Food and Wine
Summer Party Planner
Whether your guest list includes two or 20, our backyard picnic party is sure to please
BY
Melanie Jones
PHOTOGRAPHY
Nancy Nolan; styled by Melanie Jones and Mandy Keener






Easy breezy seating is important for a backyard bash. We love a classic Adirondack chair paired with a silver drum side table from Favorite Things in Little Rock. A fun orange pom-pom throw from Full Moon, also in Little Rock, adds a big pop of color.





The best summer accessory? This super-cute cooler from Box Turtle in Little Rock. Featuring an AM/FM radio and decent speakers, this must-have also hooks up to your iPod or CD player for the ultimate portable party.
The epitome of summer, a picnic on a plush lawn can’t be beat. Spread out gorgeous quilts, like this reversible number from Vesta’s, toss in an oversized throw pillow or two from Box Turtle, and let guests lounge as they see fit. We also discovered a fun alternative to making ice cream in the Play & Freeze ice cream ball. Simply load the ingredients and shake, pass or roll the ball for 20 to 30 minutes and—voila!—a fast frozen treat. Sandwiches courtesy of Catering to You in Little Rock.


Nothing cools off the Arkansas summer like ice cream. We set up an ice cream bar for guests to create their own custom treats with a variety of toppings. Topping bowls, Vesta’s, Little Rock. Red, white and blue bowls, Room to Room, Conway. Rug, Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock. Ant, Conway’s Classic Touch, Conway.


Our favorite summertime songs! Search for the Summer Bliss Mix for download on iTunes!
“I Love Being Here with You”—Peggy Lee
“In the Summertime”—Mungo Jerry
“Cold Beverages”—G Love & the Special Sauce
“Feeling Good”—Nina Simone
“One More Day”—The Wood Brothers
“Everybody Loves the Sunshine”—Roy Ayers
“I Can’t Get Next to You”—The Temptations
“Me & Julio Down By the Schoolyard”—Paul Simon
“Inspiration Information”—Shuggie Otis
“Bongo Bong”—Manu Chau
“Superbowl Sundae”—Ozomatli
“Mellow Yellow”—Donovan
“Big Blue Sea”—Bob Schneider

Click here to see our recipe database, which includes some of our favorite drinks and treats for hot summer days.