Simple Summer Party Plans

(Family Features) Summer is the ideal time to have friends and family over for casual get-togethers that are centered on the grill and outdoor dining. Add some zip to your summer party with a few tips and a simple recipe that are sure to please your guests.

Many of the tastiest grilled dishes can be whipped up using just a few ingredients. "A versatile sauce like Heinz® 57® Sauce, an American classic that's celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a great way to add zest and flavor to meats, veggies and even seafood," according to Gwen. For a marinade, she recommends covering your meat in an air-tight container and refrigerating for at least half an hour so it has time to absorb the flavors completely before hitting the grill.Keeping it Cool - Dress up a pitcher of ice water -- and add flavor -- by adding slices of lemon, orange or even cucumber to the water. Keep some slices on ice for extra garnish on the glasses.What would be in your child's ultimate playground? Why don't you ask them? There's nothing like good-old fashioned exercise to keep your children healthy and fit�as well as away from the TV screen.2. TrampolineCheck out those big trampolines they have available these days for another thrill-center in your yard. Children love trampolines, and models like we couldn't have imagined in our childhood are available these days at prices that will really blow your mind. Make sure that you follow all the safety requirements and keep children from jumping more than one at a time because there are some serious risks involved with using a trampoline improperly.3. Above-Ground PoolWendy MacDonald wmacdonald@familyfeatures.com 1-888-824-3337 ext. 235 http://editors.familyfeatures.comIf you have the money, check out some of the high quality wooden playsets, complete with monkey bars and a small indoor fortress. Or, if you really can't afford outdoor swing sets at all, put a swing together with a sturdy rope, with or without the tire.2. Use arrival and departure updates, which allow you to set up a perimeter that alerts you if a family member enters or leaves a specific locationThe Main Event - Nothing beats the taste of food hot off the grill. Whether you're cooking beef, chicken, seafood or veggies, you can make them even more delicious with marinades.4. Basketball HoopsOther helpful features of Family Locator include recurring or one-time alerts that can be sent to multiple recipients via phone or email so each member of the family can be automatically reminded of pool parties, camping trips and more.If you want to help them get started with their own little outdoor adventure-land, here are some additions that will really make your yard a child's paradise.

Wendy MacDonald wmacdonald@familyfeatures.com 1-888-824-3337 ext. 235 http://editors.familyfeatures.com