quick tips for putting a tuscan twist on alfresco entertaining

Embrace the shades of the Tuscan landscape. Colors like terra cotta, gold, stucco, eggplant, sage green, olive and poppy red will transport

your guests to Tuscany.

Place tea lights in a bowl filled with water to create an easy and

eye-catching floating centerpiece.

Add color to your Tuscan tablescape by placing each guest’s basil plant gift

at his/her setting.

Set the mood for alfresco Italian by playing Tuscan tunes. Choose opera for a classic

sound, or play an Italian radio station.

Experience alfresco dining to its fullest. Print out and serve up other recipes, like

Tuscan Skewers, available on the party page at houseparty.com.

Dress up your dishes—serve appetizers on miniature gold frames or patterned plates to give your guests a little taste

of Tuscany.

Use colorful mismatched glasses to capture the spirit of Tuscany.

Put those Christmas lights to good use—even off-season! Hang a string of lights on your patio or deck to create instant

outdoor ambience.

Place fresh sunflowers in colorful vases for an easy way to warm up any space.