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End of Summer Dinner Party
© Becky Doland
Sep 2, 1999
As summer draws to a close and the evenings begin to cool off, it's a perfect time to host an outdoor dinner party. Invite one or two couples, or whatever number will be most comfortable around your patio table.
First let's set to work on the location. Make sure your deck is swept of leaves and debris, the patio furniture is clean and dry, and the surrounding lawn & garden area trimmed and weeded.
Decorations can be simple and inexpensive. Potted plants and flowers are a natural in this situation. Even if you have a small deck, a couple small potted mums will add color and beauty. Candles outdoors not only enhance the atmosphere, they can also fend off insects. Patio candles in small metal buckets can be purchased in most discount and larger grocery stores. If your yard is large enough, tiki torches are a great addition.
I set the table just as I would if it were indoors. Cloth placemats and napkins together with pretty dishes and glassware make your friends feel special, and they needn't be expensive to look good.
Start out with some simple appetizers, an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and fresh strawberries always goes over well. If your guests don't drink, have a big pitcher of iced tea or lemonade on hand. A nice, light & fruity wine goes well here too.
Now that the stage is set, on to the menu! I must admit here to being a beef lover, and grilled steaks are one of my favorite treats. The dishes I would serve on an evening such as this are: Grilled Marinated Steaks 1 cup olive oil,
1/2 cup soy sauce,
3-4 Tbsp. Montreal Steak Seasoning,
4 delmonico steaks mix first three ingredients and marinade steaks, turning several times, for at least an hour.
Grill to desired doneness. Fresh Broccoli Salad 2 bunches fresh broccoli florets - cut up bite sized,
5 green onions - green part only - chopped,
3/4 cup raisins,
1 lb. bacon - fried very crisp and crumbled (I cut the slab up before frying so I start out with lots of little pieces in the pan),
1 1/2 cups mayo,
1/3 cup sugar,
3 Tbs. vinegar Mix first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together dressing ingredients and pour over salad. Mix well and refrigerate overnight.
Special Baked Potatoes (make one for each guest) 1 baking potato - peeled and quartered lengthwise,
sliced vidalia onion,
1 slice bacon,
salt & pepper to taste
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The copyright of the article End of Summer Dinner Party in Party Planning is owned by Becky Doland. Permission to republish End of Summer Dinner Party in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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