Addison, Ill. (June 14, 2007) – Summer officially begins next week, bringing outdoor fun and casual get-togethers with friends. The backyard barbecue is still a warm-weather classic — 44 percent of grill owners barbecue one to two times each week during the summer months [1]. Outdoor entertaining can be laidback for both the hosts and the guests with some advanced planning and the right tools. Debi Lilly, Oprah Winfrey’s party planner and go-to for all things entertaining, teamed up with The Pampered Chef, the premier direct seller of high quality kitchen and entertaining products, to offer ideas, recipes, and tips for an unforgettable summer barbecue: 

Advance Planning Makes Parties A Cinch
Just because it’s casual, doesn’t mean a barbecue can’t be special and unique.  “Entertaining can be effortless with a little inspiration and advance planning.  Everything from the invitations, to the décor and the menu work together to make a party one of a kind,” says Lilly.

Decide on a theme— Themes pull the party together and add personal style and entertainment to a gathering.  If you like to travel, set up vignettes around your backyard with different tablescapes, foods, and activities that represent the places you’ll visit this summer.  Inviting an athletic crowd? Make summer sports your theme and set up croquet, volleyball, and horseshoes and divide guests into teams for old-fashioned fun.

Make your guest list— Invitations usually lead to a bigger turn-out and get guests excited for the party to come.  Use a free online electronic invitation site or visit your local craft store for do-it-yourself invitations. Try decorating plain cardboard coasters, then add event details directly to the coasters and mail them to guests in colorful envelopes.

Create a festive atmosphere— Summer offers the opportunity to dine alfresco, so set up the party on the lawn or deck.  Spice up rustic picnic tables with bright fabric tablecloths in a variety of bold colors. Add fun pillows to the benches for seat cushions.

Transform everyday household and outdoor items into elegant centerpieces; it’s quick, easy and affordable.  Try potted plants and flowers or The Pampered Chef’s large glass Trifle Bowl filled with fruit or flowers.  Candlelight is also a wonderful centerpiece.  Try a variety of votives and candles of varying heights down the center of your tables. Make a few of them citronella to keep the bugs away.

Dining Alfresco
Outdoor dining is relaxed and casual, so keep the menu simple but inventive with these barbecue-friendly recipes and serving suggestions:

Not your standard hamburger— Surprise guests by replacing the usual hamburgers and hot dogs with Margarita Grilled Shrimp.  Substitute flimsy paper plates for stylish and simple Outdoor Party Plates.  Made of sturdy plastic, these colorful plates have a convenient built-in cup holder, so guests can mingle, and matching plastic silverware sets.

Go for the greens––   Take advantage of the season and serve summer’s harvest of fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables.  Complement the main course with a fresh contemporary recipe like Barbecued Chicken and Roasted Corn Salad, from The Pampered Chef’s new Spin on Salads Recipe Collection.  When serving outside, keep fruits and vegetables cool with the Chillzanne serving collection, which features products with freezable, gel-filled inserts to keep food cool. 

Dessert is a must— Set up a make your own sundae bar, using a variety of mix and match serving pieces.  The bar will be visually appealing on your table, interactive fun for your guests, and minimal effort because guests serve themselves while you enjoy the party.

Entertain with Ease
Revel in the sunny weather and warm temperatures, and throw a summer party to remember. For more entertaining ideas and tips, visit www.pamperedchef.com for the free online guide, Entertain with Ease: How to put more love and less labor into cooking and entertaining.

About The Pampered Chef
The Pampered Chef, founded in 1980 by Doris K. Christopher and now part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of businesses, is the premier direct seller of high quality kitchen tools. At in-home cooking demonstrations, called Cooking Shows, guests see products and recipes in action, learn quick and easy food preparation techniques and receive tips on how to entertain with style and ease — transforming the simple to the spectacular. For more information call 1-800-266-5562 or visit www.pamperedchef.com. The Pampered Chef and Chillzanne are registered trademarks.

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