Beat the heat: Elegant ways to keep comfortable during your outdoor summer event

There’s something so fresh and low-key about entertaining outdoors in the summer. And yet – when temperatures climb, thoughtful planning becomes essential.

With temps already on track to be one of the hottest summers on record, what can you do if you have an outdoor event planned this season?

• Time it right! Late afternoon and evening celebrations offer softer light, cooler temperatures, and – as the sun sets – a naturally elegant atmosphere.
• Create inviting shade: Stylish tents, market umbrellas and shaded lounge areas encourage guests to mingle, drink and eat comfortably.
• Hydrate thoughtfully. Offer chilled infused beverages with fresh citrus, cucumber, and/or berries – or smoothies – perhaps even served in chilled glasses. Ahhhh…
• Adjust the menu. Extreme heat calls for lighter, vibrant cuisine. We’re happy to work with you to do more chilled seafood, grilled veggies and seasonal fruits and salad – and fewer heavy meats.
• Keep food at its best. Higher temps and bright sun requires careful attention to food safety as well as presentation.
• Make things easier on yourself. Order menu items for us -- or let us cater!

Cool (and thoughtful) catering tips from the experts:

• Pass out fun hand fans
• Offer chilled herb-scented towelettes
• Have sunscreen and insect repelling candles (that smell nice)
• Set up a few misting stations

Consider cool, fun desserts. Dessert stations are always in vogue. But people of all ages find ice cream, frogurt, smoothies, and frozen custard an awesome way to end an event on a chill note : )

We love ice cream stations with plenty of toppings and lots of options.

Other chilled favorite to serve on hot days are

• Key lime pie
• Ice cream cake
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Truffle in a jar
• Lemon bars
• Bite size cake pops

The key is to make it fun, and keep things light.

With the right catering partner, even the hottest days can become unforgettable events – for all the right reasons!