Put the tongs down. Untie that ironic “Kiss the Cook” apron. Back away from the grill.
It’s not that your friends aren’t impressed by your ability to flip six hamburger patties at once, it’s just...how many barbecues can a person attend? To shake up the summer party scene, throw one of these epic get-togethers -- none of which involve macaroni salad that’s been sitting out for three hours.
Seafood boil
This buttery, savory crowd-pleaser is a lot easier to host than you might think. Since practically everything gets prepared in the same pot, both cooking and clean-up couldn’t be easier. And lobster is downright delicious.
Menu: Lobsters, mussels, crabs, and crawfish. Oh my! Break up the seafood with some corn on the cob and potatoes. And everything gets a good squeeze of lemon, a sprig of thyme, and a dusting of Old Bay.
Decorations: We weren’t kidding when we said this is truly one of the simplest parties to throw. Since the food itself is so eye-catching (think bright red and beautiful lobster and slices of lemon), you don’t need to do much to make your table look great. Just spread some newspaper out and lay your provisions on top of it. For a pop of color, try some nautical-themed blue and white napkins, and hang an anchor or lifesaver on the wall if you’re feeling extra kitschy.
The one thing your guests won’t see coming: Everyone knows wine goes perfectly with seafood, so get the party going with a wine tasting. Since experts can’t seem to agree on what the best pairing is, grab some Chardonnay, some Sauvignon Blanc, a few others, and decide for yourselves. https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/skip-the-grill-throw-these-dinner-parties-instead/food-and-drink
