Summer Parties

1. Hawaiian Luau
Tiki torches, pineapple, leis and Hawaiian shirts are what it's all about!
2. Spanish Fiesta
Bright colored linens, sangria, Flamenco guitar music and tapas set the stage!
3. Fire and Ice
Candles, frozen drinks, a bonfire and ice cream just to start!
4. Block Party
Lawn chairs, potato salad, lemonade, and retro music start the fun!
5. Hot and Spicy
Buffalo wings, chili, red and yellow plates/napkins, and colorful peppers get the party going!

2 pkg. refrigerated coleslaw mix
3/4 cup chopped cocktail peanuts
8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tbls. sugar
1 tsp. celery seed

Combine mayonnaise and sugar and mix until sugar is dissolved. Add to remaining ingredients and chill. Serves 12-14.

Ingredients:
Juice from 2 limes
2 tbls tequila
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and marinate at least 2 hrs or up to 24 hrs. Put shrimp on metal or wood skewers ( for wood soak in water 30 minutes ahead). Grill shrimp 3-5 minutes per side. 4 servings.

Parties can be extremely stressful without planning ahead. As soon as you pick the date of the party, start keeping a notebook of what needs to be done. Make a checklist of things to do each day before the party.

Invitations
For a casual summer party, invitations can be sent out or a simple phone call will do. Social networking sites are also a good option for invites. Invitations should be sent out at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Since summer is a busy season for vacations, it's best to slightly over invite to insure plenty of guests.

Theme
Plan a theme for your party such as a Hawaiian Luau or a 4th of July Party. Purchase decorations, party plates, napkins and cups early. Decide on a centerpiece, flowers or balloons for the main food table. If you are putting an order in for anything, do it right away. Candles are in order if the party will continue into the evening.

Menu
One of the main ways to keep a party stress-free is to keep the menu simple. Plan on making a few easy dishes or even just the main dish. Pre-order the other menu items or when your guests offer to bring something, accept their offer! Set up a drink area with 2-3 selections so that guests can help themselves. A big bowl of punch serves many and is a wonderful crowd pleaser!

Setting Up
Start setting up the day before the party. It may be too early to set up outside, but everything can be unwrapped and ready to go. Make food preparations in advance and pick up decorations and pre-ordered food. Ask a friend, family member or guest to arrive early and help. Keep a list of everything you need to do the day before and the day of the party.

Party Time
Now is the time to relax and enjoy your efforts of planning ahead. Everything is calm and stress-free and you are able to greet your guests and enjoy the party as well!

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 gallon water
3 lemons, sliced

Combine lemon juice, sugar and
water until sugar is dissolved.
Pour into punch bowl or pitcher.
Add lemon slices. 12 Servings.

(NewsUSA) - Celebrate the warmer days by hosting an outdoor summertime party or barbecue. It's easy to add pizzazz to an outdoor party and stay on budget, with accessories and color.

Here are some inexpensive ways to add character to your outdoor get-togethers:

1. Make it colorful. For a fast way to give your party a sense of style, color-coordinate your bowls, plates and cups in attention-grabbing colors. Dollar General stores (www.dollargeneral.com) sell plastic tableware in bright colors and patterns. These items are inexpensive enough to buy in multiples, so if you plan on hosting several parties, you can use one color per occasion, then invite guests to your "pink party" or "orange party."

2. Pep up your decor with peppers. Add a memorable touch by serving condiments or finger foods in hollowed-out green, red and yellow peppers. Simply cut the stems, and fill the peppers with ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or any other condiment. Depending on the peppers' colors, you may be able to coordinate them with the rest of your tableware.

3. Create a field of dreams. Silk flowers can create a beautiful centerpiece or be used in smaller arrangements around the table. Add a whimsical touch by purchasing a variety of silk flowers and planting them upright in the ground. Use them to mark paths through the yard or to the food tables and seating areas. Silk flowers are inexpensive at stores like Dollar General and are economical enough to buy in large quantities. They're also more durable than real flowers and can be used again and again.

4. Find unique ways to deter bugs. Certain herbs and flowers repel insects. For instance, sprigs of parsley or tansy may help keep ants at bay, while lavender or mint could drive flies away. Set up decorative bowls of herbs in various spots near the guests' seating. A larger bowl can be the striking centerpiece of a table. Keep your food safe from unwanted company with mesh food covers.

Ingredients
8 oz. refrigerated crabmeat, cartilage removed
(imitation crabmeat can also be used)
12 oz. shredded monterey jack cheese
Tortilla chips
Old Bay or cajun seasoning

Directions
Spread tortilla chips on greased baking sheet. Top with crabmeat and cheese. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Summer lanterns hung on shepherd hooks are a fabulous way to create ambience for your outdoor party. Several summer lanterns decoratively placed, not only provide subtle lighting, but also create a fun atmosphere.

Choose candles with lively summer scents and playful colors to further enhance the mood. Be sure to light key areas such as the serving/drink tables and walkways.