Besides the holidays, summer is a time where your social calendar is full of parties.  Chances are, you’ll be throwing at least one of these get-togethers yourself and one of the most important aspects to take under consideration is the menu; not only what to serve but what NOT to serve. 

 Chips and salsa, cheese and crackers – even popcorn – are always crowd pleasers.  And always include something sweet and keep the alcohol flowing.

 However, add the following ten items to your list of foods to say no to at party central:

Spinach – Spinach dips are tasty but they have a nasty habit of leaving behind more than a good taste.  Opt for Ranch or Blue Cheese dips instead – less likely to wind up in your teeth.

Fried Foods – Fried foods are yummy, yes.  However, unless you plan to spend the entire party slaving over a deep fryer serving everything made-to-order, skip ‘em. 

Soup – Though you likely won’t be serving soup at a summer soiree, stick to this rule year round. It has to be kept warm, requires actual dinnerware as opposed to easy-breezy paper plates and plastic spoons.  Plus, people will want to know what’s in it and who wants to waste valuable party time explaining the ingredient list over and over again?

 Nuts – Most people have some sort of nut allergy, so keep them in the pantry.

Corn on the Cob – Like spinach, corn on the cob gets stuck in your teeth and worse, requires two hands to eat it.  Try a fresh corn salad instead.  Off the cob.

Garlic – Garlic breath.  Not appetizing.

Raw Onions – See garlic.

Red Wine – Summertime means we’re all wearing lighter colors and a glass of red wine equals disaster waiting to happen.  Plus, certain red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, contains lots of tannins, which make you pucker.

Fish – Same problem as fried foods.  Fish must be eaten quickly or turns to rubber.  A chilled shrimp cocktail would be a better choice.

Canned Olives – Hit up the deli at your local supermarket for big, meaty olives instead.  The canned varieties tend to be skimpy.   Some gourmet stores offer actual olive bars, so go crazy!

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Tags: corn on the cob, fish, fried foods, garlic, nuts, olives, onion, red wine, soup, spinach, top 10

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