Outdoor Entertaining Made Easy

(ARA) - Although the temperature outside may make you sweat, planning an outdoor party shouldn’t. With more space to entertain comes more options, more obstacles and more challenges for the host, but that shouldn’t keep you from throwing an exciting and memorable party.

“I love to entertain, but I also know how intimidating it can be for a host,” says Karen Duffy, spokesperson for Authentic Cuervo Margaritas and author of “A Slob in the Kitchen,” a cookbook due out in Summer 2004. “One of the most important things to remember is that your friends are coming over to spend time with you, so having the time to enjoy their company is a priority. I like to keep things creative, but simple, so I have the time to appreciate my own party.”

Duffy offers these tips to alleviate the stress associated with hosting an outdoor party.

* Participatory Meals

Minimal hostess involvement, maximum guest enjoyment, and a main-course summer salad make for a lovely party. Consider laying out chopped salads, grilled vegetables, grated cheese, marinated tomatoes, various herbed oils -- things that can be made well in advance affording you more time to spend with your guests. Serve an olive oil foccacia bread from the grill and let your guests slather, sprinkle and top their own meal.

* Keep Your Salads Fresh

Hot nights are death to crisp green things. To keep a salad fresh, nest the bowl in another bowl of well-salted ice and toss the salad occasionally to keep it cool.

* Setting the Table

Centerpieces can liven up any table -- there are so many flowers, vivid greens, even herbs this time of year. Use buckets or pails and fill them with a wild array. Put stones in the bottom of the pail to prevent them from tipping over in the wind.

* No Mess, No Fuss Margaritas

Make your party more memorable with a signature drink. Margaritas and summer go hand-in-hand, they taste great, they’re always fun, but sometimes they can be a challenge to make. Make it easy with Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas, which are ready-to-drink margaritas with a pre-measured amount of Cuervo Gold tequila already in it. All you have to do is twist the bottle open, pour over ice, garnish with a lime and you’re good to go with a consistent drink every time. No mess, no fuss, no hassle!

* Safety First

If you fail to prepare be prepared to fail. As the host it is your responsibility to make safety your top priority. Offer soft drinks, fruit juices, water or other non-alcoholic beverages so that your guests have a choice and keep a taxi service number at hand in case one of your guests has too much to drink. You want your loved ones around for the next party!

Also be aware that summer heat can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion. Provide your guests with refuge from the sun with colorful umbrellas, an array of spray bottle fans and seating in shaded areas.

Lastly, nothing ruins a party quicker than a bug bite, sunburn or scraped knee. Create a first-aid kit and stock it with bug repellent, sunscreen, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide, etc. Taking these precautions will ensure that you and your guests will be able to fiesta like there’s no mañana.

* Clean-up Duty

To avoid hours of post-party cleanup and dish patrol, stock up on paper and plastic plates, cups and utensils (this will also prevent injuries due to broken glass). Also, strategically place receptacles throughout your entertaining area so guests can dispose of their trash during the party and save you some valuable time.

Still think throwing a party yourself is too much work? Do you want someone else to worry about all the details? Visit www.cuervo.com for more information on how you can win a party co-hosted by home entertaining expert Karen Duffy. She will come to your home and help create a fun and memorable party, leaving you time to enjoy it with your guests.

Courtesy of ARA Content