CASUAL SUMMERTIME DECK PARTY

Decorations/Tips
Set the scene for your deck party with these imaginative touches!

Get creative with your serving dishes.
Use painted flower pots or colorful vases to serve raw vegetables or crackers. Or try serving condiments in hollowed out red, green and yellow bell peppers. Just cut the stem and top off, then remove the seeds from the inside of the pepper. This can be a great way to serve ketchup, mustard and relish.

Add a splash of color by creating an ice ring for your punch bowl.
Fill a 2-inch deep ring mold halfway with water and freeze until solid. Then top with orange slices, lemon slices and maraschino cherries. Add more water to the ring until the fruit is covered, then freeze until solid. To avoid splashing, place the ice ring in the punch bowl first, then simply add punch.

Potted plants make beautiful centerpieces.
Grab potted plants from your front steps or porch, or consider finding plants you can later plant in your garden. If you plan to transplant your centerpiece into a pot for your deck party, do so a day or two in advance, as most plants tend to droop for awhile after transplanting. Finally, make sure your centerpiece is low enough for guests to comfortably talk over.