Home Entertaining Ideas - Ten Easy Entertaining Tips

(ARA) - The ease of warm weather 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 the warmer months are 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, whether enjoying a quiet dinner for two or a 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 warmer 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 season, 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 the season 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. This season 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. 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 party mood.

10. Don’t forget your camera! Take pictures and frame the photos to keep an everlasting memory of your celebration.

Remember the most important thing is to have fun when hosting, and so will your guests. Now open your doors and start celebrating the seaon with family and friends! For more information, tips, and gift ideas, visit www.lenox.com or call (800) 63-LENOX.

Courtesy of ARA Content