Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Lobster Bake Ideas

Things you need for a lobster bake.  If you are having a clambake, you likely will serve lobster also.  Around here we say we are having a clambake which implies we are having lobster in addition to steamers (the clams). 

You can go all out and have it catered with white linen tablecloths or you can have a simple backyard party or if you are lucky, right on the beach.  I write about old fashioned New England meals frequently because for me it means happy times.  My mother was always having friends and family over on Sunday afternoons and often Saturday and Sunday evenings all through the year.  But especially festive was her 4th of July party which encompassed eating from noon to night. Because it evokes such warm memories, I offer party goods, cookout, barbecue and lobster products in my store.  I really want everyone to have the same type of fun that remember.  I pay homage to Bizzy too, a friend who made it her life's work to have a grand extravaganza for the Fourth of July with party favors over the top.


il PIccolo Giardino's board Lobster Festival on Pinterest for accumulated ideas.

You can start with clam fritters, a great appetizer to have for such a summer event.  The recipe is from a 1940's cookbook and one my Mom used to make these on the 4th of July. 



It is nice to have a gingham tablecloth for a regular picnic table, but any easy clean tablecloth will do if you opted for the backyard event.

For the rest of the menu, simple summer fare.

How about Lobster Chowder?


A really old recipe from the late 1800s.


Or you can make the authentic New England Clam Chowder.  There are so many variations and schools

of thought on clam chowder, I'll leave that to another post.  Yet, I have to say here that using salt pork is the best!

For steamers, have cups for the broth and melted butter.  Have to have the melted butter.  

Some ways to serve your lobster, one recipe is a bit on the graphic side on how to prepare, lobster besides boiling.

These are really neat if you are having a special event and would like personalized.




Placemats that are disposable with directions on how to eat the lobster and lobster bibs are handy
for everyone, evened seasoned veteran eaters.  A fun party favor that is useful is
the lobster placemat created into a fan, as it is always hot during these summer events. 

Don't forget to Keep Calm and Eat Lobster
More great lobster theme ideas for your lobster or clam bake at ilPiccoloGiardino on Etsy.

Personalized lobster bibs



Enjoy and be safe.

Lobster Fans

If you are having a lobster or clam bake, chances are it will be hot weather.
To help your guests keep cool, you can make simple paper fans from lobster placemats
on a shoestring budget.  I had this idea in my head and as soon as I arrived home from work, started making some. They work up super easy quick, are a nice favor, they really work and will be much appreciated. 

This one I did with two placemats.

Light glue mixture(glue/water mixture 1/2 and 1/2, this helps your paper to not bubble or wrinkle) or you can use a glue stick.  Glue a piece of construction paper or card stock in between two placemats.  I use a paintbrush and dip into the glue mixture and dab here and there and especially the corners. 

Make sure your second place mat is facing out.  You want to be able to see it from both sides when fanning. 

Start folding until the placemat is all pleated.  You can see I did not let this dry before
I started folding, but it dries clear in an hour or so.

About an inch up from the bottom, tie with ribbon or twine.  You could even use a clothespin
for an even more rustic look. 
If you do not want to make your own, they are available on Etsy at ilPiccoloGiardino
Place mats are available also in small or large quantities.



I tried with just one placemat and it works, but is much more flimsy, plus you don't get the reversible effect.

You can also use fans by cutting out the lobster from a placemat or other source and add to a tongue depressor, large wooden popsicle stick. They are fun and festive, but not as effective for fanning. 




Other Lobster ideas
and fun products




Want to create lobster themes with cotton fabric?  Here's a fabric I designed for New Englanders and Bostonians on Spoonflower.