As we emerge from winter hibernation, it’s easy to let the excitement of seeing friends and family again turn into overwhelming planning paralysis. Before you get carried away with an endless list of to-buy and to-dos, here are seven simple (but sensational!) outdoor dinner party ideas, with easy recipes for every palette.
1Classic & Casual Mediterranean Family Dinner
Ready in: 25 minutes
Why we love it: Boasting a medley of vibrant colours and flavours, this one-pan Mediterranean Chicken Breasts recipe with zucchini and cherry tomatoes may look like the result of an involved cooking process, but it comes together in under 30 minutes!
How to play up the theme: Transform this healthy summer dinner idea into a full-scale Mediterranean family-style feast with universally loved side dishes like Lemon Roasted Potatoes or Brown Rice & Orzo Pilaf. Remember: The key word is casual, so even a loaf of crusty bread to pass around the table with olive oil is a simple yet delicious way to complete the meal.
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2Burger Bonanza BBQ Cookout
Ready in: 25 minutes
Why we love it: No barbecue cookout is complete without hamburgers, and this juicy Fiesta Burger recipe kicks it up several notches with a bubbling layer of Tex-Mex cheese, a generous spoonful of zesty salsa, and sautéed onions with bell peppers. Add a some extra ¡olé! to your fiesta with Spicy Corn on the Cob or a Salad with Lime Dressing.
How to play up the theme: Standing before the condiments table with a sizzling open-faced cheeseburger on your plate ready to be piled with your favourite toppings, is arguably one of the most underrated joys of BBQ cookouts. Set up a stand a few safe steps from the grill, and display a colourful spread of toppings—lettuce, tomato slices, onion, pickles, fajita veggies—in individual bowls, alongside an array of sauces like this Secret Burger Sauce, this Smoky Ketchup or this Guacamole.
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3Light & Fun Backyard Picnic
Ready in: 10 minutes
Why we love it: Al fresco lunch ideas that require minimal effort (while delivering maximum flavour) aren’t easy to come by, but this Lemon-Chicken Salad Sandwich takes a mere 10 minutes to throw together, packs well in a cooler, and really hits the spot.
How to play up the theme: Portability is key when picnicking, so pack your cooler (or wicket basket) with snacks that are spill-resistant and easy to clean up—like crackers and cheese, freshly cut Veggies & Dip or even a delicious side dish like Mac & Cheese with Broccoli. And don’t forget to bring recyclable, biodegradable plates and cups, too. TIP: Want to make your gingham blanket setup extra cozy? Just add padded seat cushions!
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4Easy At-Home Happy Hour
Ready in: 70 minutes
Why we love it: While these Mushroom Thyme Bites may require a little patience and foresight, it’ll be well worth it: These herbaceous cocktail party canapés ooze rich, savoury, black-tie-gala-worthy flavour you (or your guests) won’t soon forget. But if 20 minutes are all you can spare to whip up a mouthwatering hors-d’œuvres tray, these quick and easy Caprese Crostinis are equally sure to impress.
How to play up the theme: Who doesn’t love an elegant sunset soirée, complete with twinkling lights and trays of one-bite flavour bombs? Create your own cocktail menu with one alcoholic feature and one spirit-free (or more of either!) decked out with garnishes, and serve them in non-breakable champagne flutes for an extra chic touch.
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5Tutti Frutti Garden Party Brunch
Ready in: 45 minutes
Why we love it: Not a single crumb of this intoxicatingly aromatic Blueberry-Apple Breakfast Crisp will be left uneaten. Combining juicy blueberries, tart apples and a buttery oat crumble, this freshly baked dessert-for-brunch is the kind of “lazy” garden party dish that looks and tastes like anything but.
How to play up the theme: From a refreshing glass of Mint-Berry Homemade Iced Tea or Sparkling Mango Lemonade to a three-tiered platter of flower-shaped cookies, and floral garlands and centrepieces, the al fresco dining ideas are endless with this theme. Want to make sure your guests leave the party feeling extra special? Create small goodie bags made up of flower seeds, a small flowerpot, some brief instructions on nurturing the bloom, and a few Easter chocolates for good measure!
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6Backyard Bonfire
Ready in: 35 minutes
Why we love it: Perfect for munching while sharing stories around the fire pit, these Campfire French Fries can be cooked with onions over its hot flames, then tossed in an addictive blend of salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Balance out the savouriness with these no-fuss Rainbow Fruit Skewers & Dip that the kids can help prep ahead of time.
How to play up the theme: More s’mores! In fact, we recommend assembling all the ingredients in this Ooey Gooey S’more Dip inside a cast iron skillet, heating over the campfire to toasted perfection, then dunking in a graham cracker to scooping up that indulgently sticky goodness.
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7Make-Your-Own-Pie Pizza Party
Ready in: 35 minutes
Why we love it: This tomato-sauceless Ham, Spinach & Tomato Pizza sneaks in an unlikely ingredient: mayonnaise! And if you’ve ever substituted the butter on the outside of your grilled cheese with mayo before slapping it down in your skillet, you’re well aware of the subtle punch of flavour it brings.
How to play up the theme: Give kids the ultimate combination of party food favourites with these Pizza Hot Dogs. Alternatively, have a stack of pre-made pizza crusts ready with a selection of favourite toppings, for all-around make-your-own-pie party fun!
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