Look who’s back!
As June glooms fades into the golden days of July, one thing is certain: the summer barbecue season is finally underway! I know for some in Los Angeles, barbecues are large events entailing invitations six weeks out and catered delights shipped from Maine. My friends’ events are similar – they shoot a text out to the group day-of for beer and burgers at their house.
Small difference.
Whatever the size or complexity of your next backyard shindig, we’ve got a range of entertainment supplies to up the ante at Firefly. From cookbooks and coasters to cocktail shakers or the ultimate board game to play while you wait for the burgers to finish cooking (hint: it involves bacon). Read on for inspiration.
Remember – Southern Californians only have eleven months out of the year where we can entertain outdoors. Don’t waste them!
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It’s always nice to get a little snail mail – and it’s even better when the letter is an invitation! Set the mood for your guests by sending cards. Then it’s on to menu planning, where everything is fair game – from pizza to pot pies. Scour your favorite new cookbooks, use this handy dandy grocery list for ingredients, and then it’s time to head off for the farmer’s market. Remember – no backyard is too small for a garden party.
Be bold. Shake up your normal coaster routine with bright colors or fun patterns. Your guests will be dying to grab a drink just to use one of these! Changing out some cookware for something new – like fun measuring cups, a one-of-a-kind platter, or a chic new cutting board – can make cooking a little more entertaining.
Much can be forgiven (burnt hot dogs, running out of chips, forgetting to pick up after your dog) when you have a delicious beverage in your hand. Whether you’re serving wine, cocktails, or lemonade, your guests won’t mind little hiccups like these when they have one of these glasses in hand. Having your outfit picked out ahead of time can help you feel less flustered on the day of the event, too…and as everyone knows, “hosting barbecue” translates directly (in some language) to “go buy that dress you’ve been staring at for the past month”.
Just a few minutes before everyone starts arriving? Time for the little touches. Light the candles, top the cupcakes, put out the plates…and try to rustle up a game or two, just in case. There’s nothing better than a board game to break the ice or pass the carne asada cooking time. Bonus points if the fun includes everyone’s favorite food group – bacon.
posted 7/14/2012
labels: Abbot Kinney 0 comments