All of the Wimbledon buzz has inspired me to plan a Lawn Party.... British style!
Some of the traditions of Wimbledon have been in place for 100+ years! Wimbledon is played on grass, so even if you don't have access to a tennis court, if you have a patch of grass, you can host this great summer get-together complete with badminton, croquet, lawn darts, or make up your own lawn games.
The Invitation
Since a strict all-white dress code is in place for players at Wimbledon, it's always fun to stick to an all-white theme for the party. Ask guests to wear white attire and mention that lawn games will be involved so the ladies don't turn up in high heels. I always like to start this party late in the afternoon or early evening, after the temperatures have dropped slightly. A 6pm start time will give you several hours of daylight for games during the summer. White linen paper or card stock is just right for your party invite. A casual, handwritten note (very old school) is perfectly acceptable for this casual gathering.
THE PARTY MENU
A Wimbledon Tradition: Strawberries and Cream
Strawberries and Cream are a tradition at Wimbledon.There are a couple of traditions at Wimbledon that you are a must for your party menu. Strawberries and Cream are a Wimbledon staple so dessert is going to be easy! In England, cream is always single or double cream and it is difficult to find the English version in the US. If you want to make it easy on yourself, just get some really good vanilla ice cream, let it melt until it pours. Pour some cream in the bottom of each dish and fill the bowl with strawberries. Serve with a pitcher of the cream for those who want extra. Make sure to get extra fresh and really delicious berries.... Try Driscoll's Berries. Always fresh, always reliable!
Another option is to whip up some fresh cream and add some orange flavor to it. This is simple and delicious- the perfect compliment to the berries.
ORANGE WHIPPED CREAM
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup Confectioners sugar
1/4 cup Grand Marnier (or orange flavored liqueur)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon very finely grated orange zest
Add the whipping cream to a large bowl and whip with electric mixer for a moment at high speed. Turn it off and add the sugar. Whip at low to incorporate the sugar, otherwise it will dust you with white powder! Once you have it incorporated, add the other ingredients and whip on high until stiff peaks form. Chill until serving time.
BEVERAGE OPTIONS
Another staple at Wimbledon or at any other British event is a Pimm's Cup. Pimm's is to Wimbledon what the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby. I love a good Pimm's Cup! Pimm's is a gin based liquor and it's so refreshing on a summer day.
PIMM'S CUP
1 ½ ounce Pimm's #1
4 ounces lemon-lime soda-- 7-Up or Sprite
1 ounce club soda
Wedge of lemon
Cucumber spears
Optional: shot of premium vodka
I like to mix these in a pitcher and serve over ice in a tall glass. They're really unique and refreshing but watch out! They really sneak up on you.
Another great British beverage is the Shandy. A Shandy is half lager (shown below) and half lemon-lime soda. Believe me, I was a skeptic but it's delicious and refreshing on a summer day!
BRITISH SHANDY
For 2
One pint cold lager beer
One can chilled lemon-lime soda
Chilled tall glasses
Slowly pour half of the beer into the chilled glasses. Top with soda. Serve.
BRITISH PUB FOOD
Serve traditional British pub food for this party; fish and chips are a pub staple and always a favorite. Sandwiches and crisps (what we call potato chips) or maybe Cornish pasties... delicate meat and potato pies are delicious. Make what is easy and will keep well for your outdoor party.
The ENTERTAINMENT
This party starts with the lawn games so if you don't have access to a tennis court, set up a badminton net instead. Since croquet is also played at Wimbledon, you can also set up a croquet course in the backyard or at the park. Other fun lawn games include horseshoes, bocce ball. or lawn bowling. The game I came to know in Chicago as "baggo" is also fun for a lawn party. I always find lots of great lawn games at Target during the summer. Set up your game course in whatever green space you have. If the party is in the late afternoon, I like to string little while lights all around my game course.
This is a great summer evening party theme... try it for a rehearsal dinner or engagement party, a girls night out or guys night out party, a neighborhood party, family get-together, or anyone's birthday party! You can make it kid friendly or invite the adults only, but no matter who attends, my Summer Lawn Party is perfect for any occasion!