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Add Sizzle and
Style to Summer Parties
Easy Tips for Summer Entertaining
by Aracontent |
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 (ARA) - Summer is here and that means
backyard parties, get-togethers and grilling. But just because
you're hosting a party doesn't mean you have to break out the
paper plates, load up the cooler and struggle with the grill.
Brats and beer have their place, but for special occasions you
want a little more style. Whether you're throwing a bridal shower,
having friends over or enjoying a quiet dinner for two, you can
follow some simple tips to make stylish summer entertaining a
breeze.
First Rule: Don't Stress
Indoor parties often result in time wasted worrying over seating
arrangements and place settings. The great thing about outdoor
get-togethers is that you can forget all of that. A patio or
deck already offers the perfect natural backdrop. Instead of
fussing over decor, pay attention to the things that people remember
most -- the ambiance and the drinks. |
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Summer Showers
You can't get through summer without the news that friends are
engaged or expecting a baby. It's shower season! Before you know
it, you're throwing a party and running around madly. But take
a breather. Make it easy on yourself and add just a few personal
touches to your party to show you're thinking of the special
couple.
* Set the Scene: With larger groups you need to make things simple.
Try creating a backyard banquet for your guests by picking up
a couple of inexpensive long trestle tables from a hardware store
and setting them facing each other under a tree. Throw on white
tablecloths (or pastel shades for a baby shower) for a clean,
fresh look. String Chinese lanterns overhead, add fresh flowers
to the tables and you're done.
* Perfect Shower Drink: For special occasions you need distinctive
drinks. New trends in summer cocktails blend the best luxury
white spirits with summer fruits. One of the more distinctive
new recipes is the Chopin Asian Pear Martini. Its pale white
color makes it perfect for showers, and its unusual but distinctive
blend of pear and ginger flavors are both light and refreshing
for any occasion. To mix the Chopin Asian Pear, shake 1 1/2 ounces
Chopin, 1 1/2 ounces lemonade and 2 shakes of strained ginger
juice. Top with 2 ounces Kristian Regale Pear Sparkler. Garnish
with a wedge from a fresh pear.
Après Golf
If you've waited all winter to get back on the golf course, chances
are you're now making the most of summer afternoons. But that
doesn't mean you need to spend all evening at the club. If you're
entertaining friends, a few simple tricks will bring country
club style to your own backyard.
* Set the Scene: Think about classic outdoor elegance. Outdoor
wicker furniture with a simple green table setting sets the mood.
For just a hint of the afternoon's game, add a plain vase of
long fresh wild grass, or for a dramatic touch, use place settings
cut from fresh turf squares. You can pick up both at garden centers
for only a few dollars.
* Summer Drink to a Tee: The gin and tonic at the club can get
pretty tired, but the new Chopin Par-tini is summer to a tee.
A perfect blend of mellow melon with a hint of lime and smooth
Chopin Polish Luxury Vodka strained through ice, the Par-tini
is great to mix in the late afternoon and serve into the early
evening hours. To make the Chopin Par-tini, shake 1 1/2 ounces
Chopin, 1/2 ounce Midori, strained juice from 3 lime wedges and
a splash (1/8 ounce) Martini & Rossi dry vermouth. Garnish
with a lime wheel and melon ball.
Evening Romance
Even if it's just the two of you, you can make the evening special.
Take advantage of the warm evenings and cool breezes to add a
little romance to your evening:
* Set the Scene: Keep it classic and simple and avoid too much
flash. Throw a clean white linen tablecloth over your lawn furniture,
add a vase of fresh cut flowers -- calla lilies for a taste of
the tropics -- and candles, or string white holiday lights overhead.
Break out your best glassware and china for a more luxurious
feel.
* New Summer Drinks: Most people crack open the chardonnay in
summer, but new trends in summer cocktails give you a chance
to use your imagination. The best summer drinks are chilled,
refreshing and exotic. For a romantic, sensual drink, try mixing
the Chopin Wild Orchid Martini, blending chilled, crisp Chopin
Polish Luxury vodka with the summer flavors of pineapple and
raspberry. To make the Chopin Wild Orchid Martini, shake 1 1/2
ounces Chopin, 1 ounce pineapple juice and 1/2 ounce Chambord.
Top with 1 ounce Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne. Garnish
with a fresh orchid on the side of the glass. This drink is guaranteed
to get attention.
Summer should be about kicking back and toasting the company
of friends. By following these quick tips you can save yourself
time, money and stress, and make any occasion this summer memorable
and relaxing. |
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