A Summer Weekend Dinner Party

Today: Turn off the grill (just for a night) and host a summer dinner party to balance out your Fourth of July weekend. 

You came to the rooftop. You saw the fireworks. You conquered the flag cake. Fourth of July is a whirlwind of red, white, blue, and American beer, and it can leave you tuckered out and craving the comfort of a candle-lit table laid with silverware instead of compostable forks. You want something a bit more refined. 

More: Master the art of outdoor lighting.

Luckily, there's still next weekend. Or the weekend after that. It's the summer, and there's no time crunch. Saturday and Sunday will both stretch out into the twilight hour, and who doesn't want to be a guest at a light, summery feast? Invite your favorite people, dust off the dishes, make a cocktail, and step away from the grill.

Here's the menu:

Gin Spritz

Grilled Bread with Thyme Pesto and Lemon Cream

Radish and Arugula Salad with Pecorino and Lemon

Sautéed Zucchini with Mint, Basil, and Walnuts

Creamy Asparagus, Lemon, and Walnut Pasta

Tom Colicchio's Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops

Blueberry and Rye Slab Pie

Rosemary Honey Lemon Frozen Yogurt

What's on your next dinner party menu? Tell us in the comments!