indoors
KNOW-HOW
5
Drape beach
towels over the
backs of patio and
lawn chairs. It makes
them look more festive
and feel more comfy
for extended periods of
sitting. Plus, the towels
disguise mismatched or
worn furniture.
6 Delight everyone’s inner child by setting up a
lemonade stand—no charge this time around—
atyournext party. Serveplainandflavored
lemonade inbigglassjars. Set out chunks offruitfor
skewering,plus ginger syrup for aflavor twist.
For the grown-ups, tiy alemonade spritzer:
Mix
1
part spariding wine with
2
parts lemonade.
4
Throw rosemary
or other fresh
herbs onto the
charcoal when you’re
grilling. They’ll lightly
scent the air and
flavor the food.
ROSANNA BOW LES,
tableware designer and
author of
Coming Home
trees, and around
trunks. (Leaves help
obscure the cords.)
For a high-impact
display, hang a
cluster of globe-
shape paper lanterns
from tree branches
with fishing line.
Fit them with
battery-operated
lantern lights and
you won’t have to
worry about cords.
Come dusk, just flip
the switches and
listen to the oohs
and aahs.
7
Lights give an
evening party
instant ambience.
Take your holiday
string lights out of
storage and run
them along fences
and deck railings, in
8 - 1 0
As if long days and
warm weather aren't
reason enough to
get together, these
party themes offer
another nudge:
■ Beat the Heat
Gather in the early
evening, when the
sun is less scorching.
Set up a salad bar and
serve icy drinks and
Popsicles. Provide
water guns and set
up refill stations
(buckets of water)
around the yard.
■ All-Star Game
This July
13
, celebrate
America's pastime,
whichever league you
root for. Serve
hot dogs with all the
fixings and frozen
malt cups. Play
stadium music
pre- and post-game.
■ Stargazing
The sky's the limit
when you use an
astronomical
event— be it a full
moon or a minor
meteor shower—
as inspiration fo r an
after-dark party.
Find a list o f celestial
events at
space.com/
nightsky.
84
JUNE 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
