Though summer parties are typically held outdoors, with a pool and BBQ as the main features; in our part of the world, an outdoor summer party is out of the question, as it is just WAY too hot. The solution: simply move the party inside! At the end of the day, a party is about bringing people together, eating good food and engaging in fun conversation, all of which can be done anywhere and at any time. Also, let’s not forget that many of us tend to pack up and take off for weeks, so what better time than the present for us all to gather one last time before we meet again in September?

So, first thing’s first; how does one put together a great summer party when it’s too hot to party outside?

How to Host the Perfect Summer Party

1. Consider your numbers; even under the best of temperature conditions, an overcrowded party can get a little hot and stuffy, let alone on a hot summer’s day. Figure out the capacity of your space and be sure to invite just enough people to fill a room, but not too much where everyone’s gasping for air.
2. Have your AC on full blast; I know some of you are not a fan, but trust me, as your guests start to arrive and the room fills up, you’ll be glad you didn’t hold back! If you’re still apprehensive, then start off with a higher temperature and lower it once you start to feel a little warm; just remember not to leave it too long.
3. Opt for a dinner party; if you’re worried about an indoor party being too warm for a large group, then consider having it in the evening. This reduces the changes of the room overheating by a lot, since the sun will have already set.
4. Now for the fun part; the food and refreshments! Be sure to always have ice on hand, lots of cold drinks that are ready to serve at all times, light summer meals that are both delicious and refreshing, and of course, ice cream and/or a fruit platter for dessert.

Easy, right? If you’re still stuck on what to serve your guests, check out the list below for some suggestions to get you started:

1. Panzanella Salad: because nothing says summer more than fresh ripe tomatoes.
2. Caesar’s Salad: green, crunchy, tangy and delicious! Also, extremely filling!
3. Watermelon & Feta Salad: one of the best things to eat on a hot summer’s day!
4. Mixed Grain Mushroom Salad: a hearty salad that’s best served at room temperature and can be prepared a day in advance.
5. Balsamic Potato Salad: another starchy salad that works great as a summer side, as it is both filling, but not too heavy.

Before we proceed with the list, please note that pretty much ANY and ALL salads work well as a menu item for summer. Now, moving on to the Mains: 

1. Tomato Tart: the perfect summer tart with easily accessible summer ingredients.
2. Pasta al Limone: a light pasta dish that pairs well with most proteins. You can also opt for a gluten free pasta brand to make it even lighter.
3. Easiest Roast Beef, Whole Roasted Fish or Eleni’s Roast Chicken: since BBQ is not an option, opt for a protein that is roasted and enhanced with fresh summery ingredients, such as lemons, limes and tomatoes.
4. Gambas Pil Pil: another great protein that goes so well with a green salad and crusty bread on the side.
5. Seafood Paella or Pasta a la Vongole: two delicious starchy options that are great for feeding a crowd on a hot summer’s day.

We hope these helped! But do send us some of your suggestions for ‘favourite summer party meals’.