INSPIRED BY WIMBLEDON: A SUMMER LAWN PARTY WITH STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM, PIMM'S CUPS COCKTAILS

All of the Wimbledon buzz has inspired me to plan a Lawn Party.... British style! If you can't make it to center court like my buddy Ricky Cooper did (thanks for the photo) or share the Royal box seats with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge... well, you can plan a quick and easy Wimbledon-inspired lawn party in your own backyard!

Some of the traditions of Wimbledon have been in place for 100+ years! Wimbledon is played on grass, so even if you don't have access to a tennis court, if you have a patch of grass, you can host this great summer get-together complete with badminton, croquet, lawn darts, or simply make up your own lawn games. If your town has a public tennis court, reserve it and invite your girlfriends for an evening of tennis, Pimm's Cups and fun.

THE INVITATION

Since a strict all-white dress code is in place for players at Wimbledon, it's always fun to stick to an all-white theme for the party. Ask guests to wear white attire and mention that lawn games will be involved so the ladies don't turn up in high heels. I like to start the party late in the afternoon or early evening, after the temperatures have dropped. A 6pm start time will give you several hours of daylight for games during the summer. White linen paper or card stock is just right for your party invite. A casual, handwritten note (very old school) is perfectly acceptable for this casual gathering.

THE MENU

Afternoon Tea, probably the most quintessential English tradition, is said to have been introduced to England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. Tea typically consists of tea along with scones, buns, pastries, cakes, and accompaniments of butter and jam.

There are a couple of traditions at Wimbledon that are a must for your party menu. One is Strawberries and Cream. Featuring fresh English strawberries from Kent served with Double Cream. It isn't always easy to find English cream in the USA. You can substitute by using a good quality vanilla ice cream, let it melt in the refrigerator until it is pourable but of course, keep it chilled. Pour some of the melted ice cream in the bottom of each dish and fill the bowl with sweetened strawberries and pour a bit more cream over the top. Another option is to whip up some fresh cream and add some orange flavor to it. This is simple and delicious- the perfect compliment to the berries. Another alternative is a flavored whipped cream. I love this orange-strawberry combination.

FRESH STRAWBERRIES WITH ORANGE WHIPPED CREAM

2 pounds of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup Confectioners sugar

1/4 cup Grand Marnier (or orange flavored liqueur)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

For the strawberries: Wash and pat dry. Remove the stems. Slice. Add the sugar and combine gently then sit aside. Do this 1 hour before serving or the berries will break down.

For the cream: Add the whipping cream to a large bowl and whip with electric mixer for a moment at high speed. Turn it off and add the sugar. Whip on  low to incorporate the sugar. (otherwise it will dust you with white powder) Once you have it incorporated, add the other ingredients and whip on high just until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat. Chill until serving time. To serve: layer the berries, juice, and cream in a chilled serving dish or pretty glass. Garnish with mint or fresh basil leaves.

Another staple at Wimbledon or at any other British event is a Pimm's Cup. Pimm's is to Wimbledon what the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby. Pimm's is a gin based liquor and it's so refreshing on a summer day. 

PIMM'S CUP COCKTAIL

1 ½ ounces Pimm's #1

4 ounces lemon-lime soda (7-Up or Sprite)

1 ounce club soda

Wedge of lemon

Cucumber spears

Optional: shot of premium vodka and fresh mint leaves

I like to mix these in a pitcher and serve over ice in a tall glass. They're unique to Americans and so refreshing but watch out! They go down easy and will sneak up on you.

BRITISH SHANDY

Another traditional British beverage is the Shandy. A Shandy is half lager and half lemon-lime soda. I was a skeptic when my friend Nick made me my first Shandy almost 30 years ago, but they've become my summer staple. Many of craft beer companies have their own versions of the shandy bottled and on store shelves.

