Summer Flavors for Your Philadelphia Wedding Reception to Savor the Season
Summer flavors for your Philadelphia wedding reception offer the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of the season. With an abundance of local produce and vibrant ingredients at their peak, summer events invite creativity, color, and bold, refreshing bites. Whether you’re hosting a garden celebration, rooftop soirée, or tented backyard wedding, embracing seasonal flavors is a delicious way to elevate your guest experience. We turned to Sage Catering to find out their summer favorites.
Photo credit: Sage Catering/Jess Palatucci Photography
Appetizers That Pop with Summer Flavor
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Mango Gazpacho Shooters
A small tasting of fresh mango, cucumber, orange, and a hint of spice. So refreshing and a great way to beat the heat! -
Crispy Thai Spring Roll
Crunchy veggies like carrots, ginger, and cabbage pair with fresh cilantro and lime. Bursting with flavor, it pops in your mouth! -
Ahi Tuna in Wonton Shell
Always a favorite! Fresh Ahi tuna served in a crispy wonton shell with wasabi and mango, delicious and full of bold flavor. -
Margaretta Crostini
No summer event is complete without these ingredients! Fresh local tomatoes, basil, and house-made sun-dried tomatoes on freshly grilled ciabatta bread. Outstanding!
Photo credit: Sage Catering/Addy Rae Photography
Fresh Summer Pairings & Seasonal Ideas
Summer is all about flavor at its peak! There are so many combinations to choose from for appetizers, salads, and small bites:
- Fresh tomatoes and basil
- Fresh figs with smoked salmon
- Grilled corn with herb butters
- Grilled corn hulled and tossed with black beans and cilantro
- Fresh peaches with arugula and mozzarella
Cool Summer Sips
Signature drinks are always in style, and the options for summer are endless. Some recent favorites include:
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Ruby Rudy’s – Pomegranate and vodka
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Watermelon Martinis – Puréed watermelon, simple syrup, and vodka
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Pisco Sours – Pisco (a South American brandy), agave nectar, and fresh lime
So refreshing and perfect for keeping guests cool during a sweltering summer reception!
Seasonal Desserts & Sweet Treats
Fruit pies and sorbets are always a hit in the summertime. Some standout flavors include:
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Lime and mint
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Watermelon with goat cheese (yes, in a sorbet!)
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Raspberry and buttermilk sherbet
Recently at Sage Catering, we served:
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Mini gelato cones
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Fresh lemon ice box bars
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Fresh peach cobbler
Each one a crowd-pleaser and the perfect ending to a summer celebration.
With so many fresh, summer flavors for your Philadelphia wedding reception, it’s easy to get creative with your menu. From vibrant appetizers to refreshing cocktails and seasonal desserts, these flavor-packed ideas will keep your guests cool, satisfied, and talking long after the last bite. Finally, whether you’re planning a garden reception or a soiree in a historic wedding venue, these flavors bring out the best of summer.
