Al fresco meals: Entertaining outdoors made easy

Al fresco meals: Entertaining outdoors made easy

Keep backyard get-togethers simple with this collection of tips and recipes. Make it a fabulous affair with plenty of inspiration for wonderful outdoor dining.
Updated:
2009-10-17 20:27
Published:
2008-07-21 00:00
By 
Adrienne Robertson and the Homemakers Test Kitchen

Entertaining outdoors

There's nothing like enjoying good food with friends in your backyard on a hot summer night, so warm up to summer weather by inviting guests over for some al fresco dining.

Try some of our outdoor entertaining ideas and easy summer recipes for a perfect dinner party on the deck.

Entertaining outside: The basics
Entertaining outdoors
Make your backyard party one to remember with simple tips on everything from decor to theme from HGTV's Designer Guys.

Easy entertaining
If you're expecting a group for dinner, take Dana McCauley's advice on how to manage menu selection and organization so you can enjoy the party too.

Make-at-home martinis
Kick up your feet and toast summer with one of our easy make-at-home martinis. There's a recipe to suit every skill level and taste bud.

Entertaining outside: What to serve
Cook up one of our delicious summer menus from start to finish or piece together your favourite parts of each to make an eclectic backyard meal.

5 perfect burgers
Everyone loves burgers fresh off the grill, but these gourmet versions are guaranteed to become new favourites. Try a new twist on an old classic with our Smoky Beef Burgers with Chipotle Ketchup, or add a little Greek to your barbecue with our recipe for Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki.

Sizzling backyard meals
Mojitos, margaritas, and sangria -- feel free to indulge in these recipes inspired by our favourite summer cocktails.

Caribbean grill
What better way to kick back on a steamy summer evening than with a Caribbean inspired mixed grill? Our menu offers the bright, bold flavours of the West Indies, with their African and Indian influences and, of course, the warm, welcoming, relaxed style of the islands.

6 grilling recipes
This menu offers a wide range of meats to appeal to every palate and suit every occasion, from a casual get-together to a function where you might want to, well, show off a little.

Garden fresh vegetables
Make the most of summer's bonanza of local vegetables with these spectacular side dishes and salads.

6 perfect picnic recipes
Since eating outdoors is one of the easy luxuries of summer, we've made this wonderful picnic-inspired menu highly transportable -- to deck or cottage, patio or park.

For more hints on how to be a great outdoor host, check out the following tips on our sister site, CanadianLiving.com.

- Yum! Dining al fresco
- Ultimate cocktail party
- Dinner on the deck

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