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Margaritas
Consider cushioned rattan and wicker chairs or a cozy outdoor sofa to really enjoy your outdoor soirée in comfort and style. You can find all kinds of outdoor sofas and sectionals online, from the more affordable to
Ingredients 1 750-ml bottle silver tequila 1 to 2 cups triple sec or Cointreau 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus extra for rimming glasses 1/2 cup coarse sea salt, for rimming glasses 1 gallon of ice cubes or crushed ice 12–24 ime wedges, for serving Instructions Before your guests arrive, combine the tequila, 1 cup triple sec or Cointreau, and the lime juice. Mix thoroughly and addmore orange liqueur to taste, then chill. Chill several 5-ounce martini glasses or 8-ounce mason jars for serving. To serve, pour a few tablespoons of lime juice onto a small plate and add several tablespoons of coarse salt to another small plate. As you serve each guest their margarita, dip the rim of a glass onto the plate with the lime juice, then into the salt. For each drink, measure 1/4 cup of the margarita mixture into a cocktail shaker and add ice cubes (most shakers can hold 2–3 servings at a time). Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into salt-rimmed glasses and serve.
the higher end. If you do opt for cushioned furniture, make sure it has weather-resistant treatment. Do some research online and consult your local home goods or hardware store for expert advice on choosing furniture that’s perfect for your patio and your budget.
of your umbrella canopy by 10. For example, if your umbrella is 9 feet, a 90-pound stand is recommended. To accommodate larger parties with shade, you may want to consider other patio shade options, from elegant canopies to portable, breezy gazebos. You can find relatively affordable, portable gazebos that feature mosquito- proof mesh panels and sturdy weather-proof canopies, which is a plus if inclement weather hits. Lighting What is a party without twinkling lights? Luckily, there are all kinds of attractive outdoor lighting options on the market. Elegant paper lanterns can take a party from so-so to stunning and are available in many different colors and sizes. Cover hanging bulb lights with elegant white paper lanterns to create a modern, majestic effect, or for a whimsical look, hang strings of mini multi-colored paper lanterns in a zig-zag pattern across your patio.
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Made in the Shade
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To shade your guests from the summer sun, you will want to invest in some patio umbrellas or coverings. Outdoor umbrellas can range anywhere from $40 to $900, so you can easily find something that suits your budget. Some umbrellas feature solar- powered lights, which can add even more festivity to your party. If your umbrella doesn’t already come with one, you will need to find a sturdy umbrella stand or base, which can run from $30 to a few hundred dollars for specialty stands. Make sure you choose a stand that can adequately support the size of your umbrella. To determine the weight of the stand you’ll need, multiply the diameter
Sangria
Ingredients 2 medium apples, cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces 2 medium oranges, rind on, sliced into small pieces
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