Planning a bridal shower for my daughterinlaw to be and want to have it outside. WE have a really nice back yard, pool and I think it will be beautiful.
It will be an open house type thing where people come and go as they like i.e. - no set meal time. My menu will be mostly an assortment of nibblies and perhaps, chicken wings. My problem is, How do I keep everything cold? I know the answer is ice but does anyone have any nice ideas for displaying the food while keeping it cold? I don't want a bunch of coolers lined up on my patio. Any ideas for displayng the food attractively while keeping it cool would be greatly appreciated. It isn't until late June but this is bugging me already.
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Love of the idea of getting a couple neighbour girls to help out - that is a smart idea and yes, I will enjoy it much more that way. I was thinking of the same type of things - nice clear containers with ice blocks in it or large cubes. Thanks for the help. Appreciate it.
Go to your local rental shop, look for any containers that are clear acrylic and waterproof, you can fill them with ice and place your food on top of them. You can also look for pieces that are silver, stainless steel or galvanized metal (depending on how formal or casual you want the event), make sure they can hold water -- you don't want drips everywhere! Fill them with ice and placeyour food trays on the top.
Do not use crushed ice (it melts too fast!!), try to get ice cubes or find an ice carver that will cut you thicker pieces of ice in the shape of your containers.
Using large galvanized pot and buckets also are great for keeping any bottled drinks cool (wine, waters, pop, etc.)
One more suggestion, consider hiring some help, even if it is a couple of the neighbourhood teenage girls. They can take food trays out of the fridge and pass them around to your guests. They can also tidy up during the party. This way, you can enjoy the event.
I hope this helps!