This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however, all opinions expressed are my own.

With the summer heat in Florida, my family fuels up on fresh fruits and vegetables constantly and that doesn’t change when we entertain.  Having a produce-packed party is always on the calendar throughout the summer.

Luckily, Florida Farmers are hard at work making it easy for everyone to enjoy fresh produce year around.  Right now 2 of my favorites are in season, sweet corn and watermelon! I mean don’t those two just symbolize summer in so many ways?  They both immediately bring me back to summers as a child, getting sticky from watermelon juice and jumping in the pool or grabbing an ear of corn and eating at the picnic table with my cousins.  

Sweet corn and watermelon may be my favorites, but they aren’t the only produce in season this summer tomatoes, blueberries, bell peppers, mangos, and star fruit are also in season in Florida.  This gives us a full array of beautiful colors and delicious options on our buffet table at every barbeque.  Do you love entertaining friends and family at your house over the summer?  I have a few tips to make your next back yard party perfect.

Tips for hosting a perfect summer party

Load up on the Fresh From Florida produce! 

Seriously, with all the fruits and veggies that are in season, it’s a must.  Plus, it helps your guests beat the Florida heat and stay hydrated in a delicious way. Many summer afternoons are in the mid 90’s here in Florida, so filling up on a juicy piece of watermelon or a fruit kabob is a light way to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Create a fun and colorful Buffet

Entertaining in the summer, to me means backyard laidback fun.  This means everyone can grab food as they get hungry and help themselves to a table full of delicious options.  However, a buffet doesn’t mean boring.  We like to choose colorful table cloths, fun serving dishes, and produce that is cut in cute shapes or put on sticks in every color of the rainbow.

Get Everyone Involved

Whether it’s helping out in the kitchen or playing a game in the yard, get everyone up and having fun together.  Living in Florida has introduced us to the game cornhole, and my husband and father are now obsessed with the game, I think they keep track of who’s won what for months on end.  The rest of my family enjoys hanging by the pool.

Make a Fruity Signature Drink

Once the food is set up, it’s time to think about drinks.  I like to make a big container of one fun family friendly signature drink, besides having the cooler full of waters and adult beverages.  One of my families favorites is the Watermelon Fizz Recipe from Fresh From Florida it’s sweet, bubbly, and refreshing.

Watermelon Fizz from Fresh From Florida

Refreshing watermelon drink made from Fresh From Florida products.

Print

Ingredients

• 5 cups Florida watermelon (seeded and cubed)
• Florida honey, to taste
• 2 cups sparkling water
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Add watermelon, honey, and lemon juice to a blender and process until smooth.
2. Strain puree through a fine sieve.
3. Fill 4 glasses with ice.
4. Evenly distribute the strained juice into each glass.
5. Top each glass with sparkling water and stir once.
6. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

Are you ready to host a produce party? 

Be sure to look for food, produce, and seafood labeled Fresh From Florida at your local grocery store and then follow the fresh on social media for delicious Fresh! Recipe Videos!

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram