Looking to liven up your weekend afternoon? Hosting a luncheon in your backyard is a perfect summer event. Experiment with lighter, less complicated recipes at a less formal dining affair.
Whether you’re entertaining al fresco or getting together with a group of your closest girlfriends, luncheons are a casual cure for culinary monotony. Get creative and experiment with lunch party themes and lunch recipes for food and drinks!
Why Do Lunch?
Entertaining for lunch can have advantages over dinner parties.
- It’s often easier to find a free Saturday or Sunday afternoon among friends. The bigger the guest list, the bigger the fun!
- Lunch parties tend to be more casual and family-friendly. Guests who have kids can enjoy a leisurely meal while their children play together in the backyard.
- Lunch can cost a fraction of what it takes to pull together a dinner party. And often times, it takes a fraction of the time to prepare.
How to Host
Planning a luncheon means keeping things light and fun. Recipes that may be right for a dinner party may not be appropriate lunch recipes.
- Good food choices include sandwiches, salads and a variety of light appetizers, such as dips and homemade chips. Make it a casual buffet lunch by setting up a taco bar or pita and wrap stations. Have guest load them up with their favorite ingredients.
- If you opt for alcohol, keep it light and minimal. Heavy red wines and excessive hard liquors may not be the best choice for a mid-afternoon luncheon. White wine, cold beer or a sweetly spiked punch will add just enough kick to the party. Choose drinks to complement the food.
- Lunch party themes can inspire culinary creativity to the max. Host your luncheon around a specific cuisine, such as Italian, Greek or Pan-Asian. Or, host a party around a theme such as a tropical garden party or a BBQ hoedown.
Lunch Recipes
Put together a menu that matches the theme of your next luncheon.
Just One of the Girls Theme
Grilling Delight Theme
Buffet Lunch Theme