Fun Creative Recipes for Every Summer Occasion

The weather has been pretty nice this spring so far and summer is quickly approaching!  Do you have any fun recipes that you like to make for cookouts and picnics?  We have five different summer party themes and perfect recipes to go with them!

Apartment Therapy is always the place to go for unique DIY crafts and unique recipes.  There are recipes for a cocktail to a brunch for you to explore below.  Keep reading to learn more!

1. Chill Cocktail Social
The attention here will really be on chill cocktails and cool conversations, so don't sweat it and just provide a light spread of snacks to nibble on. We like:

10 Light & Fresh Dips for Spring Snacking
Spiced Cucumber Sticks with Chaat Masala
Kale Chips
15 More Ways to Flavor Roasted Chickpeas
A Snack-Heavy Gathering: 10 Simple, Satisfying Recipes




2. Sweet Sunday Brunch
Spend time celebrating your friends as they arrive, not slave over the stove! This compact collection of our favorite brunch items are easy-to-make, colorful and totally make-ahead-able:
Potato Breakfast Gratin with Red Peppers & Parmesan
Citrus Salad with Honey & Bitters Dressing
Sticky Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
Strawberry-Sour Cream Scones with Brown Sugar Crumble




3. Family-Friendly Barbecue Picnic
Nothing's better than firing the grill up and smelling cooked scents wafting on a summer breeze. Even if you don't have a backyard big enough to house a huge barbecue pit, you can still find room with these small space grills.
Ultimate Beef & Bacon Burgers
Grilled Smoked Sausage Skewers with Three Zesty Sauces
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Miso Glaze
Grilled Guacamole
Grilled Zucchini and Grape Tomato Salad
Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Spicy Lime Dressing
(Can't forget about potato salad) How To Make Potato Salad
(Don't forget dessert!) How To Make Ice Cream Sandwiches At Home






4. Stellar Sci-Fi Movie Night Under the Stars
What do you serve at an outdoor movie night under the stars? Obviously delicious homemade snacks! We love these ideas:
10 Make-At-Home Snacks
Dark Chocolate & Nutella Puppy Chow
Homemade Potato Chips with Rosemary
Homemade Popcorn with Olive Oil

What snacks and main dishes have you made at past parties that were huge hits? Share your favorite recipes that you know always knock it out of the park when celebrating with guests!