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Photography by Brian MacDonald

FOOD >> ENTERTAINING

Alfresco Cocktail Party

Get out the patio lights, set your iPod to shuffle and invite friends you have the most fun with

Step 1:Menu

Step 2: Plan ahead with our Cocktails Alresco Shopping List.

Step 3: Follow our two-week plan for a fabulous cocktail night:

Two weeks before:
1. Take the time to mail out fun invitations to all of your guests.
2. Choose a party theme and plan your backyard décor.
3. Rent extra glassware so that you don't find yourself having to wash dishes in the middle of your party.

One week before:
4. Stock your bar with all the essentials and make room in your freezer for lots and lots of ice.
5. Create a playlist to go with your theme or pick the ultimate summer songs so that you can really move your guests.
6. If you aren't ambitious enough to take on our Rice Paper Rolls yourself, put in an order to your favourite local Thai restaurant for Soft Rolls (plan for 2-3 per person).

Two days before:
7. Pick up any rental items you need.
8. Make sure you have adequate lighting set up in your backyard so your guests can stay to mingle long after the sunsets.
9. Tidy up the yard. Make sure the grass is cut and that all of your seating is clean.

One day before:
10. Go grocery shopping. Don't forget to get enough ice for coolers and to put in drinks.
11. Confirm your soft roll order (if ordering).
12. Prepare all of the garnishes necessary for cocktails and drinks.

Day of the party:
13. Set up the bar and appetizer tables in the backyard.
14. In the afternoon, make the Rice Paper Rolls and Sugar Snap Peas.
15. Once all of your guests have arrived and have a cocktail, fire up the grill and cook your chicken skewers.

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Martha Stewart

Jacob's Creek. Uncorking the laughter.

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