Celebrate the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) with a simple, stylish cocktail party that works for any midsummer night
Rob Howard
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The Provisions
Everything you need to host a simply radiant summer cocktail party.
Decorations: Fete nature — and create a lush ambience at the same time — with homemade topiary balls (shown). For an easy how-to, see Green Party. (Topiary balls, $4.50 each, www.jamaligarden.com; faux-ivy garland, $8 to $22, www.michaels.com for store locations; and floral wire, available at craft stores.) And you don’t need a cabana-like tent in your backyard to hang them from — the ornaments look just as stylish hung from an outdoor umbrella or a deck railing. At twilight, make sure you provide plenty of lighting (for suggestions, see Shine a Light).
Drinks: Treat your guests to refreshing beverages, such as sparkling wine and Berry Vodka Spritzers (See Recipes).
Food: Serve some savory little bites inspired by dishes from Scandinavian countries, where the solstice is honored with an annual festival. Try Herbed Bay Shrimp with Rye Crackers and Smoked Salmon Triangles (See Recipes), along with fancied up crudités and cheese-and-cracker platters.
