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A MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE DINNER PARTY
Don’t let the heat of summer keep you from hosting a dinner party. Throw a Mediterranean-inspired party, full of make-ahead and no-cook recipes that will help you keep your cool while hosting a party during the hottest month of the year.
SETTING THE SCENE
Get inspired by the spirit of the Mediterranean and aim for a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Use vibrant colors inspired by nature, rustic materials and little touches reminiscent of coastal living.
Tapestry Tablecloths
Use inexpensive Mediterranean-inspired tapestries or sheets instead of formal tablecloths to complement your theme. Grapevines, an olive leaf pattern, a vibrant print or a Greek key pattern will all set the stage for your Mediterranean feast. For the best deals, stop by an import store (even an Asian import store will likely have a Mediterranean print tapestry) or hit the bedding section of a discount department store.
Lemon/Lime Centerpiece
Lemons and limes add a bright pop of flavor to Mediterranean foods, so use them as an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your dinner or buffet table. Fill a large glass trifle bowl, terra-cotta pot or glass vase with assorted lemons and limes. Clip some fresh branches with leaves and tuck them in between the citrus fruits for a more finished look. Use lemon or lime leaves, which are inexpensive and available at most floral shops.
Mediterranean Music
Make a playlist filled with Spanish, Greek and Italian tunes. Do a search on iTunes for Mediterranean songs and albums or purchase ready-made CDs from Amazon. Compiling music is also a good task to delegate to a tech-savvy guest, or ask a friend whose family is originally from the Mediterranean to bring the music. The non-mainstream music will be a welcome change and give your party an authentic vibe.
Hip Tips
| Scatter small vases full of wildflowers or simple tree clippings around for a casual but decorated feel. | |
| For additional seating, blow up an air mattress and cover it with Mediterranean-inspired tapestries and throw pillows. It will create a comfy seating area that will make your guest want to linger long after all the food is gone. |
THE MENU
All the recipes in this Mediterranean-inspired menu are make-ahead recipes that don’t require you to turn on your oven. Make all the recipes, or make just a few and purchase store-bought dips, olives, stuffed grape leaves and other snacks for a super-simple spread.
Mediterranean Menu
Prosciutto-wrapped melon*
Balela (chickpea and black bean salad)*
Hummus*
Gazpacho
Black and white “cookies” (black olive tampenade and goat cheese crostini)*
Citrus quinoa salad with golden raisins and green olives*
Cured meats (Italian salami or pepperoni, Spanish chorizo, etc.)
Speedy strawberry tiramisu*
Chocolate-covered candied lemon peel or lemon sorbet
Traditional sangria with a hip twist*
Italian blood orange soda or lemonade
Hip Tips
| Serve a Mediterranean-themed cheese plate with Spanish, Greek and/or Italian cheeses. Add a bunch of large red grapes, salted nuts, and dried figs and dates for a heartier presentation. Use a large wooden cutting board as the cheese tray. | |
| Make a big batch of sangria. Use a vase, pitcher, pot—whatever vessel will fit the most liquid in it. You can never have too much sangria. | |
| Purchase chocolate-covered lemon peel from a gourmet chocolate shop unless you feel up for making your own. Serve it with dessert or wrap a few pieces in several cello bags tied with ribbon to give as party favors. |
*Recipes are available at www.hiphostess.wordpress.com.
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