Event Kings: Welcome Summer - Memorial Day Party Ideas

Summer is here, well almost. But technicality aside, get out your flip flops (maybe a pedicure first) and celebrate the beginning of summer with family and friends this memorial day weekend! (Photo courtesy of La Tartine Gourmand. Awesome blog with amazing recipes and photos) Here are few tips on how to throw i all together...

What to eat.

Leave the grilling to the men and whip up some yummy sides. Here are two cole slaw recipes that are tried and true. One supplied by the hubby and the other from my fabulous neighbor.

Asian Slaw

Ingredients

1 head green cabbage, shredded
1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon chile paste
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 carrots, shredded
1 cup bean sprouts
4 scallions, julienned on the bias
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Toss the cabbage together in a large colander and set in the sink. Sprinkle the cabbage with salt and let stand for 15 minutes. The salt draws out some of its moisture so that the slaw remains crunchy.

In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, oil, chile paste, peanut butter, and ginger. Toss together with the cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts and scallions; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Super Slaw
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic

5 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
2 large red or yellow bell peppers, cut into matchstick-size strips
2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into matchstick-size strips
8 large green onions, cut into matchstick-size strips
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Whisk first 7 ingredients in small bowl to blend. (Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before continuing.)

Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

What to drink.

Ice Tea anyone? The Long Island version has long been associated with quick inebriation but as grown ups maybe we can drink this version a bit slower.

1 part vodka

1 part 1800® Tequila

1 part rum

1 part gin

1 part triple sec

1 1/2 parts sweet and sour mix

1 splash Coca-Cola®

Mix ingredients together over ice in a glass. Pour into a shaker and give one brisk shake. Pour back into the glass and make sure there is a touch of fizz at the top. Garnish with lemon.

What to play.

I'm a big advocator of games. They break the ice and get the fun started quickly. I recently picked up my hubby's Men's Journal and it had an article "Throw a Righteous Bash." Here is what they told us to play and since I aim to be righteous, I'm gonna play it! V:King medieval block game... go figure.