One pint cold lager beer

One can chilled lemon-lime soda

Chilled tall glasses

Slowly pour half of the beer into the chilled glasses. Top with soda. Serve.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

This party starts with the lawn games so if you don't have access to a tennis court, set up a badminton net instead. Since croquet is also played at Wimbledon, you can also set up a croquet course in the backyard or at the park. Other fun lawn games include horseshoes, bocce ball. or lawn bowling. The game I came to know in Chicago as "baggo" or cornhole is also fun for a lawn party. I always find lots of lawn games at Target during the summer. Set up your game course in whatever green space you have.

This is a great summer evening party theme... try it for a rehearsal dinner or engagement party, a girls night out or guys night out party, a neighborhood party, family get-together, or anyone's birthday party. You can make it kid friendly or invite the adults only, but no matter who attends, my Summer Lawn Party is perfect for any occasion. Just make sure I'm on the guest list... xox

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NATIONAL S'MORES DAY: MAKE INDOOR S'MORES, S'MORES POPS, S'MORES BAR AND MORE!

August 10th is National S'mores Day... and in celebration of that summertime treat, here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them and you won't even need to build a fire for some of these versions!

Create a S'mores Bar for a party, wedding, or simple backyard fun...

Create a S'mores Bar for a party, wedding, or simple backyard fun...

Make Indoor S'mores for any occasion: family game night, movie night, or an overnight party for the kids. They keep well once cooled and wrapped and make a great gift.

Make Indoor S'mores for any occasion: family game night, movie night, or an overnight party for the kids. They keep well once cooled and wrapped and make a great gift.

INDOOR S'MORES

Why wait for a campfire or fire for that matter to make up a batch of S'mores? I have perfected Indoor S'mores and I could not wait to share them with you! Perfect for a party or even just a night in front of the tv, make some of these up for the best-ever comfort food treat. They don't go soggy so you can make them for a picnic or take them to a party as long as you keep them in a cool spot. Make some up and let me know what you think!

INGREDIENTS

1 box of Graham crackers

1 bag of mini-marshmallows

Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut spread

Fill up sheet pans with Graham crackers. Spread each with a thin layer of Nutella. Put 6-7 mini marshmallows on top of each. Put under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Watch to make sure they get golden brown. Take them out and let them cool slightly. Make sandwiches by pressing two together. Eat right that moment or let them cool completely and wrap each with plastic wrap. Keep cool until serving time but do not chill them in the fridge or the cracker will get soggy.

S'MORES POPSICLES

Fudgey-Choco Pops recipe below*

20 mini-marshmallows

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Small plastic or paper cups

Popsicle sticks

In the bottom of a plastic cup, put a small amount of the graham cracker crumbs, about 1 teaspoon for each cup. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the chocolate mixture and 4 marshmallows, top with another  teaspoon of the chocolate and use a spoon to press the chocolate into the marshmallows. Tap the cup on the counter to make a dense layer. Continue layers as necessary to fill the cup, leaving 1/4" at the top. Allow to set up for at least 30 minutes and add a popsicle stick to each cup. Allow to freeze for at least 4 hours.

These S'mores Popsicles are very simple to make and taste just like their namesake!

These S'mores Popsicles are very simple to make and taste just like their namesake!

FUDGEY CHOCO POPS

1 cup water

2.5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped ( you can sub cocoa- just add 1 tablespoon butter if you do)

1/3 cup sugar

pinch salt

1/3 cup milk (use whole or 2%)

1 T. heavy cream (or you can use half and half)

1/2 t. vanilla

1/8 t. instant coffee (or you can use leftover strong coffee)

Put the chopped chocolate, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the water, a little at a time as the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves. Once the chocolate has completely melted, remove from heat. Whisk in the coffee, vanilla, milk, and cream. Chill and cool completely.

And if you want to build a campfire, offer your guests lots of options with my S'MORES BAR!

Simple and delicious... make a S'mores bar for your next get-together so guests can create their own special dessert!

Simple and delicious... make a S'mores bar for your next get-together so guests can create their own special dessert!