Tips to Your Make Summer Celebrations Memorable—PLUS a FREE Recipe!

Just in time for the return of the lightning bugs (or is it fireflies?), we’re talking summer celebrations! From Father’s Day and Independence Day to graduation parties and family reunions—or even just a simple night on the patio with your people—Angel 101 and Gather are ready to help you make the most of the season’s celebrations.

Here are our top 5 tips for making your summer celebrations extra special and memorable.

1. Garden Foods

We don’t want to spend hours preparing food and heating the kitchen with a full oven when the weather is warm. Instead, we like to utilize fresh fruit, veggies, and herbs from our gardens or the Farmer’s Market. You can’t beat the color, flavor, and freshness.

In fact, we think summer salads are where it’s at. You can build everything in a single bowl, and then add a protein source to make it a complete meal. 

Quinoa Tabouleh is a family favorite salad packed with a TON of nutritious fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and mint. It’s so easy and versatile that you can double the recipe and add grilled chicken to make an impressive main course for a larger group of guests. You can also take it with you for an Independence Day BBQ potluck or family reunion. Kids can help in the prep—by harvesting in the garden, visiting the Farmer's Market with you, dumping ingredients into the bowl, and stirring to combine. They will surely remember their time in the kitchen with you. 

 

You can download the printable recipe here. We love the array of cold-pressed, flavored olive oils and vinegars at Gather for whipping up a fast and flavorful dressing like the one used in this recipe. Stop in to Gather to sample these products, and let us know in the comments what you and your family think about this Mediterranean-inspired dish!

 

 

2. Summer Snacks

Whether you’re packing a zoo picnic or planning an outdoor movie night, summer snacks dial up the fun to a whole new level. Here are a few of our favorite summer snack ideas:

S’mores—a summertime classic. You can’t beat s’mores around a fire at sunset. But if you need a more portable option, you can stop in at Angel 101 and grab a s’more roaster set by Mud Pie along with marshmallows and chocolate bars by Hammond’s. Pro snacker tip: try different flavored chocolate bars to mix things up, OR add a caramel by Mouth Party—also found at Angel 101—to enhance that sticky s’more fun!

Popcorn goes hand-in-hand with baseball games, fairs, and summer movie nights. Turn this treat into a gourmet foodie experience by adding Calivirgin flavored olive oils and Curio spices to the Calivirgin popping corn found at Gather. The ladies at the shop will help you perfectly pair the flavors. You’ll never want to eat plain popcorn again!

Dips and Guac complete your summer potlucks! A beautiful tray of fresh veggies or a bowl brimming with tortilla chips wouldn’t be complete without a creamy, flavorful dip! We invite you to try To Market To Market dip mixes available at Gather. They are 100% natural and so easy to whip up with some Greek yogurt or sour cream. Your guests will love it when you get a little cute and sassy with Mud Pie serveware at Angel 101. After all, it's always five o’guac somewhere!

 

3. Flower Arrangements

The floral designers at 101 know just how to make an event extra special. Stop by and chat with Alison, Susan or Debra about locally grown, beautifully arranged, seasonal floral centerpieces for your graduation party or family reunion!

Off on a trip to the beach or lake house? Take a non-breakable Modgy Vase with you from Angel 101 so you can have fresh flowers on your table even while you travel!

 

4. Melamine Dinnerware

Caught between fine china and paper plates for your summer get-together? We recommend a durable, summer-appropriate alternative like the melamine, picnic-style plates and bowls at both 101 and Gather. Check out the bold, Sicily-inspired patterns from Le Cadeaux or the softer floral patterns from Rifle Paper Co. Durable and dishwasher safe, these plates make a great indoor/outdoor table setting.

 

5. Summer Décor

Make time with the fireflies by adding ambiance to your evening with exterior lighting. We love solar-powered lanterns for an easy, electricity-free way to elevate your outdoor décor at night—perfect for your deck or patio where outlets might not be available. Our oil lamps at Gather provide that soft glow while also keeping the bugs away. You can’t beat that for multi-purpose décor ideas!

 

Whatever you’re celebrating with your favorite people this summer: make it pretty, make it special, make it fun. We’re here to help at Gather and Angel 101!