I really can’t believe Memorial Day is in just two short weeks, spring sort of zoomed by in the blink of an eye and summer will be here before we know it. I’ve got some summer activities on my mind this week because I partnered with Better Homes and Gardens to create a series of summer recipe cards for their BHG Summer Guide! The recipe cards are available to the winners of their summer party box, featuring lots of fun items for summer entertaining (enter for a chance to win!).
One of my goals this summer is to enjoy weekends at home and do more outdoor entertaining. Between projects on the house, working on the blog, and an endless string of weddings, showers and parties, we’re always so busy that I’m making a “summer to-do list” this year to remind myself of all of the fun things I want to make time for at home. Here are a few of my summer entertaining plans:
Jazz up s’mores by the fire. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again! Two summers ago I used chocolate donuts to make s’mores donut pops, and this year I think I’m going to make mini pretzel s’mores with Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps® – just replace the graham crackers with pretzels for a sweet and salty combination.
Host an outdoor brunch. There will be BBQs a plenty, but I love the idea of hosting an al fresco at-home brunch. I’ve scooped up some Torani® flavors and plan to make a DIY iced coffee station for my outdoor brunch.
Make more homemade ice cream sandwiches. My experiments with homemade ice cream sandwiches were a success after a few tries. Now that I’ve nailed down the execution, I plan to make these all summer long (I’m thinking of using Caramel Toffee Crunch from Blue Bunny Ice Cream® next time!).
Mix up summer cocktails. This one shouldn’t be hard to accomplish! I’ve got an arsenal of summer cocktail recipes to dig into — my Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita is always a hit, and a Berry Sangria Spritzer is perfect for a hot day. Cost Plus World Market® sent me some patio-ready tumblers just for the occasion. Sipping on a refreshing porch cocktail is the ultimate summer indulgence. Download the BHG Summer Guide to receive 15% off at Cost Plus World Market® and a chance to win your own cups in the party box!
Grill outside whenever possible. After tons of research, my husband and I invested in a Weber Grill®, and we are addicted to it! We check the forecast to look for good “grilling nights” after work, and use it every chance we can get. I’m hoping to re-create my Rosemary Steak Skewers this summer, whip up Grilled Mexican Street Corn, and grill lots of hamburgers and hot dogs!
Experiment with new BBQ sides. Last year I took on potato salad (try my Greek spin on potato salad by mixing Daisy Sour Cream with tzatziki sauce and dill) and just started experimenting with a new pea-based pesto pasta salad. Taking a new crack at classic sides is such a fun way to mix things up summer BBQs.
I’m looking for more ideas, so share with me what you would add to your summer entertaining wish list! PS: Want a party box of your own? Head to bhgpromo.com/summerguide for a chance to win!
This post was created in partnership with Better Homes and Gardens. All content, opinions and images are my own.
