Let the outdoor parties begin!

The weather is improving today and I’ve begun to think about moving the parties onto the lanai and outdoors this time of year. The evenings have been cooler than the days, as a result I prefer these evening get-togethers over mid-day BBQ’s. Perhaps this summer I’ll get back up to New England and celebrate with the family at my sister-in-law’s summer home on Martha’s Vineyard – which really lends itself to outdoor summer living, but here in South Florida I’ll keep to the evening schedule.

Whether you have a fabulous outdoor kitchen or just some folding chairs, a card table and a hibachi grill, you can still impress your guests with these ideas ~

Come One, Come All: Can’t find a babysitter in time for your event? Have your guests bring their children. Set up a kids’ table with coloring books, puzzles, and of course Bounty to take care of any unexpected spills. This way you can tend to your guests, and keep the kids entertained too.

Set the Mood: Table settings are a great way to give your gathering a personality. Your table décor can be as simple as flowers, candles or a table runner. It will add some drama to your meal, while doubling as a conversation piece. And don’t forget the Bounty Quilted Napkins with new print designs that are dressed to impress at any social gathering

Just a Taste: Keep your appetizers and finger foods to a one bite minimum. This allows your guests to mingle freely, without worrying about talking with their mouths full of food or receiving a crumb-filled handshake.

Give Aways: Don’t know what to do with all those leftovers? Everybody loves doggy bags! Send your guests home with one so they can enjoy your meal the next day, and save them some time in the kitchen. And you won’t have to worry about throwing away food or crowding your fridge.

Don’t forget to keep some Bounty Paper Towel with Trap & Lock™ technology on hand for easy clean-ups.  Through a more open and reinforced fiber network that also features a new emboss design, Bounty locks in mess with just one sheet – making you and your paper towels the life of the party!

Each July my brother and I prepare a July 4th party that starts in his home and works it’s way out onto the beach for dessert, fireworks and fun. Because he lives on an upper floor, we decided a long time ago that an elegant dinner looking over the city was the easiest way to go. A simple menu of salmon, lots of veggies picked up FRESH at a local farm stand and champagne drinks work for us. We pack up the pick-up desserts into sand pails (brownies, cookies, etc.) and take them down to the beach armed with plenty of sparklers to watch the neighbors shoot off fireworks over the ocean. An easy loading of the dishwasher and wipe down of the table and kitchen with Bounty before I go downstairs and Voila – cleanup is a breeze.

Want to win some help with your party?

Now through June 2012, P&G products will be featured in a monthly Good Housekeeping sweepstakes.  Through the Good Housekeeping Seal Deal Giveaway you have the opportunity to win one of 50 P&G product baskets filled with the trusted brands you know and love.  Visit www.goodhousekeeping.com each month for the opportunity to win great P&G prizes from Good Housekeeping.  And, keep in mind that just by entering the sweeps each month you may receive a free P&G product sample or a high-value coupon…enter today!

Of course, Champagne Living wants one of our readers to be prepared for party season with a roll of Bounty Trap & Lock™ technology for themselves.

GIVEAWAY

Winner – Shira F. – New York, NY

Extra Entries

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• This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on June 4, 2012
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I received product to facilitate this review, all opinions are strictly my own.