We hosted a Lowcountry Cocktail Party this past weekend and it was such a dream! It’s such a wonderful thing when an idea in your head comes to life and turns out even better than expected!

I figured the perfect way to celebrate my parents coming home from their trip was to have an old fashion, yet elegant, Lowcountry boil!

So let’s get to the details and the menu!

The Tablescape

I started the table with a beautifully rich and sturdy cream tablecloth. This tablecloth is actually canvas material, which I picked so it would hold its shape against the wind.

For the runner, I used my signature handmade oyster shell runner paired with a burlap fabric for texture and southern flair. To complete the Lowcountry look, I added a palm frond and cattail arrangement in the center for height!

Tea candles and old vintage lanterns were also placed for more charm and elegance while providing more light after the sun started to set.

My absolute favorite part was the swinging lantern Chris was able to install! It was such a small detail that really helped everything come together. I’m so in love with it that I’m thinking about leaving the lantern hanging full time!

The Outfit

I couldn’t host a Lowcountry Cocktail Party without looking the part! This coastal chic outfit gifted to me by Spartina was absolutely stunning! This Sea Green Hannah Tank Dress has such a light and breathable cotton fabric, making it perfect for any summer event!

I fell in love with this dress for it’s effortlessly flattering silhouette and how it always stays in place while running around! This dress fits between true to size and a relaxed fit so I’m wearing a size Large!

This adorable Gingham Knotted Headband was such a sweet accessory and a MUST to tame the hair from all the summer humidity!

The Signature Drink

I thought that the perfect cocktail to fit our Lowcountry theme was none other than the Charleston Fizz! This cocktail was so refreshing yet gave a strong punch of Gin! A Charleston Fizz usually calls for tarragon, but I substituted for rosemary since that’s what I had in the garden.

Charleston Fizz Recipe ~ 4 servings

12 oz of Fresh Grapefruit Juice

8 oz of Gin

4 oz of Elderflower Liquor

1/2 cup of San Pellegrino

2 sprigs of Fresh Rosemary

1/2 cup of Ice

I combined all of the ingredients into a pitcher and stirred for at least 30 seconds. Fill each glass with ice and pour up your cocktails. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve immediately.

The Menu

The part y’all were most excited about! Since it was only the four of us, I kept it simple yet delicious!

The Appetizer

I decided to make these delicious Parmesan Crisps, courtesy of Ina Garten! I’ve linked the recipe here. The only thing I added different was 1/2 a tablespoon of Cayenne pepper for a little kick! I also doubled the recipe so we had plenty to snack on.

The great thing about these crisps is that they can be served at room temperature. It’s one less thing on your plate to worry about. I just served mine in a bread basket for everyone to help themselves!

The Salad

For the salad, I went with my tried and true Kale Salad with a Dijon Lemon Vinaigrette. It’s a fresh and citrusy salad, perfect for summer. Click here for the Vinaigrette recipe! For the salad base, I used shredded kale, blue cheese crumbles, and French fried onions.

The Main Course

What’s a Lowcountry Cocktail Party without a Lowcountry Boil? Now everyone does their Lowcountry Boil a little bit differently, but this is how my parents have made it for almost 30 years.

Lowcountry Boil Recipe

2 pounds of shrimp – Fresh or Thawed w/ Heads Removed

1 pound of Hillshire Farm smoked sausage cut into 2 inch slices

6 Ears of fresh or frozen Corn

1/2 cup of Old Bay seasoning

1/2 cup of Vegetable Oil

I highly recommend cooking your Lowcountry boil outside just because it’s better ventilation and the whole point of the boil is to enjoy being outside!

Bring a big pot of water to a boil and add the oil and Old Bay. Throw in the sausage first to cook for 20 minutes before adding the corn. After another 10 minutes, add the shrimp and cook for 6 minutes. Drain the pot and pour your Lowcountry boil on a big platter and serve immediately with melted butter and cocktail sauce.

The Dessert

For dessert, I went with a one layer strawberry shortcake. Recipe linked here!

If you saw my Instagram post Monday, you already know about my rookie baker mistake! I highly recommend using cake flour like the recipe calls for verses all purpose flour! Unless, of course, you want a super dense cake haha!

Despite the density, this cake was super delicious with the macerated strawberries! For the strawberries, I used Stevia sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and some Cointreau for more flavor.

Hostess Timeline

11:30 AM Take out butter, egg, and milk

12:30 PM Start cake batter

1:00 PM cake in oven, start making Parmesan crisps

2:00 PM cake and crisps cooling on racks, make salad and whipped cream

2:45 PM put table together

4:00 PM start getting dressed/ready

5:00 PM make signature cocktail

5:30 PM greet guests with appetizers and cocktails

6:15 PM Put in Lowcountry boil, get everything ready for dinner

7:00 PM Serve salad and Lowcountry boil

8:00 PM Take strawberry shortcake out of the fridge and serve

We had the most perfect evening and I was so thrilled with how it turned out! What do y’all think of the menu and decor? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Hosting,