Hot weather appetizers

We would do a raw bar on the northeast coast
Pile o fish on ice
With the mentioned shooters! Yes!

Sticks/slices of fruits and vegetables (my favorites for this: jicama, cucumber, pineapple, mango, and watermelon) sprinkled with ground chile, lime juice, and salt. This is a ubiquitous, delicious and refreshing street snack in Mexico. This is commonly done with a commercial mix (the only brand I've seen is called Tajín) that consists of ground chile, dried lime juice, and salt that is actually quite good, but you can do it yourself using chile, salt, and fresh lime juice also.

I agree with Nancy's suggestion to look to the cuisine of hot countries. I might suggestion going Greek -- you could put together a very nice platter with dips (taramasalata, hummus, tzatziki) and pita and then also include some great olives and cubed feta with some roasted or sun-dried tomatoes and roasted peppers.

Hi SKK - Lapadia's Mediterranean Poppers are delicious and great appetizers for warmer weather. I generally double or triple the recipe to make at least 50. https://food52.com/recipes/15343-mediterranean-poppers

wow, i'm sitting here rather warm and just finished our appetizer. we have some spicy humus and short cucumber spears also with assorted crackers. it was a store bought humus i tried on a lark as the guy next to me at the store said it was really good. it is called muhammara and has walnuts and pommegranates and garlic and chili to spice it up. yummy, easy and cooling.

I might look for tapas inspiration--tomato-topped toasts, olives, grilled peppers, some sort of summer vegetable fritter. Goes great with a chilled glass of cava!

Gingerroot's chevre devils: https://food52.com/recipes/5277-chevre-devils
A variety of unusual pickles: https://food52.com/recipes/31961-five-spice-pickled-carrots , https://food52.com/recipes/21843-spicy-savory-sweet-watermelon-rind-pickles , https://food52.com/recipes/29944-pickled-blueberries-with-rosemary-sprigs , https://food52.com/recipes/33585-pickled-watermelon-radishes

Cold soup shooters are a great idea, and easy to make ahead. Also, a favorite of mine - slivers of melon (or figs, peaches, mango, etc.) wrapped in a thin slice of prosciutto - you can secure it with a toothpick if you like.

How about chilled soup shooters? Gazpacho, chilled cucumber....

I like to put out a bowl of Jennie Cook's Zucchini Butter as an option:
https://food52.com/recipes/23071-jennie-cook-s-zucchini-butter
And I've even made it with radishes!

Think of the cuisine of hot countries, and make finger food or two-bite sizes if them. I am thinking protein-centered foods, both for the energy boost and the salt. Examples: jerk chicken, small roast meat on skewer, open faced sliders, mini meatballs. Choose the cuisine/spicing you and your guests like most, or have 2-3 familiar and one new taste Wary of dairy or mayo-centered apps on a hot day, both for texture/appeal and safety if out long.

So good to be in touch with you, SKK. Your gathering sounds lovely, though Eastern WA can be a scorcher. What comes immediately to mind is Chasing Cezanne Carrot and Corn Salad, to which an extra avocado or two can be added to the dressing to make it more of a dip (https://food52.com/recipes/14253-chasing-cezanne-carrot-corn-salad). The bonus is that it is dairy-free and loaded with preserving acids, so it can withstand some heat. Hopefully some others will have good ideas for you. Cheers, and enjoy your time together!