How to Host a Southern Porch Party

A porch is such an important part of the summer season and living outside. With the hot weather this summer, porches get a lot of use. Back in the day, they didn’t have air conditioners so Southerners would often gather in the shade of the porch on summer evenings after supper to enjoy the relative coolness of the evening. Making them pretty is a big part of enjoying them as well. Late Sunday afternoons are also a great time for unplanned get-togethers with drinks and nibbles on your porch, patio, or deck. (Photo by Karin Lidbeck Brent)

Our food editor, Emily has some easy southern recipes like her Lynchburg Lemonade. This version whips up a frothy batch for 20 party goers. Make “serve-yourself” salads like the quick and easy Southern Shrimp & Hoppin’ John Salad and the Poppy Seed Chicken Salad. Luscious Lemon Squares are the perfect dessert. There are also recipe books from Amazon specifically for porch parties. Sip, Savor, Drinks for Party and Porch and Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes and Easy Ideas.