Fabulous outdoor parties

Food
"At outdoor events, people are always nibbling, but they don't actually eat a lot in the summer, so give them something light," says Rachel.

• "Barbecue is always going to be big because it's easy, fun and fast," says Rachel.
• Finger foods. "People often overlook them, because they think guests will think of them as cheap. Not true. As long as people don't leave hungry, you're fine."
• Grilled fruit kebabs. Try pears, mango or banana dipped in orange juice. "Don't get grill marks on the fruit," says Rachel. "Just warm it up a bit." (And don't grill it where you grilled meat.)
• Couscous. "You can serve it with grilled veggies or meat and you can make it ahead of time," says Rachel.

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Drinks
"Sangria. Without fail, it's the best summer party drink," says Rachel. "And when you add edible flowers and different-shape ice cubes to the bowl, it becomes your centrepiece."

Monica's no-fail recipe:
1 litre pop (7-Up or Sprite is great)
1 litre pink grapefruit pop
1 bottle of wine, red or white
1 small bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
Grenadine syrup to taste
Dash of lime juice
Diced fruit (like tangerines, lychee fruit, apple, pears)
Maraschino cherries

Mix all ingredients in your favourite bowl, et voilà!

Decor
"A great event can happen with a limited budget," says Rachel. "It's all about showcasing one or two things that will wow your guests -- decor especially."

• Use a lot of colour. "Green, pink, orange, yellow -- they're best for the tablecloth. Avoid white!" says Rachel.
• "Evening events need a lot of lighting -- and citronella," says Rachel. These bug-repelling candles come in all kinds of fun shapes. "Use the pails if you have a beach theme going or bamboo stakes if you're trying something Hawaiian," says Rachel. "Whichever you choose, just don't forget them!" Inexpensive Japanese lanterns from IKEA, a market or Chinatown are other great lighting sources.
• Add fruits to your flowers. "Cut some kiwis in half and put them in your favourite vase," says Rachel, "then add water and your favourite flowers. Lemons also look nice presented this way."
• Use tea light candles everywhere. Along the table, floating in bowls, lining your fence. Be careful with scented candles, though, since they attract bugs. Try tea light citronella.
• For ambience, buy a copper fire pit. "You can get one for about $100," says Rachel, "and you'll use it all summer."
• Try eating on the floor. Buy a piece of half-inch-thick particleboard or pressed lumber from a local hardware store or home centre. Lay it on the grass and drape it with fabric. Use colourful pillows as seats, "but make sure to tell your guests ahead of time so they don't arrive wearing miniskirts," Rachel cautions.