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Don't Sweat Outdoor Entertaining

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

June 28, 2006 -- The heat's on, but you don't have to feel it in your outdoor entertaining, according to Ginny Bean, publisher of one of the country's fastest growing house wares catalogs. It's a simple matter of advance planning, says Bean, who offers tips for outdoor parties that are as carefree as the season.

Plan on attending your own party
"Family and friends want to spend at least a little time with their host," Bean says. "Be sure you've allowed time to enjoy your company."

Bean suggests selecting a menu that can be prepared ahead of time and served buffet-style. Even warm summertime favorites like baked beans and pulled pork can be prepared and served with ease in the Hamilton Beach® Stay or GoTM Slow Cooker ($59.95). The 6-qt. cooker is fully insulated and has a clip-on serving spoon and large, full-grip handles that make it easy to carry from kitchen to patio, or even a pot-luck affair. Ginny's Triple Buffet Server ($179.95) is big enough to keep up to 60 servings of food warm and ready to serve. Its large, stainless steel base heats food in three 2.6-qt. lidded chafing dishes, or it can be used alone as a warming tray for rolls or appetizers.

Outdoor drink coolers and insulated jugs are a must for keeping an ample supply of cold beverages within reach. A hand-painted 8 ½-qt. ceramic Chalkboard Jug ($42.95) offers the novel feature of a dry erase "chalkboard" above the spigot, so guests know if they're getting iced tea, lemonade, sangria, or whatever.

Celebrate the season with color
"Summer entertaining means lots of color, and a wide assortment of flowers and vivid foliage to liven up any table," says Bean, suggesting that hosts get creative with non-traditional floral containers to reflect their party theme.

Beach buckets, decorative bottles and watering cans are among the possibilities. Multi-sized Planter Baskets ($29.95 for a set of three) in vivid lemon drop yellow or bubble gum pink provide a festive display for tabletop plants.

Colorful tableware and serving pieces, like glazed ceramic Petal Bowls ($39.95 for a set of three) in purple, apple green, red, yellow or blue, are a summertime entertaining "must." Shaped and detailed to resemble a blossoming sunflower, these nesting bowls are also handy for keeping summer salads crisp by placing one inside another and filling the outer bowl with well-salted ice.

Set the mood with outdoor lighting
There's something magical about the sparkle of outdoor lights on a patio, deck or garden landscape. The selection and efficiency of outdoor solar lights has increased significantly in recent years, providing a simple and flexible source of outdoor illumination. A novel, three-armed Solar Umbrella Light ($59.95) attaches to the underside of patio table umbrellas to add a soft glow to evening festivities. The LED bulbs take their cue from a solar battery that rests on top of the umbrella.

For maximum impact, build your party around an 8-ft. artificial Lighted Palm Tree ($139.95), pre-strung with 300 twinkling lights.

Keep your guests safe
Nothing ruins an outdoor party quicker than sunburn or bug bites. Provide your guests with refuge from the sun with plenty of colorful umbrellas and shaded seating areas. Strike a double-blow to bugs and sun with a portable Screen House ($129.95) large enough to accommodate 15 guests. A cordless Bug Zapper ($44.95) uses ultra-violet light to lure flying pests into its lantern-like top and can be placed on a table or hung practically anywhere.

Ginny's catalog, first published in 1990, is dedicated to showcasing fun and unique items for everyday life. The Summer 2006 catalog includes more than 115 pages full of practical solutions for the home, yard, kitchen and beyond, including gardening supplies, appliances, house wares, furniture, bedding, accessories, personal care items and electronics. There are also seasonal recipes and helpful tips on everything from avoiding sunburn to making perfect pie crusts.

To request a catalog or place an order, log on to www.GinnysSolutions.com or call 1-800-487-9024.

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