shabou: Ringing in the Summer with a Backyard BBQ

We had some friends over this past weekend for a Ring in the Summer Backyard BBQ.

I spent so much time planning all the little details and then of course ran out of time to take pictures of all of my hard work (kicking myself). Above are a few shots I was able to catch before our friends started to arrive.

The weather held out (no rain, thank god!) and everyone had a great time drinking, eating and catching up.

When people first arrived I put out my homemade guacamole (always a crowd favorite)

What you'll need:

5 ripe Haas avocados

1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely diced

A handful of cilantro, chopped

Half an onion, finely chopped

Juice of a lime

salt & pepper to taste

A good bag of Taco chips, my favorite are the Xochitl brand

I served mine in an authentic molcajete

I also put out a crudites platter. My husband said "why don't you just buy the already made one at the grocery and save yourself time"... as if! Obviously that wasn't even an option!

I went to the market that morning and bought fresh carrots, celery, radishes, cucumbers, string beans, zucchini and peppers.

I set everything up on my Oversized West Elm Board

(this board is a must have! I use it every time I entertain and get endless compliments.)

I also used my Chalkboard West Elm Planters to put the carrots, celery and string beans. Not what I intentionally bought it for, but ended up looking super cute and very Farm to Table.

I also used my Farmer's Market Baskets to hold the radishes and cucumbers.

The finishing touch was a spinach artichoke and onion dip in scooped out peppers.

The Dinner Menu was

Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Skewers

Cold Pasta Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Spinach and Pecorino Cheese

Potato Salad and Cole Slaw

Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Buttermilk Chicken

Corn

and all the fixins

I wrapped plastic utensils in red and white paper napkins and tied them with jute.

I put them in these cute gingham lined picnic baskets I found.

For dessert I made red velvet cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting, sprinkles and a fresh cherry on top. Our friends brought plenty of cake, cookies and brownies to go around.