Summer’s last big hoorah, Labor Day weekend, has passed. But, there’s still a few good weeks of warm weather left. So, don’t put away the outdoor party gear just yet.
“There is nothing like warm weather, simple and festive food and drinks and closing the summer out with great friends. It was something we always did before back-to-school and I love the same idea as an adult. Close out the summer with a great party,” exclaims Lauren Conrad to Healthy Hollywood.
Healthy Hollywood caught up with the former Hills star turned fashion designer at the Malibu Island Spiced Summer Soiree in Los Angeles. She even stepped behind the bar to mix up a few of her favorite cocktails.
This California gal loves to play hostess, sharing with Healthy Hollywood, “Prepare everything ahead of time so you can be a gracious host that also has fun. I love laying out a garnish bar and using it as the centerpiece for a table. Some edible glitter, flowers, cut out fruits, frozen fruits to use as ice in drinks etc. This way your centerpiece doesn’t go to waste and guests can also interact with each other.”
As for her must-have menu items? Lauren says, “I like to keep it light so rather than traditional chips and dips, I go for fresh veggies or pita wedges and hummus. Also nothing says summer like fresh fruit. For a drink, I like something that reminds me of summer all year round, so Malibu Island Spiced with coconut water or if I want something a little sweeter I mix it with juice. Either way it turns a 1000 calorie plus Pina Colada into a 70 calorie cocktail.”
LC’s Top Six Tips For Topping-Off Your Cocktail:
#1: To add a colorful touch to your drink, take edible flowers and top-off your cocktail with a bloom or two. If you’re feeling ambitious, freeze them into ice cubes for an extra indulgence.
#2: Freeze a chain of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries on a skewer and pop them into your cocktail for a fruity, chilled treat.
#3: All that glitters is gold! Whether it’s to rim your cup or sprinkle in your glass, just a pinch of edible gold glitter will really make your cocktail sparkle.
#4: Oh the things you can do with a cookie cutter! Slice your favorite fruit – pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon – and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes for your cocktail.
#5: Who says candy is just for kids? Grab a bag of rock candy and add to your cocktail for a fun sweet cocktail mixer.
#6: Last but not least, don’t forget my favorite final summertime touches: paper straws, a colorful umbrella and a great group of friends.
— Terri MacLeod
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