Summer Party Punch Recipes

3 signature summer cocktails

For me, the best way to bring it on is to celebrate the outdoors. Let me rephrase: it’s not like I am running out camping, I don’t camp, I Glamp, BIG difference. By celebrating the outdoors I mean bringing the INdoors, OUT. Let’s have a party!

It’s time to dust off the patio furniture, scrape off the barbecue and call up your friends, because patio season is upon us. I just wish my teeth were as white as my legs. That aside, here are my favourite tips for throwing a fabulous outdoor party. I will be waiting for my invite.

• Be a Boy Scout: By this I mean always be prepared — this is by far the most important tip. As much as I think I can control the universe, I know I have no power over Mother Nature. You have two options here — either make the party weather permitting or have a place inside ready for your guest if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate with your plans. Also, be clear on your invite if this is a child-friendly party, and if it is, have a special corner set up just for them with fun things to keep them busy. This will allow the adults to enjoy the festivities as well.

• Set the Mood: Summer means casual and unpretentious, so keep it simple and clean. Remember that your party may go into the evening, so lighting is a must. Have lots of candles on hand, also those strands of white holiday twinkle lights can play double duty around your deck or patio to create fabulous, easy and inexpensive lighting. Music is also a great way to create atmosphere; set up an easy listening playlist for the party. As well, make sure your seating is conversational and create some fun nooks throughout your space.

• Food: Have fun with it! Create a theme, such as things that can only be grilled or boiled, or things that you only eat camping. This will lighten the tone for the entire evening and actually create some fun conversation for you and your guests. Also if for some reason, no fault of your own of course, the food is under par, blame it on the theme!

• Libations: Keep it Simple! Remember, you’re not suppose to be the bartender for the entire party, you need to have fun, too. A couple of beer choices — pick something fun and unique your guests may have not tried — and one signature cocktail are perfect. My choice for the cocktail is an easy-to-serve punch or sangria, perfect for any outdoor party. It is also important to offer non-alcoholic choices for your guests who don’t drink or are driving, this way everyone can enjoy a fabulous libation. Check out the LCBO’s Deflate the Elephant website ( www.deflatetheelephant.com ) for great tips on how to be a good host and fabulous mocktail recipes.

Yard Party, Games, Summer Party Punch Recipes

With the summer months approaching, it is the perfect time to start planning your yard party. Having a party in your own backyard is one of life's little pleasures, especially if you live where the seasons change. When warmer weather finally arrives, there's only a small window of opportunity and you have to take advantage of it!

Playing games at parties is a great way to get your guests out of their chairs, mingling and making new friends.

Organizing yard party games is easier on the host because your guests can spread out giving you more game choices.

Not only can you set up a few tables for board and card games, but you can also organize games that take up more space in your yard.

In addition to the most common games like bocce ball, volleyball, cornhole, ladder ball and badminton why not try something new? Here are a few of our favorite yard party game ideas:

- Lay a 6 foot timber (the kind you would edge a garden with) in the middle of the yard. Have your guests team up. Designate one person as the timekeeper. Have each team take turns trying to get across the timber without falling off. If anyone falls off, they have to start again. Whichever team does it in the least amount of time wins. This one is hilarious to watch!

- Have your guests team up. Designate one person as the music controller. Give each team a bell or some other noise maker. Start the music and play it 5 seconds. Each team works together to try and figure out the name of the song. When they think they know it, they ring the bell and guess. If they guess right, they earn points. If they guess wrong, the other team gets to guess. Continue playing songs and letting teams guess. The team with the most points after 10 songs wins.

- Set up two tables 15 feet apart. On one table place 2 teaspoons and two bowls filled with water. On the other table place two empty bowls. Have your guests team up. The object of the game is for each team to use the teaspoons to carry water to the other end and place it in the bowl. The team who has carried and deposited the most water in the bowls wins (use a measuring cup). Do several rounds before claiming a winner.

- Depending on your guests, you may require less physical group games. In that case, card games or printable games are the way to go.

All you have to do is download them to your computer, print and play. My friend Ashley has a great selection for BBQ's and outdoor yard parties including trivia, word searches, Mad Libs and match games.

Party Punches, Punch Recipes From Around The World

Showers

Mr. Boston Summer Cocktails

French Natural Remedies & Recipes from Beautiful Tasmania

And a Bottle of Rum, A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails