May Long Weekend Recipes & Entertaining Ideas
Ready for May Long Weekend? Try these refreshing drinks, delicious desserts, fuss-free outdoor table decorating ideas and more!
Hello everyone! I can’t believe May Long Weekend is upon us. Most years, we stick close to home working on outdoor projects and partaking in a little grilling and chilling. Unfortunately, the weather forecast isn’t looking so good, so our plans are still a bit up in the air.
If you’re a regular reader, you may be wondering why my Outdoor Extravaganza hasn’t started yet. For the past couple of months, I’ve been dealing with some health issues and decided it was best to cancel the series early last week. This would’ve been its 8th year with an amazing lineup of bloggers, so it’s very disappointing. Here’s hoping I’m back to my regular self very soon.
In the meantime, I thought I’d share some of my favourite recipes and entertaining ideas for outdoor living season. In Canada, where it’s short, we love any opportunity to celebrate warm weather. I’ve made that a big part of the blog over the years. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd at the cottage or enjoying a quiet weekend at home, these refreshing drinks, delicious desserts, fuss-free outdoor table decorating ideas and more have you covered. Enjoy!
May Long Weekend Recipes & Ideas
Every long weekend should kick off with a yummy cocktail (or mocktail), right?!
Bourbon Mint Lemonade
This Bourbon Mint Lemonade cocktail is a bit tart, a bit sweet, and oh-so-delicious. Made with only a handful of simple and fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect drink to savour this summer! Click for the recipe and get started on your new favourite summer cocktail!
Pimm’s Cocktail Jug
This Pimm’s Cocktail Jug is a total crowd pleaser. I love the combination of citrus, berries, mint and cucumber. So fresh, delicious and easy to put together!
Lavender & Blackberry Sparkling Lemonade
I love how refreshing and thirst-quenching this Lavender & Blackberry Sparkling Lemonade is on a hot day. You’ll taste just a hint of lavender to complement the tangy citrus vibe of this pretty drink!
Blended Berry & Mint Green Iced Tea
You’ll love the combination of raspberries, strawberries and fresh mint in this Blended Berry & Mint Green Iced Tea. A frothy drink that doubles as a healthy snack.
Basil Cucumber Mojito
Enjoy drinking mojitos as much as I do? Why not mix it up with this Basil Cucumber Mojito? A refreshing take on a classic cocktail.
Rosemary-Infused Fresh Grapefruit Spritzer
If you enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of freshly squeezed citrus juice cut with the subtle earthy flavour of rosemary, this Fresh Grapefruit Spritzer is for you. Perfect to bottle up and take along on a picnic!
Strawberry Basil Smash
What could be better than a fresh fruit cocktail to cool you down on a hot summer day? This Strawberry Smash Cocktail with honey and basil is light, flavourful and refreshing.
Long weekends call for grilling, so here are a couple easy and healthy recipes to try…
Grilled Peach Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Served over top a bed of spinach, arugula, mint, cucumber and fresh mozzarella, these grilled peaches are amazing! Of course, toasted pecans and maple vinaigrette are the perfect way to finish it all off. YUM! The whole combination is like summer on a plate.
Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken
This flavourful Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken is one of our summer go-to recipes. So simple to make and perfect served over a fresh bed of greens, cut up in a wrap or on its own.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with strawberries in a salad either.
Strawberry Spinach Quinoa Salad
Dig into this Strawberry Spinach Salad with quinoa, cucumber and fresh mozzarella. Topped with zippy basil balsamic dressing and toasted almonds, it’ll surely become your go-to salad recipe this summer!
Ready to finish it all off with a tasty dessert?
Ice Cream Float Bar
Planning on hosting an outdoor party this May Long Weekend? I’m pretty certain your guests will go nuts over this Ice Cream Float Bar. Super fun, easy and delicious. The flavour combinations are endless!
Bananas Foster Ice Cream
Keeping with the ice cream theme, why not try this Bananas Foster Ice Cream? I love the delicious swirls of rum-infused caramel, chunks of buttery banana and crunchy walnuts. So tasty!
Or, maybe you’d prefer this recipe for Caramel Pecan Ice Cream instead?
No Bake Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Jars
These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Jars are an easy and totally scrumptious dessert. Whip up a batch ahead of time for a family get-together or dinner party. Yum!
Mini Pavlova with Summer Fresh Fruit
You’ve gotta try this easy Mini Pavlova Recipe with light and airy meringue surrounded by a crisp crust topped with a mountain of whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruit. One of my favourites!
Blueberry Lemon Angel Food Cake
Don’t let the look of this Blueberry Lemon Angel Food Cake fool you. It’s a delicious showstopper that’s super easy to put together!
Weather supposed to be hot? Make these Watermelon Mint Paletas to cool everyone down. A healthier alternative to store-bought popsicles.
Skillet S’more Brownies
Nothing says long weekend like s’mores around a campfire. As an option, try this scrumptious camping-inspired recipe for Skillet S’more Brownies!
Entertaining guests over May Long Weekend? Check out these easy and budget-friendly outdoor decorating ideas…
DIY Outdoor Bar Cart
Want your bar or drink station to be better organized? See how to transform an IKEA baby changing table into an Outdoor Bar Cart!
Outdoor Brunch Table Setting
Get these simple tips for putting together a casual and beautiful Outdoor Brunch Table Setting. Outdoor dining is the best, isn’t it?
Flea Market Style Outdoor Table
See how I created a Flea Market Style Outdoor Table Setting using salvaged, vintage and on-hand decor. Budget-friendly, yet charming outdoor entertaining ideas!
Other Ideas to Celebrate May Long Weekend
Want more delicious recipes and ideas like these sent directly to your inbox? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE.
Have a lovely weekend,
This is such a fantastic round-up, Shauna! I always enjoy seeing your latest recipes and I am quite a fan of your photography – so beautiful. And…I love your annual Outdoor Extravaganza – so many great ideas come from that. Thinking of you. Take good care! xo
Thank you my friend :)