It’s mid-summer, coming up on the Fourth of July and you know what that means!  Summer barbecue time!

An iconic American event, the summer barbecue is typically laden with lots of rich and fatty foods, overloaded with sugar, and even though it all tastes good, can make us feel pretty bad the next day!

In the event world, we are seeing interest in parties, weddings, and events that are still as delicious as those traditional dishes, but have a healthy and unique twist for guests.

Whether planning a little backyard barbecue for you and your partner or heading to the beach for a bash with all of your friends and family, here are three twists we love for that usual, over-the-top indulgences.

No, this doesn’t mean only vegetables (but hey, so what if it did?!).

We are seeing a trend towards many people going vegan.  If for only a short time or a lifetime, this can be a fun and creative way to shake up the usual menu.

And not only do we think it would be fun, we know it is!  We’ve done it ourselves and have had guests going crazy over our homemade dishes!

Need some inspiration?

If it’s something you are looking to learn more about and are interested in the lifestyle or just learning a few dishes, check out www.almostvegancookingschool.com which for a few dollars, you can actually watch an online course in vegan dishes – some of our favorite vegan picnic foods come from there!

We also like:

www.theminimalistbaker.com  Check out these 22 summer recipes!  https://minimalistbaker.com/22-easy-summer-recipe-ideas/

And check out these 50 vegan summer recipes at: http://keepinitkind.com/50-vegan-summer-recipes/

And if you’re worried your guests will miss the hamburgers or hot dogs, go for homemade black bean veggie burgers and vegan hot dogs – our kids especially love the hot dogs and can’t even tell a difference!

Yes, you can go for the traditional chili cook off, but we love adding a twist for your guests!

Why not try:

– a potato salad cook off

– a homemade pie cook off

– most creative hot dog topping cook off

– best side salad/dish cook off

Be creative!  Tell your guests about your cook off and ask them to bring one to be a part of the contest.  Make sure to let guests score each one and offer a fun prize!

We love this!  Who says grilling for a summer party needs to be hamburgers and hot dogs?  Think outside the grill box and go for something new!

We especially love grilling things such as quesadillas where guests get to fill their own and a Mexican or Latin American theme includes margaritas, chips and homemade guacamole, rice, and beans.  

Or, go for a mediterranean grill party with grilling individual pizzas guests make with fresh grilled vegetables, olives, cheeses, nuts, and chilled red wine.

And don’t let your imagination stop there!  Who doesn’t love some grilled french toast and sausage for brinner?  Or think fresh grilled fruits such as pineapple, mangoes, and peaches drizzled with honey for dessert!

Whatever you choose for your summer party, don’t be afraid to try something new.  We love this perspective for events and weddings as well.  As an Orlando event planner, we see many of the same trends.  Our goal is to make each event and wedding in Central Florida one-of-a-kind.  Many times, that means thinking in new and unique ways.  

If you’re looking for ideas in setting your wedding or event a part from the traditional, you’ve found the right team!

Please contact me at michele@michelebutlerevents.com.

And for a limited time, we are offering our summer special of 35% off all planning packages!  Now, THAT calls for a summer party!