Cocktails under the stars |
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This is almost the perfect weather for an outdoor cocktail party, and there is nothing I like better than that! It isn’t too hot, it isn’t too chilly, the lightening bugs are out and the mosquitos are not! So I say, let’s move the party outside. |
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Utilizing your outdoor areas—front porch, back patio, or wherever you have a nice spot available—gives you so much more room for entertaining. This was especially nice during the first few months of the pandemic. Using our large back patio with seating spaced appropriately allowed us to continue to visit with a few friends but stay safe. I also have other outdoor options and which outside area to use depends on the theme of my party, or the number of guests, or the weather. Steve and I even created a new outdoor space on the lower level of our backyard with a few comfortable chairs, a couple of side tables, and a fire pit. Our covered front porch has a couple of comfortable pieces and tables and is roomy enough for a small Friday evening happy hour with friends. But more occasions than not, I use the back patio that opens up from my kitchen. It is a glorious space that overlooks our backyard. There are many tall trees surrounding my back patio and that helps to keep things cooler and gives us some privacy. There is a nice outdoor dining table and chairs that seats about six but I have been known to pull out chairs from inside to use outside—and I always try to arrange my guests in a circular pattern to keep conversation going. Container pots filled with annuals and herbs help spruce up the area, and a nice outdoor rug keeps things cozy. It has taken me a few years to pull the looktogether and it keeps evolving—but that isthe fun thing about outdoors! |
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Anything goes as far as decorations. I try, with an emphasis on try, to keep things simple. A variety of candles sitting about is always a good choice. I also like to use tiny white lights to add some soft illumination around my outdoor space. I use colorful fabric squares or decorative napkins to jazz up my drink table, and I found a wonderful galvanized bucket that I fill with ice to hold a few bottles of our favorite wine, small batch sodas and beer, and some fancy bottled water. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch. You can use festive outdoor tableware or bring your inside plates, glasses, and silverware outside. I like to keep my eyes open when I am “antiquing” for any finds that I think would add to my outdoor party area. Get creative and don’t forget to add a personal touch or two. Many items can be repurposed and add a curious twist to your outdoor setting. |
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You can also keep your menu options open. Not all outdoor gatherings require firing up the grill, although that is never a bad idea! A pitcher or two of a frozen or chilled signature party cocktail is a must. I have included a recipe for a fabulous Bourbon Sangria. Don’t forget about all the fun nibbles you can make using pimento cheese and you can never go wrong with beer cheese and some celery sticks, red pepper slices, or a nice crispy cracker for dipping. Whether it is just a weeknight family dinner or a get together with friends, try it outside. I know you will love it as much as we do! |
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www.inthecuriouskitchen.com |
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