Get the Party Started: Groove to the beat with...

Planning summer parties does not need to be stressful. I’ve got a few tips to help things glide along smoothly so you can enjoy your own party. Groove to your own beat!

Set the mood:

Look for lively compilations of Hawaiian, Caribbean, Latin American or African music that will put everyone in a party mood. A little Bob Marley never fails. Bring along some extra hats and sunscreen to keep guests cool. Have a cooler filled with ice and non-alcoholic beverages for the kids and nondrinkers.

Grilling

Prep ahead! Working the grill is a serious job. A week before the party, check to make sure you have enough propane or charcoal briquettes. Don't forget long-handled tongs, oven mitts, a thermometer, a cooler to keep burgers and chicken cool, a water spray bottle for flare-ups and a cool drink. When it comes to wine, think American—Zinfandel is great with the Ultimate Burger and Chardonnay will work with seafood.

Potlucks

Minimize the stress and make something that can be prepared at your leisure. Good bets? Our Cheddar Crackers will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week. For the kitchen phobic, making fruit salad only requires fresh fruit, and a knife. A vegetable platter with dips can also be made the night before and stuck in the fridge until you're ready to go.

Appetizers

Start the party off right by having something for everyone. Consider serving a sparkling wine at the beginning of the meal instead of the end or offer it up as an option in addition to red wine. A hearty Syrah is wonderful with anything cheesy. Surprise them and serve something easy but fresh from the oven - Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Spread the food out to encourage mingling instead of crowding.

Dessert

Great desserts don’t always have to be rich and fattening. Go for something refreshing that provides more variety for your palate like - 2-in-1 Fruit Salad. Cool sparkling wines love strawberries. Even those skipping dessert may enjoy dunking some fruit in their glass and topping it off with some bubbly. Try Cava, generally a dry wine, but pairing it with a fruit salad and tart lemon or lime sorbet heightens its amazing flavor.

Check out recipes and wines at http://www.mywinesdirect.com/:

Ultimate Burger: http://www.mywinesdirect.com/recipes/ultimate-burger
Cheddar Crackers: http://www.mywinesdirect.com/recipes/cheddar-crackers
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: http://www.mywinesdirect.com/recipes/sausage-stuffed-mushrooms
2-in-1 Fruit Salad: http://www.mywinesdirect.com/recipes/2-in-1-fruit-salad

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Cheers!
www.mywinesdirect.com