Photo by Julie Whitehorn
I went to the most lovely party this past weekend, I have to tell you about it. It’s the season, you know—warm days and evenings that stay light late. It’s summer party season.
In this case, it was a surprise birthday party. The birthday girl had been lured with promise of dinner and roasting smores over a campfire, only to discover friends of hers had put together a party. The backyard was decorated so lovely, with lights and candles and flowers and small potted plants (I’m considering hiring the host to style my next party, she’s got quite the eye).
These are food-loving people, so there were good eats—carnitas and tortillas, an amazing corn salad (I’m scheming to get the recipe), and the pickled red onions that I love so much.
There was salmon flown down from the Yukon that had been caught just the day before. It was cooked on the grill and unlike any fish I’ve ever tasted before. Of course my seafood mentor Jon Rowley was behind the salmon.
And late in the evening, there were indeed roasted marshmallows and smores and good conversation on blankets around a fire pit. I cannot tell you how happy that made me. One of my lifelong goals is to obtain a fire pit of my own, so I can have campfires whenever I want.
But what I really wanted to tell you about was the sangria.
Not only was it delicious, it was served in the most adorable manner—Mason jars pre-filled and tucked into a tub of ice. There was a small basket next to the tub, in which you could dispose of your lids to keep your hands free, and a pitcher of extra sangria hidden on the other side of the tub for refills. Once we got over the sheer charm of the presentation, all we could talk about was how good it was and how easy it went down. After two glasses, I had to switch to juice.
But seriously, I am stealing this idea and you might want to as well. Imagine margaritas in jars, mojitos in jars, boozy vodka lemonade in jars. The possibilities are fun to think about.
Summer is still young, my friends, and there are many parties to plan. I need something to do with my extra canning jars, anyway. I’m grateful for a lovely evening, and a clever entertaining trick I am going to put to good use.
Here’s to the summer party season, may we all get to enjoy it.
Saturday Sangria Recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen.
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Such creativity! I love all of her different kinds of jars and I’m totally using the “sangria in a jar” idea for my next party.
what a great idea! so beautiful and fun!
I always drink my booze & wine out of canning jars (I use the teeny size for wine and port), but never thought to incorporate the lids! What a fantastic idea that I, too, will definitely steal. I may not even wait for a party, but might just set some up for myownself
I just brought back 5 cases of small jars…this is perfect!
Terrific! Ballard Market has canning jars on sale right now… time to stock up- for jam and sangria- we can drink the sangria while we pick the berries, yes?
I’d never have thought to tuck mason jars into a bucket of ice like that…so perfect and adorable! I feel like I need to throw a party right now. Many props to the hostess, and thanks to you for sharing!
Lovely images, they really capture a warm, happy summer evening, particularly the first one
:)
Oh the party looks lovely. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Thanks for sharing this lovely evening! You are indeed relationally rich!
As you well know, I think this is just about the best idea ever!
Excellent post. Lovely to have met you! I’m sorry I didn’t make the connection that night that you were the author of such an amazing blog! I would’ve loved to talk to you more about it!
I drink my tea from jars when I’m on the go, so I love the idea of storing mixed drinks like that too.
I wonder if you can “can” it and break it out later?
I wouldn’t do it with sangria—the heat would mess up the fruit—but you could probably store it in the fridge for a day or two. The fruit would soak up the booze.
I LOVE this idea! I was thinking about having farm-themed parties where EVERYTHING was served in mason jars. I’m totally going to try this!
That is such a fantastic idea! I love using those jars for drinking but I hadn’t thought about individual servings of sangria or other mixed drinks. Well done.
We are having an epic taco arty next week and I am so stealing this idea. Thanks!!
brilliant. simply brilliant. and so lovely. many thanks…
You mean everyone doesn’t drink their sangria out of canning jars? Hmmm…..
lovely presentation…
I may just have to steal that one!
I love the sangria in jars idea. Fabulous. I remember thinking at a wedding where the drinks were served in mason jars what a fun idea it was but I never thought beyond that. Good thing there are so many creative types around to remind us to think outside the jar!
Thanks for sharing! I absolutely love this idea!
Very pretty sangria in a jar! Love the idea.
That is one lucky birthday girl! Fresh caught salmon, twinkle lights, and “canned” sangria. Thank you for sharing.
I used to see those jars in some foodnet already and I’m not quite convinced till I saw your presentation I found it fantastic and a good idea for Sangria. I think I will totally do this and surprise my family and relatives. Totally different. Thanks for sharing.
oh my goodness that just looks so lovely. and that sangria…sign me up. what a fantastic idea!
I miss having a yard to throw parties in. This is such a cute idea. Thanks for sharing.
Oh yum. Tried this last night to rave reviews. Have just a bit left in the pitcher, with fruit that has been soaking it in all night. Going to add more to it tonight — the gift that keeps on giving
thank you!
I love sangria and I love drinking/eating from jars. It’s like two of my favorite things combined, which meant I had to try it. Tried it tonight and was not disappointed! Lovely idea and great recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Yum!!! I enjoyed salmon steaks with fresh dill and lemon along with a white wine sangria with friends a few days ago. There is nothing better than a great summer party with great summer food.
SUCH a brilliant idea, the Sangria in jars! And here it is the Sunday night at the END of our long weekend! (Friday was the holiday in Canada.) I’ll need to put this on the agenda for our next patio party – I hope it looks as fab as the one you shared with us!
I just got the book! I’m away on holiday, and my husband just called to say it arrived in the mail. Yaay! Never have I been so eager to end a holiday!
I don’t know why I bother subscribing to Sunset or Food and Wine or anyone else when I’ve got your wonderful recipes and photos and ideas. You put them all to shame (except of course when the illustrious Rebekah Denn is weighing in!). I hope you’re well!
so fun! love backyard parties. Especially with cocktails in jars
Everything is more fun in a jar! Love the sangria and I’m totally stealing this!
Just saw this on Pinterest! Love it!!!
I used this idea last night! I posted about it on my blog and added a link back to your site. Thanks for sharing!
Oh how fun! I am planning a party right now. we have a great place on the beach and well this is perfect idea! thanks for sharing,
Sangria in a mason jar. So cute!
Great party! I love the sangria in jars – definitely putting that in my inspiration files!
hugs! Kim @ Party Frosting!