Missed Part One? Go to http://tiny.cc/bznp7
A Summer Garden Party (Part Two) 
Who doesn’t entertain in July? If you plan to have a barbecue, a clambake, a picnic or a cocktail party, I can help with lots of creative solutions. For now, here is Part Two of A Summer Garden Party with more fun ideas.
MUSIC
Can you imagine a party without music? Lighting and decorations help to set a festive mood but without a sound track the effect is incomplete. Think about the kind of party that you are throwing: do you want your friends to gather and relax on a couch or get up and dance? We will have an article dedicated entirely to music at your party, so make sure to check back soon!
ENTERTAINMENT
Hire an event painter to capture the spirit of your special event. The finished work of art will keep great memories alive for years to come. These artists come with their easel, canvas and necessary equipment, ready to capture the atmosphere and essence of the party. Your guests will love watching the evolution of the painting with great interest and enthusiasm.
BEVERAGE STATION
In addition to a bar, set a flavored water station close to a gathering area (it could be your pool or on an ocean-view balcony). It can be self-serve style or attended. You just need elegant glass dispensers, cups or glasses, and your imagination. Prepare three different dispensers with water and add diced cucumber in one, lemon wedges in the second one, and lime wedges in the third one for a citrus combination. As an alternative, think about strawberries - blueberries - raspberries for a sweet and colorful look. I often suggest a flavored water station at outdoor weddings before the ceremony: it is a nice and refreshing touch for guests attending such a momentous celebration especially during the summer.
DRINK RECIPE: Grapefruit Sparkler
1 cup sugar
8 whole star anise
6 cups ruby red grapefruit juice, chilled
½ cup Campari*
2 cups Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water with the sugar and star anise; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove pan from heat; let cool completely.
Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a measuring cup (to yield 1 cup); discard star anise. Cover syrup with plastic wrap, and chill.
In a large pitcher, combine grapefruit juice, Campari, and chilled syrup. Divide among eight glasses, top with Champagne. Serve immediately.
*Campari is an alcoholic aperitif obtained from the infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit in alcohol and water. A signature drink in Italy with an unmistakable deep red hue, it is usually mixed with soda water, orange and other citrus juices, and in cocktails. Available in San Diego at local gourmet markets (Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Mona Lisa in Little Italy).
Enjoy your summer!
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Editor's note:
Sabrina Cadini, of La Dolce Idea at La Jolla, has gracously agreed to provide tips, advice and information about event and wedding planning. Ah-Ha! will post these at 3 p.m. Thursday each week, allowing you to plan and enjoy for the weekend, and beyond.
Sabrina began her career in event and wedding planning in Italy, where she was born.
She had the opportunity to meet amazing designers while modeling and working as a TV announcer. "They could turn a bare studio into an incredible, and colorful, setting for a TV show, or photo shoot, with different materials, lighting, decor, and fabrics," she says.
At that time, Sabrina started helping friends with their parties, then social and corporate clients, creating the perfect setting for their events.
After moving to the United States, Sabrina volunteered on several boards and coordinated some fundraising events. She began managing events on a larger scale for medical conventions across North America as a tour operator and meeting planner.
Weddings and special events were her greatest passion. By fusing creativity, Italian style, and fashion into impeccably planned occasions, La Dolce Idea created singular and personal celebrations for many clients.
Sabrina was designated as a Professional Bridal Consultant by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the oldest, and largest, training organization for wedding professional in the world. She is co-director of ABC, San Diego Region.
Sabrina has a collection of ideas, news, information, pictures, and trends from the event and wedding world at her blog, Something Dolce at http://ladolceidea.wordpress.com/
And, of course, La Dolce Idea's website at http://www.ladolceidea.us/site/#/home/
Follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/ladolceidea and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/LaDolceIdea
Ah-Ha! is honored by Sabrina's gracious contributions to our community's ongoing conversation.
