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  |  Outdoor spaces  |  Entertaining  |  Party on: 4 new ways to celebrate summer
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Party on: 4 new ways to celebrate summer

by Erika Lenkert
The minute spring's temperate climes turn the corner to deliciously sun-drenched days and balmy eves it's official: the summer party season is on! The beauty of summer entertaining goes well beyond a dress code of tank tops, shorts and shades. The size of your dinner table no longer limits your guest list and you can go super creative with party themes and activities. As you begin to plan your summer soirees, consider these party ideas - you'll feel like the coolest hostess even when the temperature heats up!

  • Globe-trotting backyard social
  • Romper room redux
  • Al fresco game night
  • The make-together meal

    • Globe-trotting garden social
    Unless you've got the salary of P. Diddy, you probably won't be booking a tropical holiday for yourself and a few dozen of your closest friends any time soon. But you can bring home the spirit of world travel by throwing an exotic version of the classic cocktail social. It's the most fun you can have without a passport.

    • Get a few cohosts onboard and conceptualise four different flavourful destination themes - good options include Italy, France, Vietnam, Japan and Mexico. Ask each cohost to provide one drink, one appetiser and a tabletop decor for his or her destination. Review the menu with the group to ensure variety.
    • Let guests know they'll be heading to exotic places by sending invites on travel postcards or fake passports.
    • Scatter the snack stations around your backyard. If necessary, rent a few banquet tables and tablecloths. They're cheap and often include inexpensive delivery and pickup. (You can also hire glasses, if necessary.)
    • Evoke the feel of each destination by decorating the stations with colours from the respective national flags or showcasing the typical regional tabletop items. For France, a Provencal-style tablecloth, baguettes and grapes would be perfect; red and white gingham, doilies or lace and jug wine in woven baskets say Italy; and sombreros, terracotta pottery and tin decor conjure Mexico.
    • To fully transport guests, serve easy finger foods and cocktails, such as margaritas with guacamole and chips, sushi and sake, French cheeses and French bread, antipasti and wine, satays and beer, and empanadas and sangria. Don't forget a nonalcoholic option, or your afternoon affair could turn into a slumber party.
    • Play music from each destination and for a perfect finale, remind cohosts to stay and help clean up.



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