Easy Outdoor Entertaining

Whether it’s simple dinner for a few friends or a big bash for a crowd, taking the party outside takes entertaining to a whole new level. If you’re planning an outdoor get-together, don’t spend all your time in the kitchen. These quick and easy tips will help you spend more time with guests and ensure your gathering is an effortless success.

• Preparation is key. Prepare any appetizers you’re serving the night before and keep in the fridge. This will allow you to focus on any last minute arrangements on the day of your party.

• Think outside the box. If you’re worried that you may not have enough serving dishes for your get-together, look for cups and glasses that may double as a dip bowl or unique container for fruits or vegetables.

• Embrace the idea of “family style” dining. Serve appetizers on large platters or set a buffet where everyone can serve themselves. This way, guests can take what they want and eat at their own pace.

• Make sure you have music. Loading up your iPod with fun songs, both new and old, will provide a fun atmosphere for your guests.

• Candles are always a quick and easy way to add ambiance and class to any space. Keep several on hand to grab when the sun goes down, but the party is still going strong.

• Serve a delicious iced coffee cocktail. These cool drinks provide guests with a sweet treat that no one will be able to resist. Plus, they’re so easy to make you’ll have plenty of time to tend to all of your other host duties. Just double brew your coffee in the morning and stick in the fridge until you’re ready to mix and serve.

Try these easy, indulgent recipes below to host a party all of your friends will be talking about.

Visit www.Facebook.com/Baileys for more recipes, and videos of top baristas and bartenders from around the country making delicious iced coffee cocktails.

Baileys Original Iced Coffee

Makes 1 serving

3.5 ounces Baileys Original Irish Cream

7 ounces iced coffee

Pour ingredients over ice in a tall glass.

The Simple One

Makes 1 serving

1 ounce Baileys Original Irish Cream

3/4 ounce cognac-based orange liqueur

3 ounces iced coffee

Pour ingredients over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

Guatemalan Spice

Makes 1 serving

3/4 ounce Baileys Original Irish Cream

1 3/4 ounces iced coffee

1 1/8 ounces rum

1/16 ounce cinnamon syrup

Pinch of freshly ground cinnamon

Add Irish Cream, rum, cinnamon syrup and iced coffee to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously with ice, strain into a Delmonico or other glass of your choice, and garnish with freshly ground cinnamon.

Fresh Guacamole

Makes 16 servings

2 avocados

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tomato, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Peel and mash avocados in a medium serving bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, tomato, lime juice, salt and pepper. Chill for half an hour to blend flavors.

Strawberry Parfait

Makes 1 serving

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

1 cup whipped cream

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Layer ingredients in a parfait glass.

Tips for making the best iced coffee cocktail

The type of roast used to make your iced coffee is more important than you may think. Using a medium roasted coffee bean will produce the best flavor for your iced coffee cocktail. The result is a blend that offers balance, sweetness and a mild acidity.

•Another easy way to ensure your iced coffee never gets watered down is to freeze coffee ahead of time in an ice cube tray. Use these instead of ice to ensure your iced coffee cocktail is perfection.