Libations & Celebrations
by Sue Zelickson, Tastemaker in Residence
Libations and Celebrations have taken us to a new normal that includes new rules and regulations. Tried and true doesn't really fit these days. We are creating new drinks, foods, and setups for gatherings of all kinds. Masks and sanitizers, as well as spaced seating, hopefully, keep us safe; as we purchase our foods in either boxes or bags and drinks in cans or bottles. Welcome to the new not normal.
Here's a great option. YUM Kitchen and Bakery in Minneapolis catered a small family outdoor wedding by creating picnic baskets for two. These lovely baskets held gazpacho, salmon, couscous, salad, cupcakes, bottles of champagne and water, and of course Patti Soskin’s amazing PATTICAKE!! Very clever and delish. Many family celebrations are now using restaurant pick up or delivery to support the industry. Tables are sometimes set with the containers they arrive in. This saves clean up and dishes, plus its easy peasy. Another alternative is to use take out containers that can fit atop a platter or inside a bowl to make it look a wee bit fancier.
Noting the beverage updates on the market we find more booze additions in cans and bottles as well as non-alcoholic choices that include flavored waters and wines. So many great options that it's hard to decide. Placing your beverage choices in large glass jars with spigots is a fun, no-fuss way to serve fruit drinks, whether they’re spiked or not; especially at your summer/fall outdoor parties. They are festive, pretty, and can be filled with ice to keep them cold. Sangria, either white or red is one perfect drink to serve in these jars. Or there is always the carved glass punch bowls of the olden days. Many of us including the younger generation is going on picnics again, with picnic tables or blankets. It makes it so easy to distance and still be outside in the fresh air.
Once again using take out from your favorite restaurant, without a patio, or one that might not be open for inside dining yet is a great way to make it safe and easy, all the while supporting our restauranteurs.
If COVID has taught us anything about entertaining outside the box, its to be as spontaneously creative as possible. Check out the new items in the markets and take-out. You might look for the old drive-ins to make a comeback. Wouldn’t that be fun!
