IT’S TIME TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE BEST OF SUMMER’S BREEZY DAYS AND BALMY NIGHTS.
My childhood summers were filled with family trips to our lake house on Center Hill Lake. Freckled-faced, I’d strap on my life jacket and reluctantly jump into the cold water that first weekend of summer bliss. After a morning of tubing and skiing with my brother behind my dad’s ski boat, we would meet my grandparents on their pontoon boat to eat lunch tucked under the shade trees. Cold fried chicken, fresh fruit, and egg salad, passed from boat to boat, were quickly gobbled up before the adults started a game of Rook and the kids jumped off the sides of the boat, swimming under the pontoons. Following an afternoon of sun, we would grab ice cream at the boat dock before heading back to the house to cook dinner and eat out on the screened-in porch.
Oh, sweet summertime! A carefree season that embraces unfussy, effortless entertaining full of bright colors, bare feet, and wet swimsuits. Make the great outdoors your dining room, and take advantage of the extra daylight hours by hosting casual al fresco meals with family and friends.