Summer Entertaining: Tips for Throwing the Perfect Clam bake  

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Prep the Cooking Area Beforehand:

If you’re taking the traditional route, preparing for a clambake involves gathering stones and seaweed, digging a pit, building a fire, and layering the pit with the seaweed to create a cooking bed for the seafood. It’s a long process that unquestionably needs to be taken care of before the guests arrive. But, even if you are going a more modern direction, you don’t want people to stand around waiting for the party to start. Get your cooking equipment ready so that you can get the food started before anyone becomes too hungry.

 Go Disposable with Dinnerware:

At their essence, clambakes are very casual gatherings. Incorporate this feeling into your party by using disposable dinnerware wherever possible. Lay down newspaper on the tables to hold shells and keep cleanup easy. Use disposable plates and utensils. Carry any side dishes that don’t need to be steamed in takeout containers, which are also great for separating out individualized portions.

 Make it a Potluck:

Odds are that even if most of your food for the occasion can be cooked on the fire, you’ll want a few other bites to round off the meal – cocktails, dessert, a cold salad or two. Plus, any accompaniments like drawn butter or lemon wedges. If you’re going to be in charge of the seafood, make things easier on yourself by making the party potluck-style and asking each of your friends to bring a dish. You’ll end up with a variety of different foods to enjoy while only doing a fraction of the work.

Bring Activities:

The main focus of a clambake should be mingling, so you don’t have to go too crazy deciding which activities to bring. But, it never hurts to be prepared. If you have a speaker set lying around, bring those and use music to set the party atmosphere. When there are kids on the guest list, bring some baseballs to get an impromptu game of catch started. When in doubt, twister is perfect for breaking the ice and very easy to clean up.

Clambakes are the epitome of summer entertaining. There is something so special about enjoying the great weather with family and friends while reveling in seasonal delicacies. But, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be at the beach to enjoy one. By using these tips you can throw a clambake anywhere, even in your own back yard.

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Easy Outdoor Entertaining Tips 

Image Via: Bright Bold and Beautiful Blog

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Get The Right Gear:

Make entertaining easy on yourself by investing the right gear beforehand. Plastic plates and serving dishes will drastically reduce the chances of broken glass coming in contact with bare feet. A few mesh food tents will keep the flies away from your snacks while you socialize. Outdoor speakers allow you to use music to create ambiance. Consider storing it all in a closed bar cat. That way, everything will be in the same place for easy organization and you have a ready-made spot to keep the libations on party day.

Image Via: Better Homes and Gardens 

Set Up Sections:

This is especially true for larger groups or parties that go on all day long. While mingling, your guests will break out to form smaller groups. Help facilitate these more intimate conversations by setting up several, small seating areas. (After all, no one wants to spend all day on their feet.) Use trees or a small white canopy to offer shade. Horseshoes or a badminton set are a natural draw for guests who like a bit more activity.

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Let There Be Light:

In particular, outdoor entertaining is infamous for lasting well into the night. Keep your party going by making the transition seamless. Use nature to your advantage by hanging string lights or orbs in your trees. A chiminea or fire pit will do double duty by providing light and warmth. Tiki torches are perfect for creating an island paradise feel. Mix standard and citronella candles to allow people to see while keeping the bugs at bay.

Image Via: Style at Home

Keep It Simple:

No one wants to spend the entire party slaving away indoors at the oven, or even out by the grill. When choosing food and beverages for the party, opt for easy recipes that can be made in advance. Pay particular attention to foods that can be served at room temperature and are okay to sit out for hours. Go for bottled beverages or cocktails that can be pre-mixed in large batches.

The last and most important tip: Remember to have fun. As much as we wish the nice weather would last forever, it’s only here for so long. Make the most of it by taking every opportunity to create memories with family and friends. Use these suggestions to help you do it simply and in style.

Do you have a great outdoor entertaining tip? Share it with us in the comments. We love to hear from you.