Summer entertaining season is officially here! Whether you're planning an elegant garden gathering or a laid-back picnic in the park, the Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes team has you covered. We've rounded up our top tips—from stylish décor and vibrant seasonal menus to those unexpected wow-factors that will have your guests raving.
Let’s dive into two distinct vibes:
✨ Tuxedos – elevated, sophisticated, and show-stopping.
👟 Tennis Shoes – effortless, stylish, and joyfully casual.
Feature a Summer Menu That WOWs
Tuxedos Version: Luxe & Locally Sourced
There’s nothing quite like a garden party in the Pacific Northwest, especially when the menu shines. Our chefs craft dishes that celebrate summer's peak flavors—beautifully plated, layered with fresh herbs, and always locally sourced.
Summer Menu Highlights:
- Bucatini Waffle Stick with Amatriciana, Parmesan Fonduta & Crispy Pancetta
- Shaved Summer Squash with Red Pepper Pesto, Herb-Roasted Tomatoes & Basil
- Cherry Almond Tartlets with Black Cocoa Crust & Whipped Cream
✨Tuxedos Tip: Welcome your guests in style with a signature cocktail wall. One of our favorites? The Basil Gimlet, served from a custom drink wall like the one featured at the Emerald City Applause Awards. It’s interactive, elegant, and makes for a killer first impression. Shoutout to On The Wall Design Studio!
Tennis Shoes Version: Flavorful & Effortless
For those opting for a more relaxed summer gathering, our Summer To-Go menu offers fresh, vibrant flavors—no on-site chef required. It’s the perfect blend of ease and flavor.
Menu Highlights:
- Lightly Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce
- Jerk Chicken Skewers with Mango Chutney
- Grilled Coulotte Steak Sliders with Mama Lil’s Peppers & Dijonnaise
- Roasted Potato Salad with Snap Peas & Dijon Vinaigrette
👟Tennis Shoes Tip: Pick up one of our curated picnic packs—easy to transport, beautifully packaged, and ready to impress without the fuss. Need to rush to the ferry on your way to the San Juan Islands? Let us do the meal prepping for your family!
Set the Scene with Stunning Tablescapes
Tuxedos Version: Elegant Outdoor Dining
Go full garden glam with layered tablescapes—think flowing linens, custom name cards, luxe glassware, and centerpieces that feel like floral sculptures. Rentals from CORT Party Rental or Pedersen’s help bring the vision to life.
✨Tuxedos Tip: Add small floral arrangements or taper candles between place settings for dimension and drama.
Tennis Shoes Version: Chic & Simple Styling
Creating a charming picnic setup is easier than you think. Mix cozy textures with modern touches—think a fringed blanket, enamel plates, and a pop of color in your glassware.
👟Tennis Shoes Tip: Amazon has amazing finds! Check out our top picks for picnic-perfect essentials: glassware, picnic blanket, folding table.
Bring Your Party to Life with Seasonal Florals
Tuxedos Version: Sculptural + Sophisticated
Florals are more than décor—they’re art. Collaborate with local floral designers like AE Events and Design or Little Joy Fleurs to create large-scale arrangements with delphiniums, sweet peas, or wild roses in textured vessels.
✨Tuxedos Tip: Mix heights and unexpected elements like fruit or foraged branches for a bespoke feel.
Tennis Shoes Version: Fresh + Fun
Nothing says summer like a handful of daisies or sunflowers in a mason jar. Keep it low-key but thoughtful—arrange your blooms in repurposed jars, pitchers, or even wine bottles.
👟Tennis Shoes Tip: Hit the farmer’s market the morning of your event for the freshest stems!
End on a Sweet Note
Tuxedos Version: Delicate & Decadent
Complete your elevated summer soirée with a dessert that’s as stunning as it is satisfying. Our Lavender Pavlova is a cloud of delicate sweetness: crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, topped with lemon curd, white chocolate, and fresh blackberry. This showstopper was the cherry on top for the Emerald City Applause Awards!
✨Tuxedos Tip: Serve individual pavlovas at each place setting for a picture-perfect final course. Bonus: this dessert is naturally gluten-free!
Tennis Shoes Version: Seasonal & Soulful
For a more relaxed ending, our Peach Pie Tartlet brings summer sunshine to every bite. Topped with basil whipped cream and a juicy summer blackberry, this vegan dessert is both nostalgic and fresh.
Fun Fact: This sweet treat was dreamt up by Helen, a chef in our baking department, who was inspired by a perfectly ripe summer peach. She nicknamed it the "Sweet Summer Bite"—and once you taste it, you’ll understand why!
👟Tennis Shoes Tip: Pack tartlets in reusable tins or compostable boxes so they’re picnic- and eco-friendly.
Choose Your Soirée Style
Whether you're putting on a show-stopping garden fête or planning a casual gathering in the park, summer is the time to gather and celebrate. At Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes, we’re here to help you set the tone—from the menu to the mood.
🖤 Feeling fancy? Let’s go Tuxedos.
💛 Craving cozy vibes? Let’s keep it Tennis Shoes.
To plan your 2025 summer event, contact the Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes team here!
