Garden party
A garden party is a perfect excuse to take your whole dinner party outdoors. Show off your blooming tulips, drink in your fragrant peonies. Frame the colors of the plants and foliage in your own backyard.
Gardens of grandeur
If you are lucky enough have a vast expanse of outdoors to call your own, why not complement Mother Nature's grandeur with your favorite tablecloths, floral china and ornate silverware. Set a table under a spreading tree or among your extensive flower beds? The perfect garden party is not intended to be a picnic. It is truly a full-fledged dinner party or luncheon with nature as your backdrop.
Modest lawns
You don't need a garden the size of a soccer field to throw a party outdoors. For smaller areas be sure to bring out an ice tub and drinks, and set out a buffet on a picnic square or on trestle tables – covering it up so bugs will not swarm.
Backyard postage stamps
If you count on a small yard for your outdoor space, don't despair. A small space is great for an intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest. A small table and bistro stools is all you need.
Lark in the park
Sometimes the only outdoors for city dwellers comes by way of the local park. With groomed lawns and pretty borders, what better place to catch up with friends? Pack an ice box and bring along some cool drinks and prepared snacks, and idle away a leisurely afternoon.
Grilled to perfection
Firing up the grill is often the perfect formula for a low-key get-together. Grill fresh vegetables and burgers and serve with a dipping sauce made of a good spoonful or two of Hellmann's mayonaise with a pack of Knorr Vegetable recipe mix, a tub of sour cream and some chopped dill. Cover and chill for 2 hours to allow the flavours to blend together deliciously.
As an accompaniment how about classic devilled eggs made with creamy Hellman's mayonnaise? Mash the egg yolks of 6 hard-boiled eggs and stir in a dollop of Hellman's mayonnaise, a teaspoon of mustard, half a teaspoon of white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Spoon or pipe into egg whites and garnish with parsley and paprika.
Last but not least, offer a cheese board with fresh fruit and crusty rolls. And a toast to your success!
