Decorating Tips

JULY ‘ TIPS’

July marks mid point for the year . . . summer and HOLIDAY parties! Summer

fun and vacations brings friends and families together for entertaining. Don’t let the idea of planning a party stop you from enjoying being a host. Move your gathering outside and set the mood casual. . .

Plan your outdoor event and go beyond your deck or patio. Set up tables and seating in the middle of your yard. Use blankets for additional seating, be spontaneous and romantic!

Forget invitations . . . call and invite guests.

Set a theme and make it pot luck! Assign each person one dish for the sides or desserts and you make the main or most difficult dish.

Follow the two-hour rule. Never serve food that has been out of the frig or oven longer than two hours. With the party outdoors in temperatures above 70 you might want to keep that to one hour.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate enjoy appetizers outdoors and bring the main course inside.

Set up buffet style for comfort in serving groups of 10 or more. Drinks set up at a different station is helpful.

If you don’t already have one, purchase an ice cream freezer. Have your guests start cranking so your cold dessert is ready when dinner is done.

Bugs a problem? Put a can or bottle of insect repellent in sight for your guests to use if needed. Remember, mosquitoes bite more at dusk.

Buy three times more ice and store in coolers placed around your party area. Additional canned drinks can be stored too for easy access.

If kids attending are questionable, rule of thumb – over 14 years of age fit in at most outdoor events. For a younger crowd, plan to have a sitter available with kid friendly games and activities. Even set up a ‘kids’ table complete with fun kid snacks and drinks. Prepare individual treat bags for each one to use and even take home. Use a paper tablecloth, give them crayons or markers and let them decorate their own table.　

　

TABLE DECORATION IDEAS

With outdoor events paper and plastic are so easy and expected.

Use pretty stones tied to the corners of the tablecloth to hold it down.

Use fruit as candle holders. Carve holes into apples, pears, pineapples, or any firm produce.

Use melons cut in half as your dishes for serving fruit salads or dips.

Stack dishes up in the center of the table for easy reach for guests.

Use a colorful basket for silverware and napkins. Clay flowerpots cost just pennies and are so useful.

Use a fresh fruit or vegetable arrangement as your table centerpiece.

Bring out your little white Christmas lights. String them along a fence or porch, or through your shrubs.

Now, go plan a gathering, use your imagination, and ENJOY the summer!

　

My little observation . . . people tend to eat more at parties.

So make plenty!

　

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