Cheers to summertime cocktail parties
Too many alfresco summer parties revolve around a case of Corona, a few limes, and a bag of Tostitos. Which can be fine - once. But outdoor soirees are a chance to get imaginative with your bar selections, your decor, even your party theme.
"You can create a whole new environment in an outdoor party," says caterer and party planner Susan Callender, owner of Boston Unique Events. "The lighting alone can be stunning. In fact, lighting is something that's paramount to any outdoor party, and something a lot of people tend to overlook."
Go beyond basic candles, hurricane lamps, or last year's white Christmas lights and experiment with paper lanterns in varying shades of a single color. Or try rechargeable table lamps that offer a soft glow and stay lit on breezy, starlit nights.
Callender also suggests streamlining your bar menu to one or two light and fruity drinks (and don't forget to provide a nonalcoholic option). To that end, we asked five mixologists to share their favorite summer cocktail recipes, and then our overactive imaginations dreamt up five party themes based around those boozy concoctions.
We also came up with everything from music playlists to set the mood, to a movie to show inside just in case the mosquitos start making life unbearable. Now all you need to do is get busy with those cocktail shakers. 