Outdoor Entertaining this Summer

Do you love entertaining? Inviting friends and family over for dinner and conversation is one of my favorite things to do! That’s why I thought it would be helpful to put together this blog and feature a few fun outdoor entertaining ideas for you to use this summer!

Party Pointers for Outdoor Entertaining

• Spray paint metal folding chairs for entertaining in the backyard to add some color, or match your party palette.
• Coat planters with glow-in-the-dark paint for instant night lighting.
• Scoop the fruit out of oranges, coconuts, watermelons and more and use them as decorative bowls for serving sorbet or ice cream.

*Sources:  
http://kellysmoonlight.blogspot.com/2012/08/paint-your-wagon-or-at-least-your.html
https://stagetecture.com/
http://itsybitsyfoodies.com/

Outdoor Entertaining Recipes

Walking Tacos

This easy recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser for guests of all ages. Plus, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night and you can enjoy mixing and mingling
with your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
• Doritos and/or Fritos lunch-sized bags
• Taco toppings 
  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno Slices
  • Taco Sauce
  • Sour Cream

Instructions

Brown the meat, drain and add taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Gently open the bags of chips, roll down the edges and gently crush the chips. After the meat is fully cooked, simply add a scoop of it, a handful of cheese and select your toppings. Toss mixture with a plastic fork and enjoy!

*Source: https://savingdollarsandsense.com/walking-tacos/

Recipes for Summer Sippers

Cool down this summer with these festive drinks!

Cucumber Pineapple Tequila Cooler

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pineapple cubes
• 2 limes, skin removed
• 1 seedless European cucumber, peeled (plus slices for garnish)
• 4 ounces silver (blanco) tequila
• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes (plus more for serving)
• 1 Tbsp agave nectar
• Pinch Kosher salt

Instructions

Prepare a vegetable juicer (or blender if unavailable). Run the pineapple, limes and cucumber through the juicer, letting all the juices combine.

Pour the tequila into a cocktail shaker or pitcher, and then add the juices, ice, agave and salt. Shake or stir vigorously until chilled. Line up 4 tall Tom Collins glasses filled with ice, and pour the tequila cooler over. Serve with straws and cucumber slices for garnish.

*Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/amanda-freitag/cucumber-pineapple-tequila-cooler-recipe-2112595

Ocean Water Mocktail

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp sugar
• 4 Tbsp water
• 2-12 oz. cans of lemon-lime soda
• 1 1/2 tsp coconut extract
• 3 drops of blue food coloring
• Bag of candy fish
• Fun and colorful straws (optional)

Instructions

In a microwave safe bowl, mix sugar and water and heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. This should dissolve most of the sugar. Add the sugar mixture to the lemon-lime soda, coconut extract and food coloring to a pitcher and mix gently.

*Source: https://www.frugalcouponliving.com/?s=ocean+water

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