Summer is around the corner, although it feels like it has been here in South Florida for weeks. After many years of summer entertaining, I’ve created a go-to list of items that make any entertaining event from a backyard BBQ to a block party the best!
SUMMER ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS ON THE NEWS!
FOOD PREP WITH CUISINART
What’s a party without the food? I was introduced to the Cuisinart 360 Griddle Cooking Center and can’t imagine another block party without it! The surface diameter is 22″ so it allows for a lot of cooking to happen at the same time.
You can steam, roast, smoke, or warm on this griddle. My kids love when we make our homemade pancakes on it, but the options are endless. You can find it at your local WalMart or on their website. Be sure to get the 7-piece accessory set – it has everything you need; as well as the cover to protect it from the elements!
HEALTHY APPS FOR ALL!
I’m all about healthy finger foods for my guests. Some of my favorite ones are cut up veggies and/or fruit, chips, and crackers with different dips.
A super easy app I like to make are cut up veggies with different flavors of Islandic Provisions Skyr. It has only 1.5% milk-fat, 20% more protein, and 33% less sugar than leading Greek yogurt brands making it the perfect healthy breakfast, post-workout snack or healthy swap for dips and dressings like ranch dip, mayo or sour cream!
Each 5.3 oz single-serve cup of Icelandic Provisions Skyr boasts between 15-17g of protein and 5-11g of sugar. Icelandic Provisions is currently available across the nation and is in over 6,000 stores. Retail partners include Sprouts, Whole Foods, Wegmans, Pavilions and Shop Rite.
CAN’T FORGET THE BEVERAGES!
If you know me, you know I love my subscription boxes! This one, though, is amazing for summer soirees as well as gifts (or actually year round…it’s that cool).
Shots Box is a monthly subscription service and retail experience that brings amazing craft spirits from around the country directly to your doorstep. Shots Box goal is to connect you to new brands, have you enjoy drinks that are more interesting than “the usual,” and provide an easy way for you to share and read authentic opinions on different products.
You can start your subscription online at ShotsBox.com. For only $39.99 per month, you could be the life of the party, introducing guests to new and different libations!
MOSQUITOS BEWARE
I swear that I am a target for mosquitos. I’ll be sitting outside with my husband and get bitten up all over and he doesn’t even notice they are around. I was so glad to learn about Para’kito mosquito repellent products – especially because they WORK!
With a unique blend of essential oils, patented slow-release technology, and super-smart product design, PARA’KITO™ products offer the ultimate protection in a stylish way. I love the different patterned wrist bands and clip-ons you can choose from – sized for kids and adults.
The products use a patented blend of all-essential oils – no DEET, chemicals or alcohol. I love that. The pellets that go in the waterproof and reusable bracelets and clip-ons last about 2 weeks. After the two weeks, you just replace the pellet.
Ritu Sharma says
Oh what a lovely list! Your writing is incredible for sure and I enjoyed reading this.
GiGi Eats says
YESSSS to summer entertaining! My husband and I love to entertain, especially during the summer – we love grilling 🙂
Chad says
Yaassss!!! You got it all covered! The BBQ, the ice cream, that is so awesome. I love hosting parties so much.
Rhonda Albom says
That BBQ is amazing. I want one! And on a smaller scale, I wish I had those mozzie bands when I was in Brazil. Maybe I could have avoided dengue.
Jeenu Pillai says
I absolutely love the ice cream. Here in India summers are usually spent hiding inside the house and hydrating ourselves. But given anyday I would love to entertain. Love the BBQ as well.
Catherine Santiago Jose says
Oh, these are so great. I do love the cuisinart 360 for our summer barbecue party and the Para’kito mosquito patches for my kids.
Myrah Duque says
That Cuisinart 360 Griddle is now on my wishlist! We entertain a lot!
Joanna says
I am so happy that summer is here because of all the barbecues in the warm weather, on the terrace. That griddle cooking centre looks amazing!
Bree says
These are great essentials! I need at least a few of those things ASAP so heading to shop!
Claire Lee says
I saw those mosquito wristbands before too! I wanted one but wasn’t sure if it works well. Also I love the icelandic yogurt!
Lavern Moore says
I am really feeling this grill. The grill is the center of summer entertainment and this could be the one!
Dana says
It’s perfect for entertaining. The surface area is large so you can cook multiple items at the same time.
Lasonia says
We love entertaining during the summer months. My husband would fall in love with that grill!
Dana says
The griddle has been a huge hit!
Samar says
These are great essential list, especially the BEVERAGES.
Dana says
LOL, they are quite popular 😉
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Wow! You’ve got great products here! Perfect for summer. Thanks for sharing.
Dana says
Thank you, Maggie!
Natural Beauty And Makeup says
Wow, that Cuisinart and Shots box subscription service look so amazing! This summer entertaining list is quite helpful ☺
Yeah Lifestyle says
Some great shares here! I would love to try out the Para Kito Mosquito Repellent as we always get bitten when we travel in summer
Alexandra Cook says
Those were a great lists of summer essentials. Cuisinart 360 Griddle Cooking is what we really needed at home.
Scott Gombar says
I’m with you on the mosquitoes. They are horrible and love my ankles. I have never heard of Para Kito repellants before. I will check them out
David Elliott says
I would really love the Cuisinart Cooker. I didn’t realize they had anything like this. I would definitely love to have it for summer entertaining.
Jackline A says
So excited for summer entertaining. I just got new dinner patio wear and ready to entertain and these tips come in handy.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
Now, I want the Cuisinart 360 Griddle Cooking Center now, lol. I love entertaining at home and these products are all awesome and perfect for the summer!
Dana says
I’m glad you like them, Jocelyn. The griddle is amazing!
Kara says
I would be lost without my griddle, we use it several times a week
Courtney says
Ooooo so many goodies!!! So need to get a few of those bracelets for my backyard!!! Bugs just love to bite me lol
Dana says
They have helped me immensely!