Article archived: August 2010
In the summertime, make "simplicity" your mantra. Laid-back, low-stress party planning becomes extra appealing as the heat and humidity climb. Our simple summer party guide offers ideas for a relaxed outdoor get-together you'll love to plan!
Summer party menu
Cool party tips and ideas
Dining outdoors demands light but scrumptious dishes that satisfy. Summertime weather introduces grilled food, cold salads, fruit — and of course, airy sweets.
Seafood delights
Sidekicks
Delightful desserts
Refreshing drinks
Seafood delights
Delicious, delicate seafood makes a beautiful main dish for your outdoor party. Visit the Giant Eagle® Seafood Department and stock up on seasonal treats like fresh salmon and shrimp. Try a few of these seafood stunners:
Tender, flaky salmon:
Plump, juicy shrimp:
Back to Top
Sidekicks
Serve your seafood with easy sides — just visit the Giant Eagle® Deli.
These suggested deli salads complement fish:
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Italian pasta salad
- Vermicelli salad
One of these delicious vegetable salads round out your meal perfectly:
Back to Top
Delightful desserts
Finish your outdoor meal with a selection of light and yummy summertime sweets. Serve some of these warm-weather treats at your party:
Back to Top
Refreshing drinks
Keep summer drinks easy! Favorites like Giant Eagle® ginger ale and soda — as well as fruit punch, flavored seltzer or lemonade — keep you cool all night long. Offer guests plenty of ice-cold water with lemon and lime.
Back to Top
Cool party tips and ideas
Make your summer party an event to remember with a few exciting touches — and a couple of favorite warm-weather pursuits. These party tips and ideas will help you plan:
- Think atmosphere. Hang lanterns around your party area for ambience or place candles on your picnic table to strike a mood and add charm.
- Consider comfort. Place large electric fans and coolers full of cold drinks in your party area and keep guests feeling refreshed. Consider citronella candles or bug repellent to ward off mosquitoes.
- Safety first! Follow the tips in our Summer Health Guide to keep everyone safe and sound.
- Use your yard. Fun games like softball, tag and "Capture the Flag" keep guests entertained — and gift cards make great prizes.
- Not competitive? Use that great yard space to decorate. Summer is perfect for unique outdoor touches like potted plants and colored stones; soft, pretty fabric draped tastefully from porches or decks — and of course, statues and birdbaths.
- Make memories. Take pictures of your guests — then create photo keepsakes from Giant Eagle® Online Photo.
Enjoy the outdoors and celebrate — with Giant Eagle®!
Back to Top
More entertaining ideas