Going Away Party

Tropical blue, festive navy, and lime green are great colors for an end-of-Summer going away party. In my case, the color scheme also matches the invitations. Start by covering the outdoor tables with a navy tablecloth. Transport food, ice, and other party supplies from the kitchen to the grill chicly and easily with a pretty, printed tray. Serve the dip in a clear green bowl and pile pita chips nearby on a matching plate. Plain white plates showcase the clam boil's fresh ingredients. Removing the fresh lobster meat is messy, so stock up on paper napkins. Select a versatile wine glass that can be used for the punch, beer, wine, or water. Place lit votives in vibrant, modern candleholders. A bouquet of green flowers is elegant and mood-enhancing. Make a going-away banner and hang from two trees, along a deck wall, or on the window.

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The menu for the going away party is simple, classic, and comforting so serve a drink that embodies these qualities as well. A lemonade-inspired punch is refreshing and crowd-friendly. It's simple to make and delicious to drink. Make two batches — one alcoholic and one nonalcoholic. For the clambake offer guests a chilled white wine or light, fruity red. For those who prefer not to drink hard liquor or wine, stock up on beer, water, and sparkling juices. For the easy spiked lemonade recipe, read more

When a friend moves away, it's nice to let them know how much they'll be missed by hosting a bon voyage fiesta. Keep the theme of the menu — comforting food native to the honoree's new hometown — going with the dessert. Since Kara is moving to Boston, I'll be making this variation of Boston creme pie. These cream-filled cupcakes are perfect: they're crowd-pleasing, individual treats, and Kara can take home the leftovers! To look at the easy recipe that take helps from a cake mix, read more

When planning the menu for a going away party, there are several options. You can feature the honoree's favorite dishes, make the dishes that are native to the town she is leaving or the town she is moving to, or simply serve a delicious and comforting meal. In my case, I decided to combine these ideas.

Kara's favorite appetizer, artichoke dip with pita chips, will await the arrival of the guests. Grilled three cheese triangles, cooked on the outdoor grill, are classically nostalgic and so tasty guests will be begging for more.

The entree will be a New England favorite, a clam boil filled with seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausages. To take a look at these mouth-watering recipes, read more

For many the end of Summer is a crossroads. Vacations terminate, goodbyes are said, and new beginnings — jobs, school, etc. — start. Next week my friend Kara leaves for Boston to enter grad school. To properly send her off, I'm helping plan a "Thank God Kara Is Leaving 08" barbecue. Kara's known for being incredibly sarcastic, so the theme fits her perfectly. However, if your honoree is more sensitive, host a "We'll Miss You" or "Good Luck" themed going-away party. Before recipes can be selected for the menu, invitations have to be made and sent. To see how I made the ones shown here, read more