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A Memorial Day Pool Party to Remember
April 2009
by Chi-an Chang
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Flowers are blooming, temperatures are going up and the school year is coming to an end. That can only mean one thing: Memorial Day is here. There’s no better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than by throwing a pool party for family and friends. Party planner Preston Bailey—with 28 years of experience under his belt and a client list that includes Donald Trump, Uma Thurman and Oprah Winfrey—offers four steps to throwing a pool party perfect for Memorial Day, including recipes for party dishes and drinks.
Pool Party Step 1: Choose the perfect poolside décor.
Memorial Day commemorates those who have fought for our country, so a patriotic-themed party is fitting and appropriate. But Bailey also suggests looking to nature and the outdoors for inspiration. “Just look at the flowers,” he says, adding that vibrant spring and summer colors like yellow, blue and pink are excellent choices. Bailey advises staying away from fall-inspired colors like orange and brown. Use beach umbrellas on tables to decorate your pool area, as well. Not only will this evoke the feeling of summer; it will also protect guests from the sun—or any unexpected showers.
Pool Party Step 2: Plan a fun family-friendly pool game.
Bailey suggests keeping pool party games fun and easy, but with a hint of competition. He recommends group sports, such as pool volleyball. For additional pool game ideas, read “Family Pool Games.”
Pool Party Step 3: Pick recipes that are ideal for the poolside.
Bailey recommends you keep recipes light and serve guests salads, vegetable and fruit dishes. But if you’re a meat fan, check out “Fire Up Your Grill” for other options for barbequing. Bailey offers two recipes that are sure to impress your guests:
Recipe: Snow Peas and Toasted Almonds
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds
* 1/2 pound snow peas
* 2 teaspoon minced shallots
* 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
1. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, then add almonds and cook until golden (the butter should begin to brown) stirring frequently, approximately 1 1/2 minutes.
2. Add snow peas and shallot. Sauté until snow peas are crisp-tender, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add lemon juice.
4. Season to taste with salt and serve.
Recipe: Sweet Corn, Tomato and Cilantro Salad
Ingredients:
* 10 ears fresh corn, husked
* 2 pounds plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Preparation:
1. Cook corn in large pot with boiling salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; cool to room temperature.
2. Cut corn kernels from cobs. Transfer corn to a large bowl.
3. Add the remaining ingredients. Toss to blend.
4. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper.
Pool Party Step 4: Spring-themed drinks.
For drinks, Bailey suggests taking advantage of the wonderful spring and summer fruits available. Set up a fresh juice bar where guests can blend their favorite fruits together. Or try Bailey’s recipe for sparkling mango strawberry sangria:
Recipe: Sparkling Mango Strawberry Sangria
Ingredients:
* 9 ounces fresh mango, peeled, pitted and pureed to make 6 ounces strained mango puree
* 6 large strawberries, pureed
* 1 ounce simple syrup
* 6 ounces fresh orange juice
* 6 ounces fresh lemon juice
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 1 liter lemon-lime soda
* 1 mango, peeled, pitted and cubed
* Mint sprig, strawberries, orange and lemon slices
* Large Bordeaux glass with ice
Preparation:
1. Place all ingredients (excluding lemon-lime soda) into a large glass container, cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. When ready to serve, pour mixture into an ice-filled pitcher to 2/3 full.
3. Add fresh sliced fruits and top with lemon-lime soda, stir gently to mix.
4. Serve in glasses filled with ice and fresh fruit.
