Do as the Southerners do and serve homemade pralines. Line two china teacups with craft paper. Then pile the pralines high in each one and serve to guests on a silver tray. Guests are sure to come back for seconds of this sweet treat. Courtesy of Camille Styles
All in the Family
Send guests home with a favor they'll enjoy for years: a recipe card sharing the family secret for pecan pralines that's been passed down for generations. Leave one at each place setting for guests to take home and try their hand at making this Southern favorite. Courtesy of Camille Styles
Little Devils
Deviled eggs with diced cucumber and dill make a perfect starter course, and they put a refreshing spin on a Southern classic. Carefully pipe filling into eggs, set symmetrically on a bed of dill, and then garnish with a sprig on top. Courtesy of Camille Styles
Twisted Sweet Tea
For a specialty cocktail that screams summertime, serve a refreshing brew of homemade sweet tea mixed with raspberry vodka. Strain into retro glassware and garnish with fresh mint and raspberries for an irresistible combination. Courtesy of Camille Styles
Share the Wealth
For a little something sweet, you can't go wrong with strawberry shortcake. To make it more fun (and easier), serve all of the classic components family-style. Guests will have a blast passing around baskets overflowing with strawberries, sweet biscuits and whipped cream, and they'll enjoy building dessert to their own liking. Courtesy of Camille Styles
Mini Apple Pies
Put a fresh spin on an American classic with individually-sized homemade apple pies. While they may require some more time in the kitchen since multiples will be baked, they’re much easier for guests to handle and enjoy as finger foods as they make their way around to mingle with other guests. Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Pecan Pie Tartlets
A Southern-style party calls for a certain set of lovable and traditional treats. Fitting menu items include individually-sized portions of fresh fruit tartlets, banana pudding, lemon meringue pie and pecan pie. For the ultimate Southern smorgasbord, try your hand at these decadent desserts:
Nothing says summertime in the country like a tall glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Guests will be taken back in time as they quench their thirst with this nostalgic favorite. For the adults, kick it up a few notches with a splash of vodka and dress up each glass with a few sprigs of freshly-picked thyme. Courtesy of Camille Styles
Cup o' Ribs
While barbecue ribs are one of the most popular menu items for backyard entertaining, they can also make a great addition to your Southern wedding menu. To make handling barbecue ribs more guest-friendly, serve them in small clear glasses complete with barbecue sauce covering the bottom. This will allow guests to dip their ribs continually, eliminating trips back and forth from the buffet table. Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Drink Tubs
For a more elegant take on plastic coolers, display ice-cold drinks in galvanized metal tubs sporadically placed throughout the venue. This is an excellent way to avoid guests crowding in the same spot and will encourage them to mix and mingle. Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Southern Staple
Give your guests a taste of weddings past with this traditional apple stack cake, once a staple for wedding celebrations.
The dessert table at this classic Southern wedding boasts a stunning cake adorned with greenery and blackberries as well as an assortment of fried pies, donuts and banana pudding.
In Mint Condition
There's nothing like a splash of bourbon to combat the heat and turn up the fun! Propose a toast to Southern tradition by pouring ice-cold mint juleps in (what else?) silver mint julep cups, and top them with fresh sprigs of mint. Courtesy of Camille Styles
Frozen Variety
For a wedding in the heat of summer, a frozen mint julep is a fun twist on the traditional beverage that will be greatly appreciated by wedding guests.
Who can possibly resist the fresh flavors of a raspberry and cream trifle with six layers alternating between rich custard, sweet raspberries and pound cake, all topped off with chocolate shavings? It's perfect served on a dessert buffet as an alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Courtesy of Camille Styles
Classic Takeaways
No Southern hostess would dare send her guests home empty-handed. These charming jam favors are a breeze to make and are perfect for the warm-weather season. In just a few simple steps guests can go home savoring the sweet tastes of the party. Courtesy of Camille Styles
