Creative Summer Entertaining

Summer is here and so is outdoor entertaining. As you plan your outdoor festivities, make them memorable, unique and creative with the following suggestions.

What is a backyard BBQ without watermelon. Not only does it refresh and cool you off in the summer heat, but you can reuse it to make a fun punch holder. First, cut the top of the watermelon and hollow out the fruit (for later eating). Carefully drill a hole at the bottom of the watermelon where your shank will be inserted.You can purchase the shank kit online at Amazon.com.  Make sure that your hole is smaller than the spout and if you need to make it larger, use a knife to widen. Attach the shank and you are ready to fill your watermelon with a summer drink favorite such as watermelon Margarita.

Summer is the best time for fresh fruits.The sweetness of muskmelon and honeydew, the crispness of pineapple and fresh strawberries are a light, refreshing snack during those hot summer nights. These are also a great supplement to your party. Instead of traditionally cutting up your fruit and place them in a serving platter, serve it in the actual bowl of the fruit. Cut up your fruit in cube sized bites in your color coordinated bowls; strawberries, cherries, raspberries, watermelons serve in a hallowed out small melon. Pineapple, banana, peaches, mango, papaya inside a pineapple bowl; place your honeydew, grapes, kiwi, green apples in a honeydew bowl. If you have any other fruit favorites, color code them by placing the fruit in appropriate bowl.

Turn the night into a glow night! Glow sticks are a fun and inexpensive way to brighten up those summer nights for both kids and adults. Make a statement by turning your refreshment table into a glowing bucket of fun. Place the glow sticks at the bottom of the bucket and fill with ice.Your guests will be excited to dive into that magical glowing bucket of fun.

Have some mason jars you want to reuse? How about making a glowing mason jar centerpiece instead of candles or other lighting? All you need is some mason jars, scissors and glow sticks and you can create a unique centerpiece for your party. Here is the link on how to create this great idea!

As you plan your outdoor party, try these ideas and think outside the box. There are so many creative ways to make a BBQ smokin' fun, a pool party a splash hit and a picnic a basket of memories. But always make them stylish and entertaining for your guests and also fun for yourself!