With summer in full swing you can’t go wrong with an easy patio party! The Idea Specialists© at The Retreat at Mountain Brook have put together some great recommendations for your next gathering designed to help make your life easier, so you can kick back and enjoy the rest of summer with family and friends.
Spruce up your patio or balcony decor
Residents at The Retreat enjoy spacious outdoor living with large patio and balcony options at each apartment home. If you have a set of patio furniture, make sure the cushions are clean and sparkling, and inject a little sizzle with fresh accent pillows to spruce up your look. Or, if shopping for the ideal design, check out the many options offered by our friends at Wayfair like their Sarver set which is currently on sale. Add an outdoor rug that fits your color scheme, and don’t forget lighting like these cool, battery operated string lights from Amazon. Add fresh flowers such as daisies to complete the summery chic look.
Easy Fun Food
Cooking can be cumbersome in the hot summer weather so why not make things easy on yourself? Pick up some of your favorite ready-made food and beverages at your local Publix, located just 1.5 miles from The Retreat. Better yet, order online and have your items delivered!
Start at the seafood counter with cooked, peeled with shrimp, cocktail sauce and horseradish. Add sliced lemon for squeezing and you have a tasty, protein-rich option for your guests. Another option is the always delicious chicken fingers, available at the Publix deli. Also, pick up everyone’s favorite Wholly Guacamole and Tostito’s Baked Tortilla chips and continue the healthy selections at your shindig! Add a veggie tray and nonfat ranch dip and those melt in your mouth brownie bites can serve as a well-deserved treat for dessert!
Sipping Sangria
Of course, a sweet and tangy sangria recipe is one the best beverage additions to any summer party. Our friends Southern Living share that “Sangria can be made using white, red, or sparkling wines. A red wine sangria recipe is the most traditional and we suggest using fruits like oranges, cherries, and lemons to add flavor and colorful garnish.”
Whip up the perfect easy summer sipping sangria recipe by combining just four ingredients for the base: one cup Ruby Red Grapefruit juice, one bottle of inexpensive Red Wine such as Rioja, a traditional Spanish red wine is readily available in most supermarkets, a quarter cup each of fresh lime juice and sugar. As an option, add any fruits that you like such as berries, cherries, citrus, watermelon or whatever strikes your fancy. Pour club soda or prosecco before serving to turn the beverage into shimmering, sparkling treat. Use a beverage dispenser to dispense the refreshing treat so guests can refill their drinks, allowing you the freedom to mix and mingle.
Want to host a summer get together at The Retreat but don’t live here yet? No problem, just come by or call our friendly leasing team at (205) 956-9722 to schedule your tour today and see for yourself our spacious patio and balcony spaces along with all the amazing amenities that our apartment community offers.