Summer in Tennessee is a celebration of golden light, flourishing gardens, and the laughter of friends and family floating on balmy breezes. It’s the season for coming together for intimate backyard soirées, milestone gatherings, or spontaneous celebrations just “because.” At CRAVE Catering, we believe your summer events should feel effortless, yet memorable; sophisticated, yet fun. With our expertise in upscale BBQ catering, farm-fresh salads, bespoke menus, and seamless execution, we’ll help you design a backyard event that wows every guest while letting you relax and revel in the moment. For those seeking inspiration, we also share creative backyard catering ideas that highlight seasonal flavors and stylish setups to make your gathering truly unforgettable.
Uplift Your Backyard Event Catering with Upscale BBQ
When someone mentions summer entertaining, BBQ is probably the first thing that pops to mind, and for good reason. But gone are the days when backyard BBQs had to mean checkered tablecloths and plastic forks. At CRAVE Catering, we specialize in merging BBQ’s relaxed, convivial spirit with the elegance of elevated culinary design.
Picture handcrafted smoked brisket finished with a bourbon-glaze, flanked by artisanal bread rolls and house-made pickles. Slices of herb-marinated grilled chicken, adorned with a peach and jalapeño salsa, sit artfully amid seasonal greens.
Pro tip:
Offer a curated selection of signature sauces and rubs. This custom touch allows guests to personalize their plates and makes your menu feel indulgently exclusive.
BBQ Menu Considerations
- Choose High-Quality Proteins: Opt for sustainable, high-grade meats smoked to perfection, and always include a vegetarian BBQ option like grilled portobello steak with chimichurri.
- Balance Hot and Cold: Counterbalance the smoke and richness of BBQ with cool, fresh salads and crisp fruit.
- Presentation Matters: Plate proteins on elegant wood boards with edible flowers or arrange sauces in beautiful ceramic dishes.
Fresh and Seasonal Salads: Light, Vibrant, and Beautiful
No summer dining experience is complete without the vibrance and crunch of seasonal produce. Salads become the heartbeat of warm-weather tablescapes, and with the bounty of Southern summers, the possibilities are mouthwatering.
Some of CRAVE’s favorite summer salad ideas include:
- Watermelon and Feta Salad with Fresh Mint and Balsamic Reduction: Cool, sweet, and salty, this pairing is a crowd-pleaser and striking on the table.
- Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad: Lush, sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy burrata, basil pesto, a sprinkle of sea salt, and toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Grilled peppers, zucchini, and red onion tossed with quinoa and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, finished with handfuls of fresh herbs.
Don’t discount the power of presentation: Layer salad ingredients in glass jars for grab-and-go ease, or serve in mismatched vintage bowls for an eclectic, photogenic spread. Even classics can feel boutique when styled right!
Pro tip: Incorporate edible blooms like nasturtium or pansies for pops of color and botanical elegance.
Keeping It Chic in the Heat: Smart Summer Soirée Tips
Outdoor summer entertaining is exhilarating, but it presents its own set of hosting challenges: heat, humidity, and hungry guests. At CRAVE Catering, our goal is to help you create a cool, comfortable oasis for your gathering, regardless of temperature or guest count.
1. Plan a Temperature-Friendly Menu
- Chilled Appetizers: Think gazpacho shooters, shrimp ceviche in mini cups, or apple and fennel slaw served in crisp lettuce cups.
- Room-Temp Sides: Charred corn salad, roasted beet salads, grain bowls with roasted veggies, and artisanal breads require no chilling or reheating.
- Frozen Treats: Finish with mini lemon icebox pies, berry sorbets, or frozen grapes for a sweet, cooling touch.
2. Hydration Stations with a Twist
- Infused Water Bars: Offer glass dispensers with combinations like cucumber-mint, strawberry-lime, or orange-rosemary.
- Artisanal Iced Teas: Brew floral Earl Grey or peach-ginger teas and serve with honey, lemon wheels, and fresh herbs for garnish.
- Signature Cocktails: Prepare a refreshing summer spritz or a sparkling mocktail infused with herbs and edible flowers.
3. Shade, Comfort, and Ambiance
- Elegant Tents or Canopies: Not only functional, but can be decorated with draped fabric and hanging floral installations.
- Lounge Areas: Overstuffed pillows, woven rugs, vintage armchairs, and lanterns turn practical shade into a stylish focal point.
- String Lighting and Florals: As evening falls, twinkle lights strung above tables, interspersed with tea lights and lush centerpieces, add undeniable romance.
4. Serving with Style
- Grazing tables loaded with charcuterie, fresh breads, cheeses, and fruit.
- Passed hors d’oeuvres that keep guests moving and conversation flowing.
- “Action” chef stations, like a made-to-order taco or BBQ slider bar.
Real Menu Ideas for Your Summer Soirée
To help spark your imagination, here’s a CRAVE Catering sample menu that blends upscale BBQ, the best of summer’s bounty, and Instagram-worthy presentation at every turn:
Appetizers
- Mini Lobster Rolls with Lemon Aioli on Brioche Buns
- Tuna Tartare on Crispy Wonton Chips with Avocado Mousse
Main Course (Upscale BBQ)
- Smoked Beef Brisket with Bourbon BBQ Sauce and Housemade Pickles
- Citrus-Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs served with Peach & Jalapeño Salsa
- Grilled Vegetable Platter with Romesco Sauce
- Artisan Bread Basket with Whipped Butter and Sea Salt
Salads
- Watermelon, Feta, and Mint drizzled with Aged Balsamic
- Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad with Arugula, Toasted Almonds, and Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette
- Roasted Corn & Black Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Sides
- Creamy Southern-Style Mac and Cheese
- Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter and Cotija Cheese
- Baby Red Potato Salad with Dijon and Herbs
Dessert
- Mini Key Lime Pies in Mason Jars
- Seasonal Berry Tarts on Almond Shortcrust
- Peach Cobbler in Ramekins with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
Styling & Presentation: Make a Statement
- Bespoke Menu Creation: We design every menu around your vision, dietary needs, and the bounty of the season.
- Stunning Presentation: Every dish is plated and styled for maximum appeal, whether it’s a grazing table or a plated meal.
- Flexibility: From full-service catering and event partners to simple, stunning delivery, our approach fits events both grand and intimate.
- Uncompromising Quality: We focus on freshness, sourcing the best local meats, vegetables, and artisan products.
- Impeccable Service: Our event team seamlessly manages every detail, so you can truly enjoy your fête.
Your Chic Summer Bash, Made Simple
A beautiful summer soirée should feel as relaxed as it looks. With thoughtful preparation, a menu that embraces seasonal bounty and stunning presentation, and the backing of an experienced catering partner like CRAVE Catering, you can host a backyard event that’s both elegant and unforgettable, without stress.
