When you live in north country in winter, it can be excruciating to wait for the lake ice to melt. Our summertime boating life occurs on Big and Little Detroit Lakes, in Detroit Lakes, Minn. The number one goal is making the absolute most out of the boating season once the ice is out, the docks are in, and the pontoon is ready to hit the water.

I use my spare time in the winter to gather new and creative food and recipe ideas, shop sales for holiday and party decorations, and assemble theme ideas that look fun for hosting family and friends on the water. In addition, I take stock of my supplies to ensure we have the necessary items for entertaining, so we are always prepared with minimal effort to board the boat once the warming sunshine arrives in May.

I like to think of our pontoon as a floating living room and find joy in extending invitations to folks to join us for a day of relaxation and cruising. We always provide guests the updated weather predictions and a heads-up on items to bring, but as the host, we make sure there is always an ample supply of extra towels, sunscreen and straw hats for those in need.

When friends or family come aboard the pontoon, Dave the captain is sure to offer a hat tie from his stash for anyone wearing a hat. This has saved guests’ hats from being blown overboard and ending up at the bottom of the lake as some of ours have. We keep a supply of water shoes on board too, so everyone can enjoy a walk on the rocky sandbar later in the day.

The Buffet

Through the years, it seems the “food buffet” is the favorite style to feed guests the main meal. The first order of the day is to find a bay with minimal wind to set anchor or on a windier day, to navigate through the tunnel and channels which provide access to a more protected lake and its calmer waters. Next, I invite all to move to the stern or to float and swim while I utilize the bow area to set items out on the spacious pontoon bench seats. I am able to begin the preparations quickly and efficiently, as I lay out colorful towels on the seats to create visual interest; they also serve to protect from spills. The small upright table is adorned with a festive table cloth and reserved for the spread of condiments, salsa and dips.

Now it’s time to lay out the decorative paper plates, napkins, and silverware to start the flow pattern the gang will walk through. There we will have chips, cheese, finger foods and main food items, followed by desserts. Drinks are in the cooler for all to serve themselves. The assortment of dishes is plentiful with many delicious items contributed by family and friends alike.

Popular buffet foods include jumbo cold shrimp, crispy baked chicken, stuffed miniature peppers, veggies and hummus, fiesta tortilla wraps, and skewers of colorful cut fruit; charcuterie boards include nuts, cold cuts, cheeses and tasty spreads. The true hit with the crew has been bringing my famous generously seasoned, precooked, and chilled filet mignon, thinly sliced. Leftovers of this delicacy are rare!

Morning Cruises

One morning last summer while at a friend’s cabin, we were inspired by the gorgeous sunny lake and lack of wind, so we decided to forgo the breakfast table, fill our plates with fresh-out-of-the-oven egg bake, fruit and muffins and proceed onto the pontoon. We had a glorious slow shoreline cruise while we enjoyed this tasty feast. It was a wonderful way to start the day.

Holiday Celebrations

When it comes to planning for the Fourth of July, plentiful decorations and coordinated food items are sure to set the holiday mood. Additionally, I like to have festive items to offer for our guests to wear, and have the boat decked out in numerous red, white and blue details. As dusk arrives, I hand out light-up necklaces, turn on the outboard neon lights, and set a course to join the gathered flotilla as we await the fireworks that will light up the evening sky.

For simpler hosting occasions, I have ready an updated menu collection for the local “boat up” restaurants, utilizing them when we choose the “no fuss” option, order ahead from the water and dine on the pontoon. Other times we pick up a variety of cold prepared foods from the local grocery store deli. This has made it easier to facilitate fun in the sun on those spontaneous last-minute gatherings.

Floating Fun

Along with planning good food for a day of boating, we like to bring the skis and tube for the more adventurous. Included are many tubes filled by an onboard 12-volt air pump, which are then loosely lashed together and tied off to our anchored pontoon. Many hours seem to fly by as we all float, visit, laugh, and relax in the warm sunshine.

To round out the fun on the lake, there are sing-alongs to the summertime tunes that are playing or we request our talented friend to entertain us with his delightful harmonica riffs.

Have I mentioned sunsets? As the day winds down, some of the most memorable times come with those quiet late-day evening cruises as the waters calm and we take in the spectacular show Mother Nature offers.

Musician James Taylor said, “Being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.”

I have found it interesting that over the years of aiming to provide a memorable time on the water and be a good host, my adult sons have reminded me that just being together enjoying a simple summer day out on the pontoon is a pleasure all by itself.