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Make Your Backyard Party the Talk of the Town

Warm weather has arrived! And you know what that means - it's time to fire up the grill and dust off the patio furniture.

With holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day just around the corner, how many backyard parties are you planning to host? It's no surprise that 44 percent of us will barbecue at least once or twice a week this summer.

How to do it with flare? We have three tips to help you create the ultimate outdoor gathering.  

Ignite your party with fun food

Culinary trends come and go, but one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent years is fondue. The presentation alone is enough to incite a reaction from your guests.

"Fondue is one of the most interactive foods you can serve at a party," explains Shirley Evers, Zippo consumer relations manager. "Get creative and involve your guests in the cooking process. Invite them to help you think of new ingredients to mix or dip in the fondue."

She suggests setting out different fondue pots on each of your patio or picnic tables. For dipping, be sure to have lots of summer-fresh fruits like berries and pineapple on hand. Your party will be a hit after serving such a memorable treat.

Add a flickering orange flame

After the sunset, you don't want your guests tripping over tree stumps or garden hoses because the path is not properly lit. Using citronella candles, oil-filled tiki torches and hanging lanterns is an easy and creative solution.

"To complete your evening soirée, try a walkway of twinkling luminaries," suggests Evers. "Add festive cutouts on your bags and a 15-hour votive nestled in damp sand. Light the candles effortlessly by using the Zippo Mini MPL multi-purpose lighter, which has an adjustable flame and works upside down."


Here's a tasty recipe you may want to try: Chocolate Fondue