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  4. This Summer’s Best Outdoor Menu

This Summer’s Best Outdoor Menu

By Marion McGahey
June 23, 2009
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Flank Steak Sandwiches with "Go Big Blue" Cheese
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick
The grill and a little prep work are the secrets to these 16 easy, delicious party recipes.
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Outdoor Party Secrets

Fourth of July Party
Credit: Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

There are three secrets to a great outdoor dinner party. The first is the grill. The second is the grill. The third? You guessed it: the grill. To make the easy, delicious recipes in this gallery, all you really need are those “three” secrets―and, of course, a little prep work. (But only a little. We promise.) So gather your friends and family, follow our tips and tricks, and try this vacation-friendly menu that will let you laze in the sun while keeping all your guests happy. Oh, and if they ask you how you did it? Just tell them it’s your little secret.

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Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade Iced Tea
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade Iced-Tea is a fun, thirst-quenching update on two classic Southern favorites.

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Set a Pretty Table

Set a Pretty Table
Credit: Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

Set a simple and pretty table with natural bamboo plates topped with plastic patterned ones. Inexpensive dish towels as napkins complete the look.

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Easy Silverware Bundles

Silverware
Credit: Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

Wrap your silverware in simple rubber bands to add both convenience and a pop of color.

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Budget Summer Flowers

Budget Summer Flowers
Credit: Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

When it comes to decorating, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Just pick up summer flowers (only a few bucks), and place in an old colander.

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Peppery Grilled Okra With Lemon-Basil Dipping Sauce

Peppery Grilled Okra With Lemon-Basil Dipping Sauce
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Harget

Start the party off with Peppery Grilled Okra With Lemon-Basil Dipping Sauce. It is a tastier and healthier alternative to the standard chips and dip.

  • Recipe: Peppery Grilled Okra With Lemon-Basil Dipping Sauce

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Flank Steak Sandwiches With Blue Cheese

Flank Steak Sandwiches with "Go Big Blue" Cheese
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Serve a gourmet sandwich that will certainly impress your guests. Flank Steak Sandwiches With Blue Cheese are loaded with grilled onions, peppers, and arugula.

  • Recipe: Flank Steak Sandwiches With Blue Cheese
  • Variations:
    Flank Steak Sandwiches With Brie
    Herb Chicken Sandwiches
    Herb Chicken Sandwiches With Grilled Peaches

Related Recipes: Super Sandwiches

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Double Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Double Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Credit: Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

Double Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delicious kid-friendly alternative to this holiday menu.

  • Recipe: Double Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

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Baked Bean Crostinis

Kentucky Wildcats Menu

Recipe: Baked Bean Crostinis

Baked Bean Crostinis are a fun twist on an old stand-by. Feel free to load up on toppings; we love pickled jalapeo, bacon, and queso fresco.

Related Recipes: Our Best Barbecue Sides

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Double Peanut Butter Candy Bites With Granola

Double Peanut Butter Candy Bites With Granola
Credit: Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

Peanut Butter-Caramel Candy Bites With Colorful Candies are so easy to make. Our time-saving secret: refrigerated cookie dough.

  • Recipe: Double Peanut Butter Candy Bites With Granola
  • Variations:
    Double Peanut Butter Candy Bites With Peanuts
    Peanut Butter-Caramel Candy Bites With Granola
    Peanut Butter-Caramel Candy Bites With Colorful Candies

Related Recipes: All Time Best Fruit Cobblers

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By Marion McGahey

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    1 of 10 Outdoor Party Secrets
    2 of 10 Lemonade Iced Tea
    3 of 10 Set a Pretty Table
    4 of 10 Easy Silverware Bundles
    5 of 10 Budget Summer Flowers
    6 of 10 Peppery Grilled Okra With Lemon-Basil Dipping Sauce
    7 of 10 Flank Steak Sandwiches With Blue Cheese
    8 of 10 Double Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
    9 of 10 Baked Bean Crostinis
    10 of 10 Double Peanut Butter Candy Bites With Granola

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