(ARA)
- The weather is warming up, and it’s time to take the top off your
barbecue and start planning your backyard parties. The ease of
summer entertaining is enticing -- after all, what’s simpler than
throwing a few hot dogs on the grill and inviting neighbors and
friends over?
The fourth annual Lenox Gift-Giving and Etiquette Survey reveals
that most (88 percent) Americans entertain once or twice a year,
and summer is a very popular time to open your home to friends and
family. It’s not hard to dress up your standard picnic table and
turn your party into an enjoyable affair that reflects your
personal style.
“When entertaining this summer, whether enjoying a quiet dinner
for two or a summer soiree with friends, take the time to plan
ahead and make your night come alive with flavor,” suggests Denise
Dinyon, Lenox gift-giving and etiquette expert. She offers 10 easy
tips for creating a refined backyard affair that’s guaranteed to
let the guests and host have fun.
1. Enjoy the sunshine and take your best tableware out of doors.
Celebrate the glory of eating surrounded by nature -- use crystal
pitchers to serve sangria, silver or china platters for burgers and
hot dogs and whimsical metal bowls for fresh fruit salad.
2. In the summer months the buzzword is relaxed. Serve "family
style" at the table or set a buffet and let everyone serve
themselves. Tie place settings of flatware in cotton napkins, using
natural materials like raffia, to make it easy for everyone to grab
a set on their way to the table.
3. If you can’t get away this summer, bring the tropics home --
create an exotic look by dressing up your table with Lenox British
Colonial palm tree-shaped candlesticks and sprinkle beach shells on
the table. Place one candleholder at each place setting to set the
night on fire.
4. Give the wine cellar a rest, and celebrate summer with tasty
frozen cocktails; frozen daiquiris, margaritas and pina coladas are
always winners! Serve in colorful Dansk Kitchen margarita glasses
for a fun-filled and festive party.
5. Summer is for enjoying long sunsets and the company of
friends, so don’t feel the need to plan a structured dinner. Serve
lots of appetizers for guests to nibble at their own pace, and
present them in the stylish floral Lenox Provencal Garden dipping
bowls with matching spreaders, so they are as beautiful as they are
tasty.
6. As temperatures rise outside, don’t spend hours cooking over
a hot stove. This summer stick with light foods like fruits and
vegetables, and spices and seasonings such as peppermint or
cilantro.
7. Flowers, flowers and more flowers! Fill your table with life
by placing a beautiful vase filled with your favorite garden
flowers at the center of your table or create a cluster of small
bud vases with single stems. For an added touch, place a single bud
on each plate.
8. Set the mood with candle lighting. China, crystal or silver
votives will provide some sparkle for the table, while citronella
candles will help deter unwanted guests.
9. Prepare ahead of time so you can enjoy your guests. Always
make sure you have the right supplies -- drinks, plenty of snack
foods and music for creating the right atmosphere. Let a tropical
beat or some smooth jazz ease you into a summer party mood.
10. Don’t forget your camera! Take pictures and frame the photos
to keep an everlasting memory of your summer fun.
Remember the most important thing is to have fun when hosting,
and so will your guests. Now open your doors and start celebrating
summer with family and friends! For more information, tips, and
gift ideas, visit www.lenox.com or call (800) 63-LENOX.
