Summer Catering Ideas to Elevate Your Next Party
As summer rolls in most of us New Yorkers are looking forward to enjoying sunny days, hanging with friends and family, and bonding over delicious cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a poolside soiree, or a casual picnic in New Hyde Park, the right summer catering choices can elevate your party and make it extraordinary.
Let’s explore some summer catering ideas that will impress your guests and make your gatherings memorable.
Embrace Fresh, Flavorful Summer Produce
Personalize your summer catering with seasonal fresh produce. This means using fresh local ingredients to spruce up your dishes and elevate their flavors. You can set up a colorful salad station with a selection of choices, such as grilled peach and arugula salad, watermelon feta salad, and a classic caprese salad.
Enjoy Barbeques and Grilled Meats
The smoky aroma of grilled meat is the hallmark of summer parties since they perfectly complement the outdoor ambiance of summer gatherings. So, fire up your grill and serve up an assortment of grilled favorites, from juicy burgers and marinated chicken skewers to grilled vegetables.
Set Up Summery Refreshments
Refreshing beverages are also a must-have at any summer catering. Consider offering a selection of cold drinks to help your guests cool off and capture the essence of the season. Here are some refreshing ideas:
- Fruit-infused water: Seemingly plain, you can elevate plain water by infusing it with fruit slices such as strawberries, lemon, or cucumber. Not only is it visually appealing when served in pitchers, but it also has a burst of flavor.
- Signature summer cocktails: Create a signature cocktail inspired by the season’s offerings. Think about fruit sangrias, tropical margaritas, or fizzy spritzers infused with mint or basil.
- Iced tea: You can also set up a DIY iced tea bar with various tea flavors, sweeteners, and garnishes. This will allow guests to get creative and create their perfect concoctions.
Irresistible Desserts
No party is complete without something sweet to satisfy post-dinner cravings. Top off your summer lunch or dinner with irresistible desserts such as frozen treats. These can be anything from fruity popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, or gelato cups. Fresh fruits are a great addition to your dessert table, and when paired with creamy yogurt or a drizzle of honey, they add a touch of indulgence.
However, if you’re thinking of something light, a lemon sorbet, coconut panna cotta, or mini fruit tart will do the trick.
What Are Some Buffet Catering Ideas for a Special Event?
Buffet catering allows your guests to enjoy a versatile dining experience. It also allows guests to customize their meals and sample a variety of dishes. Here are some great summer buffet catering ideas you can use to make your special event memorable:
- Global flavors buffet: Take your guests on a trip around the world with dishes from different cuisines, such as Italian pasta, Indian curry, and Mexican tacos, among others.
- Farm-to-table buffet: Source seasonal and locally available ingredients with a farm-to-table buffet showcasing some region’s produce.
- BBQ buffet: You can also host a BBQ buffet with a variety of grilled meats, fixings, and sides. Some classics you may consider include pulled pork, chicken wings, smoked briskets, and ribs.
What Is Your Favorite Summer Cocktail to Serve at a BBQ?
An excellent way to complement all the savory and smoky flavors at a summer BBQ is to serve some great cocktails. Here are some options you should consider:
- Bourbon lemonade
- Grilled lemon gin and tonic
- Sunshine smash
- Moscow mule
- Spicy margarita
Get the Best Summer Catering Services in Long Island
If you’re looking for summer catering services for your party in Long Island, KPacho is the place for you. We use fresh ingredients to give traditional recipes a modern twist. Contact us today to learn more about our catering services.