THE PERFECT DECK PARTY

These tips provide a great starting place for planning and hosting the perfect deck party:

Create an outdoor space conducive to conversation. Remember the different seating, standing and table options commonly found indoors and offer the same mix on your deck or patio.

Get your lawn and garden in shape. Your deck party guests will likely spill over into the yard, especially if it's a big party. Make sure your grass is trimmed, and clean up after pets.

Plan ahead for uninvited guests. Stock up on citronella candles or mosquito-repellant yard pellets before your deck party.

Decorate with style. Umbrellas, table linens, seat cushions, lighting, flowerpots and planters make fabulous decorative additions.

Serve simple refreshments. Look for prepackaged beverages or drinks you can make in large batches, as well as finger foods or foods you can throw on the grill without fussing over numerous ingredients.

Set the mood with lighting. Candles provide a nice lighting transition from day to night without harsh indoor or bug-attracting lights. Keep an eye out for drips and remember to blow out the candles at the end of the party.

Tune in to your favorite tunes. If you don't have speakers wired outside, a small stereo is perfect. Compact discs or MP3s offer great party or background music.

Don't limit yourself. Deck parties aren't limited to just the spring and summer months. An outdoor fireplace or heater can warm up an outdoor party in cooler months.

Additional ideas to consider:

Get creative with your serving dishes. Use painted flowerpots or colorful vases to serve raw vegetables or crackers. Or try serving condiments in hollowed out red, green and yellow bell peppers.

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.