In the midst of this past awful polar votex winter, I had a yearning for summer. I wanted to be outdoors, spending time with friends and yes even a little sweat would be more than perfectly acceptable. So way back in February I got to work planning to host a girl’s weekend in June. 2 days with just the girls. Busy schedules do mean you have to plan in advance….
Getting together with friends you have known for years is so much fun. Gals who understand where you have been and support where you are going. I knew that along with stories, catching up, and relaxation, there would be laughter and activities. I also had an idea to invite old friends who knew each other and some new friends who had not met, and wanted to plan a mixer to kick off the weekend.
This is where Yellow Tail’s Sangria came in. In a bit of perfect timing, one week before the Girls Weekend, I received a box from Yellow Tail (who must have been reading my mind). Inside were plans for just what I was looking for – a relaxing girls get together – a booklet with suggestions for music, books, recipes for homemade lip balms and foot scrubs. Plus nail polish and candles and some recipes to compliment the enclosed Sangria.
Sangria – a perfect way to kick off and enjoy your summer. Light, fruity and serviceable in a number of ways. On ice, with fruit, straight out of the bottle (chilled) or mixed with sparkling water or sparkling wine. I had sampled this new offering from Yellow Tail before and I knew it would be a crowd pleaser.
It was.
I set the table with a variety of appetizers including a Quinoa Honey Blend Salad and a Lettuce and Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed dressing (recipes below courtesy of Yellow Tail Sangria). These offerings were simple to prepare and looked great on the table. Poured the sangria, and let the conversation flow.
Spending time with friends is an important part of taking care of you. An easy to put together mixer means you can enjoy and not spend time running around playing hostess. Why not plan your party as a Potluck? As the hostess, make 2 main course salads and let friends bring along an appetizer to share. Suggest foods that don’t have to be replenished often – bruschetta, crackers and cheese spread, marinated vegetables. Your friends who don’t cook can also bring sliced fruit or mix ins for the Sangria.
Creating a Sangria party means you won’t have to offer a wide variety of beverages. It’s a perfect summer drink that both red and white wine drinkers like – offer the mix-ins and let your guests customize their drinks. The Yellow Tail is great just out of a chilled bottle – and many of my guests commented how much they like the fruity taste. A few added a splash of champagne and others added bubbles with sparkling water.
Here are recipes to consider as they pair great with the Sangria.
Fruit and Lettuce Salad
Fruit and Lettuce Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head of chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 head chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 pint of strawberries (quarter the strawberries)
- 16oz. pineapple chunks
- 16 oz. mandarin oranges
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Poppy seed dressing
Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl – serve with poppy seed dressing on the side (ok to toss salad with dressing to coat as well)
Honey and Quinoa Blend
Honey and Quinoa Blend
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of uncooked quinoa
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup honey roasted peanuts
- Juice of 1 fresh orange
- 2 tsp fresh orange zest
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Directions:
Prepare quinoa according to package directions and set aside to cool for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a large bowl. Add honey; toss gently to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes. Then mix in remaining ingredients. Serve warm or chilled.
Can’t wait to hear about the Sangria party you will host!
Cheers!
I participated in this sponsored campaign through One 2 One Network. All opinions are my own.
What do you think?