Can you plan a whole party around a watermelon theme? You sure can, and here's how!

One of the harbingers of summer you'll find at the grocery store is the presence of huge bins of watermelons that are finally affordable. Watermelon makes a tasty indulgence all on its own (or with a bit of salt - I know, ick, but try it!), but the thing I love best about this colorful fruit is its versatility.

You can easily plan an entire party around a watermelon theme. Decorations with a melon motif are readily available at party suppliers, and the colors - green and red or pink - are eye-catching and fun. You can even plan games using watermelons as props. Toss them, roll them, throw darts at them, or carve them. See what I mean? Versatility!

Of course, the fun really begins when you sit down to start planning your menu. Watermelon can be a part of every course, and your guests will be delighted with the new and wonderful ways to taste it. For best results, use seedless watermelon in your recipes. Here are a couple of really simple appetizer ideas for you.

Melon Bites

• 1 medium-sized watermelon, cut widthwise into 1/2" slices
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1 cantaloupe or honey dew melon, or use half of each for variety
• Toothpicks

Using a melon baller, scoop balls out of the cantaloupe or honey dew melon.

With a small star-shaped cookie cutter (or other shape), cut stars out of the watermelon slices.

Assemble the Melon Bites by placing a mint leaf on top of each watermelon star. Place a melon ball on the top and hold the stacks together with toothpicks. Serve with additional mint leaves for garnish, if desired.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Fingers

• 25 "finger" shaped watermelon pieces, about 1/2" thick
• 25 thin slices prosciutto ham
• Toothpicks

Fold each slice of prosciutto so that it is about 2/3 the length of the watermelon fingers. Wrap each melon finger with the ham, and secure each bundle with a toothpick.

You can add a thin slice of mild cheese to each finger if desired, or fresh herbs for added flavor and color.

Makes 25 appetizers.

Watermelon also makes a great cocktail. Add chunks of melon to your favorite blender drinks, like margaritas or daiquiris, or make a puree of watermelon and blend with ice-cold lemonade for a refreshing non-alcoholic treat.

Of course, for the wine drinkers, there are some great summer wines that pair wonderfully with watermelon.

At dinner, your first course can be a cooling watermelon soup that looks stunning and makes a light, refreshing starter.

Watermelon Soup

• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fruit sugar (or granulated sugar)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
• 9 cups watermelon chunks (without the rind)
• Plain yogurt and additional mint leaves for garnish (optional)

In a saucepan over high heat, mix water and sugar; bring to a boil and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Allow sugar mixture to cool completely.

In a blender, puree the watermelon in batches until smooth, adding several mint leaves to each batch.

Combine the melon/mint puree, sugar water, and lime juice in a large bowl and mix well, using a stick blender for best results. Chill soup for at least four hours or overnight.

Serve cold, with a swirl of plain yogurt and a mint leaf for garnish, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

For your main course, add watermelon slices to some chicken or pork sandwiches. It does sound strange, but wait until you try them! All you need to do is cut your watermelon into 3/4" thick slices, and trim each slice to fit your favorite sandwich rolls. Sprinkle some chili powder over both sides of each watermelon slice, and then use these to top your sandwich. This works best with chicken or pork, but you can try it with other meats as well.

Another option is to throw together a quick watermelon salsa, using diced melon, cucumber, onion, and traditional salsa spices to use on grilled fish, chicken, or even burgers.

For dessert, angel food cake served in a small pool of watermelon puree makes a nice presentation, or try using the puree with ice cream or frozen yogurt. Or make a batch of your favorite cookies and serve them with a fruit salad featuring, of course, watermelon.

The key here is not to completely overdo the watermelon theme in your food. Add a touch of melon to each course, but offer a variety of different, contrasting flavors to make sure that your guests don't leave swearing to never eat watermelon again!

For more fruity foodie fun, check out Summer Fruit and Grilled Fruits.