A consummate hostess, Vera Stewart shares her tips for warm-weather entertaining—plus a few favorite recipes from her new cookbook, “The VeryVera Cookbook: Occasions.”
Be Flexible: The backyard offers countless possibilities for fun presentations, weather permitting—but “always have a Plan B in your pocket,” in case it gets a little too warm or a storm rolls in.
Bugs and Bright Lights: “Think about these two things when entertaining outside: lighting and insects.” Uplighting supplies the prior without attracting the latter, but also consider spraying the yard with bug spray beforehand or using nicely scented citronella candles.
Mind the Temperature: Keep cold items cold, especially when they include ingredients such as sour cream or mayo. You can make this creative and fun: For example, place your slaw or potato salad in a large bowl with a freezer bottle at the bottom, covered by a layer of cabbage leaves. “No one will know that you are protecting the salad, but they will be intrigued with your presentation.”…