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Summer Entertaining Tips from the Pros
July, 2006 - Issue #21
Compiled by Therese Edwards and photography by Ted Dayton

When it comes to nighttime get-togethers, illuminated walkways are both safer and more eye-appealing. This standing lantern is available at Orchid Gift Emporium.
When it comes to nighttime get-togethers, illuminated walkways are both safer and more eye-appealing. This standing lantern is available at Orchid Gift Emporium.
What could be more fun than gathering friends and family together to enjoy a warm summer evening? Whether your shin-dig is a casual get-together or a more formal event (summer's the perfect time for outdoor bridal showers, birthday parties and more), these tips from local pros will help you make your party one to remember.

Start with a Theme

"A great way to start planning for a party is to select a theme. The menu, the colors, the decorations and the music will just seem to fall into place. Just as the decor visually communicates the theme, music has your guests feeling the theme. Steel drum bands are perfect if you're going for something Caribbean. Hawaiian music and Polynesian dancers will really make your luau. The ever popular-beach bands (think Beach Boys) will have your guests dancing. For a down-home barbecue, there's nothing better than a great country band. Music will compliment your event and create the atmosphere for a memorable evening," John Pramik of John Pramik Entertainment, Inc., 295-5578.

Select Decor

Quick Fabric Coverage

For a quick no-sew decorating project, use tropical-themed prints to drape and swag up and over, as well as across, patio covers, trellises and gazebos. To further coordinate the look, add a tablecloth, a square topper over a round table or a table runner. Add some pillows in various sizes on your lounge chairs to complete the look. For a spa-inspired look, create the atmosphere using sheers, gauze or linens. Or try a French Country or a Tuscan theme by choosing from a variety of fabrics, tassels and trim," Interior Decorator Lauren Steel of Coming Home Fabrics, 255-5023.

Summer Florals

"To create summery decor for your backyard soiree, place some fresh limes and lemons in a glass or decorative bowl with some greenery tucked in. The greenery can be fresh-picked roses or wild flowers from your backyard or a few large green leaves or wispy fern stems," Charmaine Wojciechowski of Charmaine's Florist, 297-3100.

Ambiance Lighting

Votive candle "floaters" can easily transform a patio table, but for real impact, consider letting a dozen or so skim across the surface of your pool or backyard water feature. Floaters like these are available at Candleman.
Votive candle "floaters" can easily transform a patio table, but for real impact, consider letting a dozen or so skim across the surface of your pool or backyard water feature. Floaters like these are available at Candleman.
"Candlelight adds the perfect touch for all outdoor entertaining functions. For extra impact, try suspending mini tea light glass holders in a staggered effect with fishing line, and use as a back drop on a wall, fence or patio cover. Also, a clear glass hurricane with a colored pillar candle and river rocks at the base create an attention-grabbing centerpiece.

And don't forget glass floaters - they hold tea lights and can be used to decorate your spa, pond or pool.

Complete the look with glass yard stakes, with a candle inside, and you will be the envy of your neighborhood!," Kevin Leahy of Candleman, 257-9420.

Create a Menu

Consider Catering

"The first thing a guest will comment on when raving about a great party is the food. The dishes served at a backyard bash or summer barbeque are the most memorable, but for some hosts they can be a worst nightmare come true. With decorations, tidying up and entertaining guests, hosts have their hands full, which is why having the party catered or taking advantage of on-site services is the best bet. Take advantage of companies that offer full-service catering, on-site grill options and various platters to suit every host's need so they can enjoy themselves along with their guests!," Kim Piwowarczyk of Philly's Best, 286-9949.

Wow them with Side Dishes

"Be the talk of the barbecue with this sizzling side dish recipe.

Gorgonzola Roasted Potatoes
2 lbs red potatoes, quartered
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup green union, minced,
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried rosemary leaves
1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Layer ingredients in extra heavy foil with two tablespoons of water. Wrap tightly. Cook in the foil, on the coals, for approx. 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Stir and serve.

If you're taking this to a barbecue outing, put in a cooler with other refrigerated items to keep the cheese and butter cool until it's time to cook," Crystal Mencher of Santa Clarita Dream Dinners, 295-1694.

A variety of old-fashioned beverages, available at most grocery stores, make tasty conversation pieces.
A variety of old-fashioned beverages, available at most grocery stores, make tasty conversation pieces.
Select a Beverage

Iced Tea

"Make a refreshing iced tea with loose tea leaves. Brew any loose black tea, flavored or unflavored, pour it into a pitcher with ice and add lemon and orange slices to it. To make it an eye catcher, add lemon leaf and a cherry on top. For kids, you can use any fruit tea and do the same thing. It's a refreshing, healthy choice for them and most fruit teas are made out of real fruit pieces with vitamin C," Carmen Russo of Victorian Tea Time, 600-2870.

Wine

"German Rieslings and French Roses both pair well with summer appetizers and salads, or are light options to enjoy while watching the sun go down. For summer barbeques and heartier fare like hamburgers, chicken and steak, I suggest a Zinfandel. The 2004 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel, at $29 a bottle, is an impressive full-bodied red wine. Zinfandels go well with these types of dishes because they have more fruit and softer tannins. Pinot Noirs, such as the 2004 Silverspur from the Russian River valley, are a great summer wine because they are a light-body red wine that you can chill before serving," Yoon Lee of All Corked Up, 799-7979.

If Time Allows, Make Last-minute Home Improvements

Block the Sun

"Heat in the SCV soars to an unbearable temperature in the summer, so hosting a backyard get together after it gets dark seems like the only option. Fortunately, there is a way to shade your guests from the scorching sun and start the party at a decent hour by converting your lanai, porch, balcony or veranda into a cool oasis. Products like an executive screen are so functional and versatile. It rolls down when you need it to block the rays and rolls away with ease when you and your guests are ready to enjoy the gorgeous summer sunset.," Lisa Warr, Phantom Screens of Southern California, 799-9226.

Improve your Landscape

"Decorative concrete adds a creative touch to any backyard, whether it's a predominantly bare or grassy backyard or a an elaborately landscaped one. If you want to pour/stamp concrete, do this in a cooler climate, like very early in the day. Also, plant lots of annual color plants. Impatiens are very low maintenance. Plant them early to acclimate them to SCV's hot summer weather, or plant dianthus or marigolds now. They're high-heat tolerant. For a resort effect, plant solid-colored flowers. If you'd rather hire a contractor for your yard landscaping, do so at least two months in advance to make your deadline," Bruno Hovsepian of BSH Landscape & Masonry, 287-9568.

In the end, have fun, and as Jill Jackson, owner of Dessert Alert (753-9269) says, "No matter what cause or party you are entertaining or supporting, put your best foot forward and leave a lasting impression."
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