Few things are sweeter than a crisp bite of watermelon and some good ol' sunshine, so dust off those BBQs and pump those summer playlists because swimsuit weather is on its way back (from what felt like a long trip far, far away). With Memorial Day around the corner, not only do we have you covered with weekend essentials and an inexpensive way to upgrade your Memorial Day 'fit, but we've also come up with five easy and affordable ways (plus a few snazzy tricks and tips) to add a little watermelon to your Welcome Summer soiree.
Watermelon Stamped Tablecloth
Line your table with this fun and simple watermelon stamped drop cloth. You can find these inexpensive drop cloths in the painting aisle at your local hardware store.
Materials:
— paintbrush
— acrylic paint
— drop cloths
— styrofoam circle
We found this circular styrofoam at our local craft store, which provided the perfect two-inch-diameter circle for our mini watermelon stamp. Use your paintbrush to paint an even layer of pink or red onto your stamp and press the painted side down onto the drop cloth. Use your clean paintbrush and outline your circle with a shade of green for the watermelon rind.
Paint small black watermelon seeds with your paintbrush, and repeat these steps until your drop cloth has a smattering of cute mini watermelons!
Minty Watermelon Coconut Sorbet
This is the perfect marriage between a watermelon slushie and creamy coconut milk. Let's not forget the mint, which adds a refreshing yet subtle kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 mini watermelon
- 1/2 can coconut milk
- 2-3 pitted dates
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons chopped mint leaves
- juice 1 lime
Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to scoop your watermelon into the blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a small pot and heat for five minutes to get the sugars to slightly caramelize. Pour back in the blender and add half of a can of coconut milk. Next, add 2-3 pitted dates (the number can vary depending on desired sweetness). Blend until smooth.
Squeeze juice of one lime and add about two tablespoons of chopped-up mint leaves. Add a splash of vanilla extract and blend once more. Give it a taste, and add more dates or mint if needed. Pour sorbet mixture into a cake pan, cover with Saran wrap and place in the freezer for 3-4 hours.
Watercolor Watermelon Cone Sleeves
Though this is kind of a throwback to our childhood painting days, it can be a fun activity for your guests to make as well! Set up a painting station at the table and give each guest a watermelon printable to watercolor for their sorbet cone.
Materials:
- watermelon printable
- paintbrush
- watercolor paints
- scissors
- ice cream cones
- tape
- water
Print out a few pages of our free watermelon cone printable on white paper. Dip your paintbrush into water then your watercolor palette, and paint within the lines. Cut out each watermelon shape, wrap around the ice cream cone and tape down the line.
Watermelon al Fresco
It doesn’t get easier than this recipe. Plus this drink looks good, tastes good, smells good and feels good. An all-around winner.
- 3 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 can sparkling water
- 1-2 limes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- mint leaves for garnish
Blend your watermelon cubes, one can of sparkling water, 1/4 cup of sugar and the juice of a lime in a blender until smooth.
Pour into a glass, add a lime wheel, mint for garnish, some ice and a fun straw. Super easy!
Fresh Basil, Watermelon and Heirloom Tomato Salad
This is another simple recipe for the books, and it’s a great appetizer!
- 1/2 watermelon
- basil leaves
- juice 2 limes
- feta cheese
- heirloom tomatoes
- a few pinches of sea salt
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
This salad is almost too easy. Slice your heirloom tomatoes and cube your watermelon. Place them on a serving platter. Tear or chop some basil leaves, then sprinkle the basil and some feta cheese on top. Next, douse with juice from two limes.
Top the salad with a generous sprinkle of sea salt and pour two tablespoons each of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss the salad and it's ready to serve!
Beautiful and delicious!
TIPS AND TRICKS:
— Cut out some geometric shapes on colored paper and tape them to a wall to create a fun backdrop.
— Lay some faux or real leaves on the table to create a tropical vibe.
— Add some stir sticks for more pops of color!
— Use the hollowed out watermelon halves as bowls, and fill them with candy for your guests to enjoy.
Show us your watermelon party by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative!
DIY Production and Styling: Anita Yung
Photography: Chris Andre
