Here are just a few ideas for your summer birthday party:
- Angel food cake: Giant Eagle® Strawberry and Lemon Satin Iced Angel Food, a light, moist cake that melts in your mouth.
- Baseball cake: Delicious chocolate or marble layer cake filled with icing or fruit filling, topped with vanilla buttercream frosting and garnished with baseball-themed decorations.
- Cassata cake: Rich yellow cake drenched in Bavarian crème, then topped with luxurious whipped satin icing and crowned with fresh strawberries.
- Cheese cake: Fresh Market District® New York Cheese Cake topped with harvest-fresh strawberries in a light glaze.
If you prefer to make your own birthday cake, pick up everything you need — from cake mix to frosting kits to decorating supplies — at Giant Eagle®. Here are several summer-themed cake recipes to get you started:
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Fun food for summer
At a summer-themed birthday party, you'll want to treat guests to light and delightful snacks and nostalgic favorites. Here are a few ideas:
- Snack trays — Celebrate the growing season with cold, fresh fruit and vegetable trays. Just stop by the Giant Eagle® Deli, and pick up a Farmers Market® fruit or vegetable tray so your guests can help themselves to crisp, seasonal produce. Want to make your own fruit or vegetable tray? We carry everything you need in the Giant Eagle® Produce Department.
- Cold side salads — Take a trip to the Giant Eagle® Deli, and stock up on several delicious cold salads. Egg salad, potato salad, vermicelli salad and California pasta salad are all savory party treats. If you prefer to make your own salads, take some tips from the Giant Eagle® kitchen. Recipes like Tuscan Summer Salad and Layered Summer Salad require little prep time — and taste great, too.
- Festive juice and punch — Summertime is the season to enjoy long days of outdoor fun, so celebrate with sunny drinks. Pick up hot-weather favorites like lemonade, orange drink and fruit punch at Giant Eagle® — or combine fruit juice favorites to create a new crowd-pleaser. Recipes like Tropical Summer Punch and Sangria Punch taste delicious at a summer birthday party.
- Deli favorites — Classic deli sandwiches make perfect snacks for your party. Order a party platter from the Giant Eagle® Deli, and serve up slices of the freshest cold cuts with plenty of condiments and savory baked bread. Complement your sandwich selections with a nostalgic treat. Try perennial favorites like Coney Island Hot Dogs — they remind guests of beloved summertime activities like baseball games and amusement parks.
- Desserts — Pair your birthday cake with a fun, summer-themed dessert. Intriguing recipes — like Neopolitan Trifle made with whipped topping and vanilla cookies, and Summer Berry Trifle, made with pound cake slivers, fruit and rich pudding — are perfect treats. Serve these desserts with iced coffee, cappuccino or a light, fruit-flavored tea.
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More summertime fun
When planning your party, consider the ages and preferences of your guests.
Children might enjoy outdoor activities, such as a scavenger hunt, a game of hide and seek or a tea party. Teens and adults might prefer to get out and about. Consider hot-weather favorites such as a local park, a baseball game or a theme park as destinations for your party.
When planning, be mindful of guests' concerns, such as insect allergies and food sensitivities. If you're planning an outdoor party, always secure an alternative indoor location as your "in-case-of-rain" backup plan.
Happy birthday from Giant Eagle®!
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More entertaining ideas