Get out and celebrate summer during July

Fri., July 23, 2004

Alysa Weinstein and Bella Zakarian Knight Ridder

July is the best month to be outside. It’s all about summer entertaining — picnics, barbecues, poolside cocktails and terrace tapas. Here are recommendations for a great open-air party.

• Use bug spray. Nothing ruins summer evenings like mosquitoes gnawing your ankles. Try towelettes, sprays or creams, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

• Before inviting guests, get your garden in shape. If you are a city slicker, consider containers. Get to the nursery for soil, flowers, trees and bushes that will brighten your view of the concrete jungle.

• An al fresco cocktail is a great way to turn your back yard into the most select sunset spot this side of Maui. Target’s tiki-themed collection of melamine tumblers, platters and dishes is darling and inexpensive, so splurge for the blue and green as well as the pink and orange!

• Barbecues are a summer must. No outdoor space is complete without a grill. And make sure that you are armed with the right companion tools — don’t forget an apron.

• While you may have outgrown the kiddie pool, you are never too old for games. Target has a great selection of outdoor games including bocce, horseshoes, croquet and our personal favorite — Twister.

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