For more than 25 years, Jane Rodmell has been serving up delicious fare at her pioneering gourmet food shops, All the Best Fine Foods, in Toronto. An experienced chef and the award-winning author of the cookbook All the Best: 300 Delicious and Extraordinary Recipes, Rodmell believes that fine food is not unlike high fashion. Prepared by hand in small batches and with the best ingredients, her meals are as scrumptious as they are stylish - a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Sharing food with others has long been her passion and, when it comes to throwing summer garden parties, Rodmell makes it a breeze by carefully planning everything from the guest list to the ingredients used in making the meals well in advance. Here are some of her top tips.
GETTING STARTED
Decide from the outset that you are going to join in and have fun. Keep things manageable. If you're planning a large event, get outside help. Whether you're doing it solo or with the help of a caterer, though, plan the basics - the date, the time, the number of guests - long before show time, Rodmell advises. In particular, look at your garden or outdoor space and make a site plan, asking such questions as: What are the best spots for setting up a bar and laying out food? Do I need to order glassware, plates, cutlery or chairs? Where will the seating areas be? If you're planning to use a barbecue, check the propane tank to make sure there's enough fuel or that you have enough charcoal. Also, give some thought to other necessities, such as ice supply, bug control and clean-up. Finally, have a Plan B in place in the event of rain: If you think you might need a tent, order one at least three weeks in advance to ensure that one is available.
ESTABLISHING THE MOOD
Take your theme and colour scheme from the flowers and plants in your garden, Rodmell says, adding that floral arrangements and centrepieces should complement table linens. Source music to suit the occasion. And offer a welcoming cocktail - something cool and sparkling - to guests as soon as they arrive, she notes.
FOOD AND DRINK
Select food and drink that is seasonal, colourful, fresh and light. Keep in mind that guests will likely be mingling with a glass in hand, so choose food that is easy to both serve and handle, says Rodmell. Put out a few small bowls of savoury snacks that will stay tasty out of doors throughout the party: Crispy cheese straws, olives, mixed nuts, savoury shortbreads and bread sticks are all safe bets. For the bar, set out plenty of glasses, lemon and lime wedges, bottles of still and sparkling water, great beers, both red and white wine and more ice than you think you'll need in advance. If mixing drinks, have the ingredients for the makings of standard summer cocktails always at the ready.
RECIPE SUGGESTIONS
Starters might include a shooter glass or small cup of chilled soup (such as watermelon with cucumber confit) or a couple of bite-size eats (like sweet pea crostini topped with mozzarella). A food station that includes summery antipasti - semi-dried cherry tomatoes, wood-roasted artichokes, roasted peppers, French-cured olives, a charcuterie platter, a terrine, a cheese assortment with sliced baguettes and interesting breads or crisp breads - is both easy to assemble and popular. As a summer feature dish, seafood is always a hit, but make it a simple one: Try lobster-salad sliders, ceviche, fresh oysters on the half shell or marinated mussels. For tasty hot items off the barbecue, think seafood brochettes, spicy chicken satay, mini beef burgers with delicious condiments or a spicy sausage combo. As for items that can be served warm but pre-prepped in the kitchen, think mini hot beef-tenderloin sandwiches or small savoury tarts.
THE ESSENTIAL
Kick your garden party up a notch with these plastic stemless wine glasses by U.S.-based Govino. Originally created for professional wine tastings but now sold as sets for parties, "they're both elegant and shatterproof - nearly impossible to break," Rodmell says. $114.95 perbox of 36 wine glasses through www.govinowine.com.