Summer seafood dishes may be totally alien and unfamiliar for those who do not live in temperate countries with four seasons.  It’s actually more than just fish, shrimp, crab, squid and other marine life prepared during hot weather

Apart from the time of year, a summer feast (whether it’s predominantly serving seafood or not) has some other significance to it,  For some countries including the United States, summer is an opportunity for families to gather and celebrate a bountiful harvest.  It can also coincide with holidays like the 4^th of July where restaurants lavishly prepare buffet spreads and outdoor grills enjoyed al fresco while enjoying the nighttime firework..

To theme the cuisine of any occasion or season with a certain food or food group, one simply has to incorporate key ingredients as seamlessly as possible and not let it overwhelm other foods.  In the case of a harvest feast, fresh vegetables like tomatoes, corn, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, peppers are the main components of the season’s signature dishes.  It’s pretty easy enough to integrate seafood with them not to mention fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe and peaches.  Shellfish like lobster, crabs, prawns, oysters, clams, shrimp and tuna are all great to combine with the season’s flavors.  It is not uncommon to find cold soups and entrees served in a meal.

Other food and drink to serve during the hot weather include refreshing fruit and vegetables salads and classic refreshing iced lemonade, and alcoholic drinks like red-wine based sangria, vodka or gin tonic and all-American ice cream desserts.

To help guide you to a great tasting feast, here’s a few dos and don’ts in revolving a seafood theme around your summer spread:

Do get inspiration for your menu from cookbooks, websites, cooking shows and personalize it by using your favorite ingredients.

Do be creative and play around with textures, flavors and aromas.  Serve something raw, grilled, pan fried and baked.

Do keep in mind keeping things simple and generally refreshing.

Do not get too carried away with the theme and incorporate other dishes like meat, vegetables and poultry for those who do not go for seafood or are allergic to it. Having an all-vegetable dish will also put a smile on a vegetarian and vegan on your guest list.

Do not forget similarly-themed dessert and beverages.