If you are entertaining a big group or suspecting some “drop-by” guests for Labor Day, putting together a few dishes or prepping your backyard doesn’t have to be complicated. Here you will find helpful tips for last minute delish dishes and great ways to get your backyard ready for entertaining. From an elegant dinner party to a last minute cookout with family and friends, your backyard can be the perfect place to entertain. With a few quick do-it-yourself tips, these ideas will help you entertain with ease during last minute holiday prep! If you have extra space, store some party-ready essentials, so you aren’t running to the store after your guests arrive! Stock up on napkins, cups, fun paper plates
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- No stemmed glasses? No worries! Check out these DrinkDotz. 12 great colors identify your glasses like a wine charm. Festive and reusable!
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- Not a tablecloth person? Keep placemats on hand to add interest to your table. Quick and easy.
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- Place flameless candles in an old tray and place down the center of your table. Light up the evening in a unique way!
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- Keep colorful tableclothes on hand. A great way to cover up a not-so-smooth table!
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- Bring pillows out to create a cozy atmosphere.
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- Wrap your bushes in lights to cast a beautiful glow. Lights aren’t just for holidays anymore!
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- Serving wine? Don’t let your guests mix up their glasses. WineWrapps come in 12 different fun Pantone colors and they “cling” without the “clink” of a traditional wine charm!
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- Invest in melamine plates in white. They go with everything, look classy and are not flimsy like most paper plates!
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- Take an old birdcage, place flameless candles inside and hang in a tree in your backyard and viola — a cool, unique look to your backyard festivities!
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- Decorate flameless candles and place inside stylish hurricanes. We used CandleClothes around these 3″ diameter flameless candles.
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- Place drinks in this great galvanized bucket! If you have a small fridge like I do, this is handy!
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- Bring on the pillows!
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- Light the path! Photo by livingetc.com
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- Bring out a rug to set the stage. Photo by livingetc.com
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- Lanterns hanging from trees create a unique and cozy garden.
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- Guacamole and Canned Pineapple Dip Packaged guacamole mixed with pineapple. Use with lime corn chips. It is a hit for sure – trust me.
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- Hot Dog Bar Create a hotdog bar and provide creative toppings. Introduce pickled relish, create a Chicago Dog or a Seattle Dog. Have fun!
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- Caprese Salad Ingredients 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil fine sea salt to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste Directions On a large platter, alternate and overlap the tomato slices, mozzarella cheese slices, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.
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- Italian Bread Salad Ingredients 1 clove garlic 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1 cup cucumber – peeled, seeded and chopped 1 cup chopped red onion 1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups chopped fresh basil 1/8 cup chopped fresh thyme 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Directions Rub a peeled clove of garlic around a wooden salad bowl. Pull apart or chop the bread into bite-size pieces. In the prepared salad bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, garlic, basil and thyme. Add enough olive oil and vinegar to lightly coat, toss and serve. Recipe and photo by allrecipes.com
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- Grilled Tomatoes Ingredients 8 tomatoes, halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced, or to taste 1 teaspoon salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate. Drizzle the olive oil over the cut sides of the tomatoes, and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and black pepper. Place tomatoes, cut sides up, onto the preheated grill, and grill until the tomatoes start to sizzle and show blackened grill marks, about 4 minutes. Flip the tomatoes over and grill until the garlic turns golden brown, about 3 more minutes.
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- Keep non-perishable snacks on hand that guests can eat right away!
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