A well-decorated and cared for backyard is invaluable in the entertainment option. See our decoration options and recipes.

Decorations
Even a casual get-together becomes more memorable when you use decorations. From hand-crafted accents and fresh flowers, to windchimes and themed decorations, well selected items can enhance the feel of your gathering. Check out our catalog for more ideas.






Recipes

Backyard Snacks

Easy Fruit Salad

	1 can fruit cocktail, drained
	1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
	1/4 cup drained maraschino cherries, halved
	2 bananas, sliced
	1 medium apple, coarsely chopped
	1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
	Lettuce leaves

In large bowl, lightly mix all ingredients except whipped topping and lettuce. Once mixed, gently fold in whipped topping into the mixed ingredients. Line plates with lettuce leaves and garnish with cherries. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Cucumber Sandwiches

2 thick slices whole wheat bread
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
6 slices cucumber
2 tablespoons alfalfa sprouts
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 tomato, sliced
1 leaf lettuce
1 ounce pepperoncini, sliced
1/2 avocado, mashed

Spread each slice of bread with 1 tablespoon cream cheese. On one slice of bread, arrange cucumber slices in a single layer. Cover with sprouts, sprinkle with oil and vinegar. Layer tomato slices, lettuce, and pepperoncini. Spread other slice of bread with mashed avocado. Close sandwich and serve immediately.

Home Made Mac N Cheese

	1/2 cup cooked elbow macaroni
	1/4 cup shredded Cheddar
	1 tablespoon Parmesan
	1 tablespoon milk
	1/2 tablespoon butter
	Salt and pepper to taste
	12- by 16-inch piece of foil

Combine all the ingredients in a 4 3/8-inch pie pan. Seal it in foil (a double layer if you're cooking over an open flame), folding over the extra foil at the top to make a sturdy handle to poke a stick or tongs through. Heat the pan on your backyard grill to melt the cheese, about 7 minutes. Let the pack cool briefly, then open it carefully. Stir before serving.

Entertaining Delights

Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Combine vegetables, olive oil, vinegar, seasoning salt and Italian seasoning in a large, plastic bag. Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes or longer for extra flavor. Remove vegetables from marinade; discard marinade. Spear vegetables on skewers. Lightly sprinkle vegetables with additional seasoning. Grill kabobs 10 minutes, turning frequently.

Ginger Mahi Mahi

(Recipe also good with salmon)

3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
1 clove garlic, crushed or to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 (6 ounce) mahi mahi fillets
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

In a small dish, stir together the honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, ginger, garlic and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, and place add to marinate skin side down. Let marinate in refrigerate for 20 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish from the dish, and reserve marinade. Fry fish for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm.

Pour reserved marinade into the skillet, and heat over medium heat until the mixture reduces to a glaze consistently. Spoon glaze over fish, and serve immediately.