Summertime is the perfect time to host an outdoor party and get together with old and new friends, family and neighbors!

You can’t go wrong with the main stream party staples like chips and dip, veggie trays, or a deli tray with sandwich options. If your looking to add a little something extra to your outdoor get-together here are some ideas to try.

Pinwheel sandwiches are easy to make using flour tortillas. Pinwheel sandwiches can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until your party is scheduled to start. Fill your sandwiches with different types of meat including salami, ham and turkey. Add cream cheese and lettuce. For those who avoid meat you can fill your pinwheel sandwiches with hummus and shredded veggies.

If you have access to a few crockpots you can set up a taco bar. Cooked ground meat and beans can be added to multiple items. Burritos, tacos, nachos, fritos etc. This can also be made ahead the morning of your get-together freeing your time to focus on mingling and having a fun time. Shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole can all be added to your taco bar.

Kabobs can be made with so much variety. You can do fruit kabobs with strawberries, pineapple, grapes, watermelon, or what ever types of fruit you like. Blocks of cheese can be cut into cubes and placed on kobob sticks. Grilled meat kabobs can be chicken or steak mixed together with vegetables or alone. Shrimp also makes a good choice grilled on a kabob.

You may want to keep your desserts simple and self serve. Varieties of cookies, brownies, fresh fruit, or a donut tower are easy and tasty treats that won’t require a host or hostess to cut and serve.

Whatever food you decide to serve, keep it simple and make your party or gathering about YOU enjoying yourself. Your guests will surely feel right at home!