Easy Outdoor Entertaining
Quick tips for an effortless get-together

(Family Features) - 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.

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.

Please enjoy Baileys Responsibly.
BAILEYS Irish Cream Liqueur. 17% Alc/Vol. (c)2010 R & A Bailey & Co. Imported by Paddington, Ltd., Norwalk, CT. All drink recipes contain no more than 0.6 fl. oz (14 g.) of alcohol per serving, equivalent to one standard U.S. drink.

 

Baileys Original Iced Coffee

Ingredients

• 3.5 ounces Baileys Original Irish Cream
• 7 ounces iced coffee

Preparation

1. Pour ingredients over ice in a tall glass.

Serves
Makes 1 serving