Get the party started

Find your backyard party identity for the summer season

By Jeff Schnaufer
CTW Features

Image courtesy Susie Coelho

With summer in full swing, a backyard party is just the thing to embrace the season. But if you don't plan ahead, you may never get that party off the ground, points out lifestyle guru Susie Coelho, a consultant and author who has a product line at Mervyn's, a California-based neighborhood department store. Coelho serves up the following five tips to get your party started – and planned!

Mark Your Calendar

"The first thing that I would do is set the date," says Coelho, who is based in La Canada, Calif. "The reason most people don't entertain is because their place is not ready. I even have a hard time sometimes. I realize I can't have people over because it will take so much to get the house together."

Setting the date for a party, Coelho says, motivates you to clean your home. Then you are ready, and eager, to share it with others.

Consider a Style

"The most impactful parties have a style," Coelho says. "I don't call it a theme. The style can be driven by the food you want to serve or the way your outdoor area looks, or your style can be determined by a season or event."

For instance, your party's style may be inspired by the Fourth of July or your Moroccan patio furniture. Consider, too, who will be attending your party. Will children be present, or just adults? Most of all, Coelho suggests that when people are deciding on a style, they should ask themselves, �"What's the look I'm trying to create? What's the feel?"

Choose a Color Palette

"Most people don't have a color palette," Coelho says. But finding one may be as simple as looking around your house � throw pillows, flowers, candles and even tableware can all play a part.

�If it's a Moroccan event, you might bring in orange and mango tones, bring in grass and silver urns, wood and silver. You can pull from things you have in the house already to create that ambiance, like a couple of lanterns on the table or a couple of orange candles.

"Once you look at the style and color, you look at the textures you want to bring in," Coelho adds. "If it's Moroccan, think about bringing in baskets. If it�s a modern makeover, bring in geometric shapes, such as rectangles."

Make the Proper Arrangements

Coelho, whose books include �Style Your Dream Wedding�(Thomas Nelson, 2008), �Secrets of a Style Diva�(Thomas Nelson, 2006),�Styling For Entertaining� (Simon & Schuster, 2003) and �Everyday Styling� (Simon & Schuster, 2002), suggests using portable tables covered with tablecloths or inexpensive fabric that goes down to the floor, covering the table's legs.

"You can have one table serving as a bar with ice chest next to it," says Coelho. "Or you can have appetizers on the bar table and another table set up for the whole food." Providing a different table for people to sit down and eat their food prevents your guests from being congregated in the same spot. "You have to always think of flow.�

Align Food and Drink with Your Style

"Take it from appetizers all the way through," Coelho says. "I don't suggest people mix food, like hummus and sushi.�

If your party's style is Tuscan, for example, Coelho suggests serving grilled chicken and fish and grilled veggies. If you're throwing a Mexican fiesta, offer chips, salsa, guacamole and margaritas.�

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