20 - Friday, August 1, 1986 - North Shore News Party through summer SUMMER is the time of year when casual home entertaining is uap- proaching its peak. Summer parties needn't hassle. While convenience is very im- portant, the look of the table -— even when it’s the picnic table — can add to summer party fun. Here are some party planning tips for carefree summer fun that sizzles: * You want to relax with your guests, so choose a menu that is simple to prepare. Barbecues can be very easy. Salads that you can make ahead will free up time on the day of your party. *Taxe full advantage of the abundance of fresh, good quality fruits and vegetables available in summer. Not only are they delicious, but their color and per- be a Tree Talk By Brian Fisher PERHAPS this column should be called ‘trees and neighbors’’; in any event, one of the most difficult situations which we encounter in the tree service industry is pro- blems with trees on a neighbor's property. It is a difficult situation, par- ticularly where the owner of the tree is particularly fond of the tree while the neighbor finds it an an- noying nuisance. Unfortunately, it appears to us that conversations cften start with the two polarities: ‘‘Remove that awful tree’? on the one side and “Don’t touch my precious tree’’ on the other. In most cases, the right of deci- sion lies with the owner of the tree and little is accomplished by a confrontation. What can you do? If your neighbor's trees are a problem for you, approach your neighbor with the problem and ask him if he would be willing tu work with you to solve the problem in a mutually satisfactory imanner. Our experience indicates that most people wish to be good neighbors and will at least be will- ing to hear you out. Remember that your neighbor may have quite a different perspective on the situation; the tree that is causing you a problem may be providing a service to him or her. Be prepared to pay part of the cost of any work done. These costs might well include having a qualified arborist consult with both of you to explain what can be done that will meet both of your objectives. Jf you are the owner of a tree and your neighbor has a problem, be open to hearing some pro- posals. In the end, you will be able to make the final decision, but, often there are procedures that will allow you to keep your tree and be a good neighbor too. What can be done: Most deciduous trees can be properly restructured by qualified arborists to reduce size and height and still maintain good ap- pearance. Evergreens are more difficult but there are alternatives to topp- ing trees and a qualified arborist can help. If you have large forest trees in your yard, be willing to look at just what they do for you. Removal is sometimes a more appropriate procedure than it ap- pears at first glance. fume add zing to your table. ¢ To prepare your shopping list, walk through your party in steps from the time your guests arrive until they leave. Establishing what you need this way will cut down on your last-minute trips to the store. *Set your table with coordinated paper partyware. Clean-up is a breeze, and there’s no fear cf anything breaking. The many vivid solid colors and bold pat- terns available alow you to create a truly festive summer mood. ® Decorate your patie or yard with tiny Christmas tree lights. Good planning and Preparation can make a entertainer out of anyone. easy ereat G4 LiGHTING 4600 East Hastings, Burnaby 299-0666 Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 8:30 am - 5 pm; Fri. 8:30 am - 9:00pm A WHOLESALE & RETAIL — FREE CATALOGUES AVAILABLE 3 WESTCON CONCRETE PAVERS create drama but the real story lies in their enduring character. 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