An Outdoor Party ~ For Less

The backyard will be the summer entertainment hot spot as Malaysians seek affordable ways to spend time with family and friends. But your outdoor party can be spoiled quickly if unwelcome insects show up.

More than half of backyard revelers have moved a party indoors due to mosquitoes, and 46 percent have left a party to escape the pests, according to a new survey from the makers of OFF! PowerPad Lamp and Lantern.

Create an unforgettable party within a tight budget with these five tips from Natalie Ermann Russell, author of The Outdoor Entertaining Idea Book

Keep decor simple

Save money on decorations by making the most of the greenery and foliage that surround you. Simple potted plants as center pieces create an elegant setting at little cost, and they'll last much longer than cut flowers.

Set a realistic menu

Give yourself a break by creating a menu that is realistic for your budget and your schedule. To get the best prices, focus on foods that are in season and check out your local farmers' market for deals. Using produce from the farmers' market also makes for less work&Create memorable outdoor parties for less—the flavors of these foods are so intense and beautiful, they're at their best when prepared simply. For example, a pasta primavera with blanched farmers' market veggies can be assembled quickly, and is super colorful and so delicious.

Invite guests to pitch in

The beloved potluck is making a comeback. Your friends and family will enjoy contributing to the event, but be sure to be specific about what you need so that you end up with a good variety of foods. And establishing a theme can make it even more fun. For instance, call it the "Fresh from the Farmers' Market Potluck", where each person brings a dish to highlight a different fruit or vegetable that's in season.

Keep away mosquitoes for less

OFF! PowerPad Lamp can repel mosquitoes from an area of up to 15 by 15 feet—the size of an entire patio—for less than $10. It would take 15 citronella candles at a cost of up to $60 to protect this same area.

Plan right

The fear of running out of food often drives hosts to prepare twice as much food as they need—at twice the cost. Know your head count beforehand and shop accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to plan for six to eight ounces per person of the main protein (e.g., steak, fish, chicken) and one to two ounces of a side dish like rice or pasta.

Use these simple and affordable tips to entice your guests to linger at your next outdoor party.

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Planning a Tea Party??

When thinking about tea parties, do you find yourself overwhelmed with thoughts of the British gentry, scenes from Alice in Wonderland, Victorian decor, blue haired ladies and pinky fingers stuck up in the air? If so, you're both right and wrong. You're right because as the tradition of "Afternoon" Tea has developed over time, it has become an elegant affair. You're wrong because "High" Tea was often enjoyed by the British working class as their evening supper, with heartier fare than the tea sandwiches and scones that are now associated with tea time.

An Afternoon Tea Party is suitable for many celebrations. When you'd like to host a party that isn't as involved as a dinner party, a tea party can be the answer. It's an ideal format for a bridal or baby shower, a retirement party, a birthday celebration, or time to catch up with good friends. The food is prepared before your guests arrive, and is either presented buffet style, or by passing plates of goodies at the table. The only thing you need to serve is the tea itself, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your guests. Your guest list can include dozens of people or only one good friend with whom you'd like to share an intimate conversation. It can be a very formal affair as you'll find at some of the more elegant hotels, or it can be as casual as a pot of tea and some cookies.

Whatever your reason for hosting your next tea party, enjoy a cup for me!

Tea Time Tables

In many parts of the world, tea time is an honored tradition of refinement and elegance. When you're planning a tea party -- whether for a shower, graduation, birthday, or just for fun -- adorn your table with your best china, silver, and linens. These add polish and grace to the occasion, and in our "paper cup" world they remind us fondly of earlier times.

Planning Your Tea Party - A Step by Step Guide

1.Select a date and send out your invitations.
2.Purchase your tea and related accessories.
3.Review recipes for tea time sandwiches and treats.
4.Plan your menu. Include both savory and sweet food. Here is a sample Tea Time Menu.
5.Set a beautiful table.
6.Design an easy rose centerpiece.
7.Brew and serve a proper pot of tea.
8.Relax and enjoy your guests while musing on the merits of tea. Try reading the leaves for amusement. Turn to Tea Quotations and Reading the Leaves for inspiration.

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