When The Heat Rises, Cool Off!

By the pool, the deck or simply going out to beat the heat, we all love celebrating the season. And by mid-summer, most of us want to simply enjoy the remainder of the season in low-key fashion. Whether planning ahead or pulling together an impromptu gathering, these dog days really can make for easy to please entertaining. Consider these tips, trends & straight off the menu ideas from some favorite area professionals to help refresh your summer soirees

1. Keep menus fresh. Try punching up traditional summer fare with these must have recipes straight from Amanda Smith, owner Amanda Smith Catering & Events (www.amandasmithcaterers.com). Find these three delicious recipes to use at your next party!

Summer Pea & Mint Soup, Kale Beet & Candied Walnut Salad, & Summer Rolls.»

Interested in furthering your inner chef? Amanda offers cooking classes and caters all types of events from large to small!

Photograph by Lauren Peltzman

2. Do Up Dessert. We all whip up a mean fruit salad but award winning caterer, Neuman’s Catering (www.caterernyc.com) takes our dessert mojo to the next level by putting emphasis on making guests feel refreshed and relaxed. Neuman’s uses the best from our local farms to offer clients a variety of cool desserts that are guaranteed to put on the ultimate ‘chill’. A few of their top picks this season:

A play on shaved ice, the quintessential street treat, is the Watermelon Granita action station. This icy summer refresher is served from its own watermelon shell. Scoop into lemon/lime cups or traditional paper cones for instant refreshment.

Photograph by Tom Russ

  • Paletas. These Mexican ice pops come in fun flavors such as vanilla-coconut, watermelon-chili or mango-mint and can be frozen into various shapes to coordinate with an event theme.
  • Neuman’s creates the ultimate mini ice cream cone and sandwich menu with flavors such as Strawberry Cheesecake Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches with Ricotta Gelato, Graham Cracker Cookie and Raspberry Coulis as well as Margarita Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches, using Lime Sorbet, Coconut Cookies and Lime Salt.  Straight Up Yum!

Photograph by Tom Russ

3. Work With What’s In Bloom. Great décor advice from Ann Robertson, owner, Dirt Floral Studio in Cos Cob (www.dirtfloral.com). Ann knows a thing or two about summer florals & offers these tips:

  • Work with what’s in bloom in your garden or what’s planted in your yard. Compliment what you already have.
  • Flowers need to be cool & therefore you must use flora that are sturdy & seasonal to prevent wilt. You may love tulips or peonies but they don’t hold up to heat. Wildflowers & Sunflowers are great summer flowers. 
  • Consider one statement piece for your summer entertaining table like these clever planters that wrap around an outdoor table umbrella. These unique pieces can be purchased directly from Dirt.

4. Get Out & play! Sometimes it’s just more appealing to get out! Check out The Delmar Hotel in Southport (www.delmarsouthport.com). The Folly, a brand new event space, features outdoor dining while simultaneously offering protection from the elements. Their acclaimed Artisan Restaurant offers seasonal favorites like their summer version of Tuna Crudo; perfect cubes of sushi grade yellow tail tuna, avocado, watermelon, topped with citrus essence. Or go local with Meslcun Green Salad accompanied by a refreshing veggie “cocktail.”

Photography courtesy of Alyson Hickey

5. Pool party! This summer I am having fun planning a few pool parties for local clients. Here are a few tips:

Select a theme to make for easier décor, menu planning and music.

  • Select a theme to make for easier décor, menu planning and music. Some fun themes are Poolside Carnival, Girls Day At The Spa, Hollywood by the Pool, The all Purple Party (or your favorite color)
  • Hire a certified lifeguard & make sure everyone knows the rules!
  • Designate an indoor or outdoor cool zone. Set up a canopy with fans, tubs of ice, cool drinks and a cold shower mist
  • Bring in a food truck. Food trucks specialize in everything from pizza to ice cream to carnival food (think food on a stick!). What kid or adult doesn’t love having free reign over the ice cream man for an afternoon?

So enjoy the season and keep yourself and your guests feeling cool & ready to play!


Michele SinacorePrior to starting michele sinacore events {mse}, Michele Solomon-Sinacore worked for over 11 years in Corporate Sponsorship Marketing & Events for some of the largest brands in Sports, Entertainment & Media. mse offers customized event services that include full planning, month-of event coordination & event consulting. Michele creates top-notch events always with an eye for fresh style and an aim for clients to enjoy (vs work) at their events.

Michele Sinacore Events
Event Planning and Coordination for Corporate and Social Events
(914) 432-5709

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