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(BPT) – There's nothing quite like a sum- mer party where beautiful weather, great food and good friends come together to cre- ate memories that last. If you're looking for- ward to throwing a summer party but you're not sure how to get started, the following tips will have you outside enjoying a warm breeze with your friends in no time. ■ Formulate the guest list. What's a party without guests, right? Start by determining how many people you can comfortably host and create your guest list with this realistic number in mind. Friends, family and co- workers can all attend, but make sure to invite people you know will be respectful of your home and your neighborhood as their actions reflect on you. You might consider adding your neighbors as well as they may feel slighted if they aren't invited to the big party taking place next door. ■ Pick a theme. Theme parties make plan- ning and decorating so much easier, and they provide guests an immediate sense of what kind of party it is, how to dress, etc. If you own a pool, invite everyone to a day at the beach. Or, pick a theme around your favorite television show. Whatever you decide, carry your theme through to the dec- orations, the attire and the invitations them- selves. ■ Dress your party to impress. The right decorations are a matter of taste and your skill level. If you're the creative type, you may enjoy building your own decorations from scratch. Or, you might prefer to simply purchase your decorations from a local party supply store. No matter what you choose, select decorations that complement the theme of your party. Remember to make sure areas like the food table and sitting areas are appropriately decorated. ■ A flavor for every taste. Warm-weather gatherings shouldn't involve a lot of time in the kitchen working over a hot stove. Instead, consider offering a selection of easy, ready-to-eat snacks in a variety of flavors. TGI Fridays Snacks are a perfect choice because they parallel popular menu appetiz- er items that people are instantly familiar with. Choose from the popular Cheddar Bacon Potato Skins Snack Chips or the new Bacon Ranch Potato Skins Snack Chips. With 11 different flavors to choose from, your guests can roam the party to try them all. ■ Keep them entertained. The right enter- tainment options can keep your party going longer. If you have a pool, make it the main attraction and don't forget the floats! Out- door yard games like darts, lawn bowling or bean bag toss are popular and you can encourage participation by turning them into a competition. Smaller groups may appreciate a deck of cards and no one can say no to bingo if there's a prize on the line. Good music is a must so be sure to load your iPod with a fun, upbeat playlist your guest will enjoy. Planning the perfect party is easier than you may think. With a little preparation and the right food, decorations and entertain- ment, you can give your guests a memorable event they'll be talking about all summer long. JUNE 2014 HOMES PLUS 9 236095001 Easy tips for throwing ultimate outdoor party Keep man's best friend away from the grill SPECIAL TO HOMES PLUS WAUKESHA – If you plan on inviting your four-legged friend to your barbecues this summer, there are a few things to keep in mind before you fire up the grill. The American Kennel Club offers the fol- lowing tips to ensure your dog's safety at your next backyard barbecue. ■ Make sure your yard is secure. With guests coming and going from your yard, it's easy for your dog to make an escape. Be sure to keep the gate to your yard closed. You may even want to designate a family member to stand by the gate when guests are arriving and leaving to make sure your dog doesn't accidentally get out. ■ Don't feed your dog from the barbe- cue. Remind your guests not to give your dog any people food. Barbecued food, espe- cially, can be greasy and upset your dog's stomach. Keep an eye on the food tables to make sure your dog does not grab any- thing. More importantly, certain foods such as onion, avocado, grapes, and raisins can be toxic. ■ Keep your dog away from the grill. Make sure your dog isn't near the grill while you're using it. It's very hot and the open flame is dangerous. Your dog should be kept away from it even when you're done using it, as it stays hot for a while.

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