If you really want to connect and love where you live try some good ol’ Southern Hospitality! Let’s Bring Back In-home Entertaining: You don’t have to have the perfect house, the perfect meal or even do all of the work yourself but this is IMO the best way to beat the heat and get your fill. Size does not matter, it can be one guest or 100. The goal is connection, not a magazine cover.
Here is how we can bring back the lost art of the low-pressure invite:
The Dinner Party
You may love a formal, multi-course meal but it is not necessary, order takeout, set up a simple taco bar, or make it a potluck where everyone brings their favorite side. People remember the laughs around the table, not if your baseboards were dusted. With fall around the corner maybe make it a monthly event and add some themes.
Pool or Patio Party
If you have a pool, share it! If you just have a patio, wait until the sun dips down, turn on a box fan and some string lights, and throw some drinks in a cooler. Tell everyone to bring a towel, snacks and a folding chair and just enjoy the break in the heat. In the fall and winter you may not swim but the weather is cooling off and outdoor entertainment is even better.
Back Yard BBQ
The ultimate summer classic. You absolutely do not need to stay up all night smoking a brisket (unless you want to). Hot dogs, burgers, and HEB potato salad work just fine. Tell your friends to bring the buns and the beer, put on a good playlist, and hang out!
Fish Fry
Keep the messy cooking outside so the house stays cool and clean. Set up a deep fryer in the driveway or backyard, throw some newspaper down on the patio tables, and fry up some catfish and hushpuppies. It’s chaotic, casual, and ohhhh so much fun.
Brunch
The smartest way to entertain in a Texas summer is to do it before it hits 100 degrees. Set up a DIY coffee bar, grab some local breakfast tacos, or bake a simple casserole. Everyone gets to socialize and they are out the door by noon, leaving the rest of the day open. Much like the dinner party it can be a monthly get together with a theme (or not).
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social
Buy your favorite gallons Bluebell or Jenni’s and have your guests bring the toppings or if you are really adventurous, get the salt and have people bring the fixings and ice cream churners and make your own.
An afternoon visit over a glass of Iced Tea
Let’s bring back the simple afternoon visit. No elaborate appetizers required (okay I may not be able to stop myself but it really isn’t necessary). Just a pitcher of cold iced tea (or some sparkling water), sitting at the kitchen island or on a shaded porch, and actually catching up with a friend or neighbor one-on-one.
Here a recipe for a great Southern Sweet Tea!
