garden party ideas

Remember the olive oil. It contains healthy fat that actually helps you better absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, and K, along with carotenes such as lycopene.

Refreshing sangria is a welcome guest at your garden party.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Summer's winding down, but that makes these last days all the more sweet—and a great time to host an evening gathering on your balcony, deck, or in the backyard. Using homegrown or local produce makes for a cost-efficient and healthy meal, and for the menu, we have some great garden party recipe ideas that will get your feast on the table in no time. To make things easier still, we’ve picked an entrée that can be prepared in advance, and sides you can serve at room temperature. So invite your family and friends. It’s sure to be a memorable meal, thanks to these fantastic garden party ideas from the Rodale Recipe Finder.

#1: Sparkling Wine Sangria. As guests arrive, offer them a refreshing glass of this icy, refreshing sangria, resplendent with peaches and plums. Both fruits are loaded with vitamins A and C. For a nonalcoholic version, just leave out the sparkling wine.

#2: Mushroom and Parmesan Bruschetta. Serve the sangria along with this simple-to-prepare, rich-tasting, Parmesan-topped mushroom bruschetta.

#3: Maryland Crab Cakes with Roasted Pepper Sauce. These delectible lovelies will have your guests reminiscing about your party for weeks. They’re also a cinch to make. Assemble them in advance and cook them when it’s time to eat; they only take about three minutes per side. The sauce can be made the day before the event. And whether you roast your own peppers or use a jarred version, sweet, ripe bell peppers are a good source of vitamins A and C. They’re also loaded with disease-fighting phytochemicals, thanks to their red, yellow, and orange pigments.