The Do-it-Yourself Guide to Summer Entertaining

Don’t let the idea of food preparation and cooking for a crowd dampen your dreams of hosting a get-together this season. Cookouts and barbecues are ubiquitous to summer, and savvy hosts have figured out how to put-on a memorable event without doing all the work: hire an expert. Caterers, mixologists, gourmet groceries and private chefs can help ease your mind and enable you and your guests the perfect gathering.

The matching paper-plate-and-napkin arrays you always thought set the theme for your get-togethers have surrendered to a new realm of party décor, WISH by Haute Hostess. Founded by Emily White, WISH is the premier party décor boutique of Park City. Stylish essentials like confetti filled balloons, cake toppers, party poppers and hostess gifts fill the store, easily located in Redstone. Emily and experts plan parties with thoughtful preparation and attention to detail to ensure the ultimate setting for your happy occasion.

Cuisine Unlimited suggests you “put the cooking in our hands,” and just a cursory look at its catering menus and services will convince you. Th is Salt Lake City family-owned caterer puts the “special” in special events, which range from custom hors d’oeuvres and dessert parties to a full-service holiday buffet (they don’t call it “carefree” for nothing!). Weddings, corporate events, private parties — this caterer will do all the work while you take all the credit!

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Park City’s Imperial Hotel, at the top of Main Street, will soon boast a café and market from one of the area’s finest restaurants, Riverhorse. Along with gourmet grocery items including cheeses and olive oils, Imperial Market will offer “grab and go” baked goods and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Th e jewels of this crown are Riverhorse-prepared meals — from Executive Chef Seth Adams — for customers to cook-and-serve at home.

Whether you call it a back yard barbecue or a casual cookout, Dickey’s delivers a smoked-meat-lover’s dream right to your door — or back yard. From buffets to boxed lunches, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will set you up with not only its famous pulled pork, ribs and sausages, but all the sides you could imagine — and then some. Take it from a southerner, you can’t get fried okra just anyplace!
Ask anyone in town, if you want incredible desserts, look no further than Windy Ridge Bakery. Th is stand-alone companion to Park City’s Windy Ridge Café has mastered high-altitude baking — no small feat. Savory fare includes quiches, fresh breads, and possibly the country’s best cracker-bread, but the sweets, oh the sweets! Mile-high fruit pies, pecan-pie tarts and truly sumptuous cheesecake will impress the fussiest of your guests. Never underestimate the power of dessert!

If you’ve got a desire for hosting your own version of a block party, a cookout, or a bridal shower, go for it! Caterers will handle as many — or as few — details as you’d like. Put yourself on your guest list, and enjoy the party.

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