Cherries or berries are taken to the next level just by slipping them into your favorite Dessert Skritz cupcake wrappers. Tuck a baking liner or clear plastic cup inside the cupcake wrapper, and fill the them to the brim with fruits of the season.
Casual entertaining at its best.
Burgers and hot dogs are standard block party fare that will always be an option, but if you want to stray from the usual, here are a few ideas to get you started. You will need to secure several grills from neighbors ahead of time and set up a few food prep tables and a cooking area.
Grilled pizzas— Put some balls of dough and interesting, as well as the ordinary, pizza toppings out on the buffet table and allow guests to customize their own pizza to share with their family. Chances are you can find neighbors with gardens, or some that will bring items from the farmers market for a buffet of fresh summer flavors. Recipes are easy to find on gooogle...here is a fun one from Bobby Flay.
Fresh summer salads and wraps— Grilled meats can be cut into strips, which is a budget friendly way to go. Serve alongside fresh summer greens, fruits and vegetables. Nuts, seeds, and croutons make nice accoutrements for your salad bar. For those looking for a heartier meal, flat breads or tortilla wraps can be offered as well.
Hobo packets— Allow each guest to create their own packet by offering potatoes, sweet corn on the cob cut into rounds, various cut veggies and herbs, along with shrimp, sliced sausages and thinly sliced chicken. Offer spices, salt, pepper, soy sauce and broth. Have squares of foil in a couple of stacks for your guests to fill and fold before grilling. This may be a new experience for many, so placing instructions or easy recipes to follow would be helpful. Shrimp Boil Hobo Packs from Food & Wine are a summer staple around here.
Having guests assemble their own food is great because they are sure to like it, and the work load for those preparing the food is less. Just be sure to have plenty of grill space, icy cold coolers and table space for preparing the food.
Create a beverage station. Offer sodas, lemonade, and adult beverages if you choose. Wagons of ice are a great way to display drinks. Summer sangria is a fun and affordable adult beverage that is a snap to make for a crowd.
A dessert table can be pulled together with a collection of potluck desserts. Use all white platters and Desset Skirtz to make even the most eclectic selection of desserts into a stunningly appetizing display.
Making the effort to create a beautiful event will turn an ordinary gathering into a special block party that all the neighbors will look forward to attending.
Summer block parties are casual, relaxed affairs, but a theme to pull it all together and some simple décor will make it so much more special. We love the idea of a cherry theme for summer. Using inspiration from our Cherries Jubilee Dessert Skirtz cupcake wrappers, a “Cherry Lane” block party or “Celebrating Summer Fruits” is a great place to start. The crisp white and summery cherry design is cheerful with a hint of nostalgia.
Find a nice shady cul de sac in your neighborhood if you can. Tents for shade can be rented if that is within your budget and deemed necessary for comfort. Often, attending neighbors are happy to share their yards and property for the event.
Table coverings as simple as an inexpensive bolt of fabric make a great start to decorating. Many people will lend their folding tables, which can simply be covered with a red checkered fabric or a crisp white. Ask for everyone to bring their own seating if it’s not within your budget to rent.
Centerpieces for your block party can be as easy as some empty tin cans, label removed, and embellished with a simple tie of ric-rac or ribbon. Blooms and greenery from your neighborhood yards will make them lovely.
Be sure to allow for a food preparation area, buffet space, drink station and dessert table. Table signs are a pretty and helpful option if you have the time and resources to make them.
A gorgeous dessert buffet is simple. Just ask for donations of individually sized baked goodies from your neighbors. We love cupcakes, mini pies, cupcake brownies and cake pops! Create heights and levels on your dessert table. Choosing eclectic platters all in white is an easy way to make a classy display. Use your Dessert Skirtz cupcake wrappers to dress up the potluck desserts and place them on your table. Store the extra desserts in a safe place so you can replenish the table as needed and keep it looking fresh. Sweet as pie!
A drink station for your block party is so simple to create by just using some wagons loaded with ice and bottled drinks. You can use coolers and drink tubs in the wagons if you choose. The wagons lend to the nostalgic mood and make it easy to transport the beverages.
Bring in pretty lighting for an evening block party. Stringing white lights through the tree limbs is a simply elegant way to bring some light and a touch of sparkle to the party.
Simply chic and rustic is an affordable look - easy and perfect for a casual summer gathering.