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Summertime Clambake Party

By: Matthew Mead

Whether planning a clambake or a low-country boil, there is nothing more festive in the warmer months then a fresh harvest of seaside flavors and old-time farm favorites.

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Time for a Party

Gathering friends and family around a bounty of delicious and traditional foods can be fun and also easy with just a bit of planning. Either seaside or on a deck, you can easily prepare the flavors of summer party with a trip to the grocery store, farm stand or fishmonger.

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Invitation

Print the invitation background leaving a small white border. Cut a piece of vellum the same size as the invitation, and print your invite out on the vellum. Punch two holes in the top of the invitation (a smaller hole punch works best). String twine through the holes and tie.

Download the Invitation Background

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Coastal Citrus Punch

This refreshing punch can be made in a large glass jug and placed in a large pail of ice. Place additional fruit and ice in glasses for a fun, decorative touch

Get the recipe: Coastal Citrus Punch

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Cook Simply

Keep it simple with fresh vegetables and fresh seafood from local suppliers. Ask guests to bring a little something, like additional drinks or favorite wines as well as store-bought bakery products like sugar cookies, snickerdoodles or an extra pie.

Get the recipe: Grilled Clambake

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Blueberry Pie

This delicious pie is traditional and memorable. Its simplicity is a tasty and decadent finale to any summertime meal.

Get the recipe: Blueberry Pie

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Set the Table

The dining table should be fun and casual. Use simple earthenware plates and generous napkins made from dishtowels. Place a graniteware pot filled with shellfish in the center of the table and extra lemons around so guests can add flavor. Dot the table with extra bottled soda, beer and flavored waters so guests can help themselves.

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Easy Decorations

Add interest to the edge of the table with a fun, decorative clam shell garland. Download our clam template, cut it out and punch a hole at the top of the clam hinge. String with kitchen twine and decorate the edge of the table using double-stick tape. You can also use the garland to decorate windows, doorways or deck and porch railing.

Download the Clamshell Garland

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Decorative Napkin Rings

Dress up simple napkins with banded paper napkin rings. Cut strips of card stock in your preferred color combination. Layer on top of each other, form a circle and tape together in the back.

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Label Your Goodies

Download the label templates, and cut out the two sizes of ovals in the card stock colors of your choice. Layer the smaller one onto the bigger one and tape down using the double-sided tape. Adhere the oval onto a toothpick using regular tape or glue.

Download the Food Label Template

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Paper Clam Bowls

Use spray adhesive to attach a decorative piece of paper to a piece of card stock. Download our template, and cut out the pattern from the paper. Fold to create the shape of a bowl, and staple together at each end.

Download the Bowl Template