88 - Friday, May 29, 1998 - North Shore News Garden party tips the Queen forgot Ahhhh summertime ... warm days and long lazy weekends spent getting reacquainted with fami- ly, friends and neigh- bors. ‘Throughout history, peapic have enjoyed entertaining guests outside. Although style and setzings have changed through the cen- turies, the variety that outdoor entertaining offers makes ¢ ger-togerher unique and mem- orable. With a litde ingenuity, the backyard can) become an appropriate setting for a formal reception or a family barbecue. . ; anners in bloom ‘NORTH Vancouver City Mayor Jack Loucks, left, and Linda Feil of the North Vancouver Community Arts Council recently congratulated students Karen Davidson, Elfred Matining and Shane Campbell on their win- ning entries to the city's “Communities in Bloom” Youth Banner contest. imaginative functions held out- doors can demand even more attention to detail than indoor ming, mood, menu, serv- ing format and gucst comfort, can make or break the ocea- NEWS photo Terry Peters By Prudential Sussex Reaity- Sadru Mitha sion. Here are some helpful ups to add ambiance, flair and creative touches to summer get togethers: § For evening entertaining pay close anention to lighting for guest conv and to set *the mood. ling holiday lights, colored spotlights, our- door garden fighting and can- dies will all add a warm glow to the atmospher M Get creative with vi door table setting. beautiful and functional as you would for an indoor setting. Use special touches to tie in with voor oundings or tleck diccor. h cut flowers front vour garden make a great centrepiece that will comple- ment the Landscape. end ample me planning your music selection. A pre: programmed lineup of CDs or a customized arrangement on cassette will keep your hands tree and things in swing. Skew the music te the crowd and finetion. Have 2 mix ct nines to suit a variety of tastes, aiid consider that moonhaht “wine and cheese” calls fora different selection than a mid- day pool party. @ If windy conditions are expected, arrange utensils in a basket and ask guests to help themselves. Use double- sided carpet tape on the bor- tom of tablecloths and serv- ing plates so they'll stick to the table. & For an improvised outdoor cooler thar complements the deck, try oak g, lined with a plastic bag. and well stocked with ice. To pro- long the barrels’ chilling capac- ity, line the interior with a thin pleasantly scented desi candles during biting ig season. @ Be sure to locate some loungers and chairs in well shaded parts of the yard, and have plenty of surtsereen avail- AF gue’ t list exceeds the of vour barbecue, reduce the emphasis on grilled foods. Consider asking friends to loan vou their gas barbe- cues, but be sure co allow enough preparation time so thar there are no last minute surprises. Also consider make- ahead entrees as part of the menu to minimize time in the kitchen on vour big day. M Be specitic with your guests as to whether children are invited. Playing party host and camp director simulrancousiy mr case, HP children are expected. hire a sitter or enlist ome of your older children to keep them entertained. @ Alchough scheduling can be achallenge at the best of times, Holland says to resist picking any open day on the ¢ r. haose a day of the week and atime thar makes the best tit for the type of backyard func- tion that’s planned. Hosting a pool party for people trom work demands different sched- uling (and a longer lead time) than a simple backyard barbe- cue for the couple down the road. @ Finally, do as much as you can a few days ahead of the get-together. And rest up the night before so you'll be fresh, vibrant and in. a welcoming mood for company. 984-9711 The Strataman oA REAL DEAL FOR A SMART SHOPPER: Convenient’ ‘central Lonsdale.’ Bright 1 BR’ with. 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