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Outdoor Entertaining: A Year-Round Experience

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(NewsUSA) - Whether it's tailgating before the next big game, celebrating a special birthday or simply enjoying time with family and friends, outside parties offer a lot of fun and convenience.

Hosting an outdoor party eliminates the worry about messy spills and the need for expensive decorations, since nature can be the backdrop. And no matter the occasion or time of year, grilled foods, good company and outside entertaining are always in season.

Following are a few tips for entertaining any time of year:

* Evenings can get a little chilly, and it is important that guests stay comfortable. Visit a local home shopping center and purchase an outdoor patio heater or simply rent one for the night.

* Light up the entertaining area with a string of lights, decorative votive candles or lanterns. This will make it easier for everyone to see, while also creating a festive atmosphere.

* Simplify post-party cleanup by strategically placing garbage cans in the entertaining area so guests can easily dispose of garbage.

* Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, prepare simple, easy-to-make finger foods, such as fruit kebabs or this recipe for Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto Mayo, which can be cut into quarters and made into mini sandwiches - a fun addition to any party.

GRILLED CHICKEN

SANDWICHES WITH PESTO MAYO

(Makes 8 servings)

1 container (7 ounces) Buitoni®

Refrigerated Pesto with

Basil, divided

8 boneless, skinless chicken

breast halves (about 2 1/2

pounds total)

1 cup light mayonnaise

8 ciabatta bread or French

rolls, split horizontally

8 thin slices provolone or other

Italian cheese

PREHEAT grill or broiler.

SPREAD 3 tablespoons pesto over chicken breasts. Place remaining pesto and mayonnaise in blender and blend until smooth. Spoon into squeeze bottle or covered container and keep chilled until ready for use.

GRILL or broil chicken for 5 minutes over medium heat; turn over. Grill or broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center.

SPREAD pesto mayo over bread; top with chicken and cheese. Add lettuce, sliced tomato and sliced red onion, if desired.

For more easy-to-make recipe ideas, visit http://www.meals.com.