“Entertaining” seems to be the term of choice for inviting guests to share your table. And while the word has an appealing ring, it sounds intimidating, as if I’m supposed to pull out my tap shoes while balancing a tray of canapés. When it comes to hosting an event, whether it’s dinner for four or cocktails for forty, “having people over” is more approachable than “entertaining. Less pressure for perfection, more emphasis on being present. And there’s no better time of year for “having people over” than in the summer. There’s a built-in breeziness to al fresco suppers, beachside bonfires, and dinner parties that linger on a warm evening. Plus, I’m smitten with summer ingredients and the repertoire of recipes I’ve collected over the years. Here you’ll find 7 summer menus for having people over. Each features a salad, a main, and a dessert. While I find that a dish of olives, colorful crudité or a wedge of cheese is appetizer enough for small gatherings, I’ve included a handful of hors d’oeuvres recipes, too. Feel free to mix and match any of the menu items depending on your mood.
Appetizers
Honey Roasted Tomato Bruschetta
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Parmesan Cheddar Seed Crackers
Fancy Smashed Pea Toast with Feta
Colorful Cheese Board
MENU ONE
Salad with Green Goddess Dressing and Grilled Croutons
Tomato Zucchini Tart with Olive Oil Crust
Brown Sugar Roasted Apricots
MENU TWO
New England-Style Shrimp Rolls
Corn and Avocado Salad
Lemon Yogurt Ice Box Cake with Berries
MENU THREE
Blended Beef & Mushroom Burgers
Watermelon Wedge Salad
Fro-yo or Ice Cream with Easy Hot Fudge Sauce
MENU FOUR
Instant Pot Raspberry Ribs
Warm BLT Potato Salad (and/or this Everyday Slaw)
Wild Blueberry Tart with GF Crust
MENU FIVE
Slow Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta
Peach, Tomato, and Corn Salad
Berries with Yogurt Whipped Cream
MENU SIX
Cilantro Lime Marinated Chicken
Colorful Quinoa Tabbouleh
Lemon Yogurt Olive Oil Cake with Berries
