A Summer Seafood Dinner Party

When many of us head to seaside destinations for summer vacation, we find ourselves enjoying seafood meals, perhaps on a daily basis. It just seems fitting to indulge in the fresh, local bounty, and to literally devour our surroundings. As we unpack at home, uncovering the seashells and sand resting at the bottom of our suitcases, we unconsciously long for one final taste of our summer getaway. So while the summer produce is still fresh at the farmer's markets, create your own summer seafood feast at home and savor those salty memories before it's too late.

Setting the Stage

• Cover your table with a blue table cloth reminiscent of the surf.
• Create a centerpiece by placing a tall pillar candle on a metal tray and piling around it your seaside treasures such as driftwood, pebbles, seaglass, and shells.
• Serve your seafood on a large, seashore themed platter such as the Nantucket Lobster Serving Platter .
• Use clean, large clam shells for placecards by writing your guests names on them in puffy or fabric paint.
• Play your favorite summer songs. I like "Sounds of Summer, Very Best of the Beach Boys," .

The Menu

Vodka or Gin and Tonic - A classic summertime cocktail.

Oysters Saute - A savory appetizer to start your meal.

Deviled Clams - No seafood feast would be complete without a clam recipe.

Cuban Shrimp Soup - Add a little Latin flavor to your seafood dinner.

Grilled Citrus Tuna - A very simple recipe for a very substantial fish.

Tomato Cucumber Salad - Enjoy as many summer tomatoes as you can while they're in season!

Grilled Corn on the Cob - Deepen the flavor of corn by cooking it on your grill.

Yankee Doodle Sundae - This recipe is perfect for any of the summer holidays, or any time you feel like showing your American colors.