How to create the ultimate summer party menu: 25+ ideas - Kindred

How to create the ultimate summer party menu: 25+ ideas

A menu can make or break an office summer party. Serve average plates and it’ll instantly dampen the mood—but treat your guests to an array of delicious bites and they’ll feel their spirits lift.

But what to serve, and in which order? What’s the best way to serve mains at a standing party? And what sort of drinks would work best as an accompaniment?

Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Here’s our complete guide to summer party food, to ensure your office knees-up is one for the history books.
 
 
 

Getting started: canapés

We’ve never met a canapé we didn’t like. Nor will your guests: having delicious snacks and bites making the rounds as they settle in will do wonders in warming up the room. Canapés should be easy to eat so they don’t disrupt the flow of people’s conversations—we don’t want to keep your people from enjoying each other’s company.

At Kindred, our canapés menu champions fresh, seasonal ingredients. For example:

  • Truffled parmesan gougeres (v)
  • Hashbrown, caviar, creme fraiche (can be made vegetarian on request)
  • Broad bean panisse (vg)
  • Pea and mint arancini (can be vegan on request)
  • Tomato, olive, and anchovy tart
  • Dorset crab and lovage mayo on rye
  • Spiced raw beef, nori and little gem
  • Ox cheek puffs, prune and tamarind ketchup

 
 
 

Bowls

Want to serve up more substantial portions while keeping things simple? Allow us to suggest bowls.

Three of our bowls are roughly equivalent to one main meal. These could be eaten easily while standing or perching, without requiring a formal sit-down dinner. Though we can help you with that, too.

Here’s some of our bowls to give you some inspiration:

  • Mac & cheese, parmesan cream, truffle (v)
  • Marinated San Marzano tomatoes, stracciatella, soft herbs (v) (gf)
  • Spiced squash, vegan ricotta, soy beans & rye croutons (vg) (can be gf on request)
  • Grilled leeks, charcoal cauliflower puree, Jerusalem artichoke crisps (vg) (gf)
  • Crispy cod fritters, harissa aioli, lemon
  • Grilled shrimp, creamed corn polenta, ancho butter (gf)
  • Kindred Fried Chicken, curry leaf mayo
  • Confit duck salad, Cacklebean egg (gf)

 
 
 

Grazing boards

More is more when it comes to a good grazing board, we say. Pop it down on the table so your guests can swan over whenever they please. If they’re anything like us, though, they’ll be happiest when hovering nearby.

Boards are perfect for a summer party because they’re generally a bit lighter and are super easy to serve.

The trick to a good grazing board is to do the classics well—cheese, charcuterie—but then to add in some extra elements that delight. Here’s how we do it at Kindred:

  • Fresh baked sausage rolls
  • Savoury filled pastry parcels (barbajuan)
  • Cobble Lane charcuterie
  • Neal’s Yard cheeses
  • Crudités and dips
  • Crackers and bread
  • Fresh and dried fruits
  • Olives, picos, and spice mix

 
 
 

Late night bites: street food

It’s that time of the night: the dance floor is buzzing, and your guests are looking for tasty snacks to sustain them as they throw some shapes. We find that it’s best to serve simple crowd pleasers that are easy to eat and aren’t too heavy on the stomach.

Here’s some of the street-food inspired offerings from the Kindred late night menu:

  • Cubano sandwich – slow cooked pork neck, ham, American cheese, pickles, mojo verde, brioche
  • Falafel bowl – house-made falafel with pickled red onion and tabbouleh, tahini and maple dressing (vg) (gf)
  • Buttermilk fried chicken – marinated boneless chicken thigh, deep fried ‘til crunchy, harissa mayo, pickles
  • Prawn & coconut patty – Baked patty with prawns in coconut milk, coriander, tomato & lime salsa

 
 
 

Late night treats

Once it’s past 10:30pm, late-night bites are key in keeping everyone going. Here, you want food that’s tasty and satisfying, without any fuss or mess. We’ve hosted our fair share of parties here at Bradmore house, so can say with confidence that we know what sort of things land well at this stage of the festivities. And our signature bloody mary spiced fries always go down a treat.

For instance, we offer:

  • Kindred burger/ vegan burger – bibb lettuce, red onion, American or vegan cheese, pickles
  • Cod fritters and fries – with tartare sauce
  • Fried chicken bites – with curry leaf mayo
  • Pizza boards
  • Blood mary spiced fries – Kindred’s signature fries served with condiments

 
 
 

What drinks should I serve at my summer office party?

Everyone has their own tipple of choice, from top-shelf wine to expertly-mixed mocktails. Some companies prefer to simply have an open bar and let their people choose for themselves, with the option to limit choices (for example, if you just wanted to have a particular selection of cocktails on offer plus wine and beer) should you wish to make the bar tab stretch further.

Others want the drinks on offer to mirror the progression of the evening. For instance, a welcome glass of fizz but wine with dinner, and cocktails (or a surprise round of tequila shots) as the evening rolls on.

Whichever you choose, we’re on hand to bring your plans to life. We’re just as happy popping the champagne as we are pouring a pint, and our cocktails are renowned in West London.
 
 

What if my guests have dietary requirements?

That’s absolutely no problem at all. Any summer party menu worth its salt will have options catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free guests. And if there’s anyone in your party with a food allergy, just let us know ahead of time.

We’re well versed in ensuring there are enough options for everyone, without anyone feeling like they’re missing out.
 
 

Can I do a tasting before I confirm the menu order?

Yes, absolutely. Just get in touch with the Kindred events team to arrange it.
 
 

What if I want to show a presentation during the party?

That’s not an issue, only you’ll have to come inside to present it. All of Kindred’s indoor spaces are fully AV-equipped, from our airy Hall to our atmospheric Library.
 
 

Ready to plan your work summer party?

Kindred is a three-storey heritage venue with unique, modern interiors. We’ve got an outdoor terrace plus on-site catering (from our very own restaurant, Cellar), AV equipment, and a well-stocked bar.

Get in touch to see how we can make your office summer party an affair to remember.