Entertaining

Cocktail Time

Decadent drinks & bite-size delights

-Sandra Lee, Courtesy of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade magazine (August/September Issue)

Get your friends together for an end of summer fling!

An eye-catching luau is easy, but it looks like a million bucks. Your guests will be so impressed! Hit the clearance aisles for bedsheets, beach towels, and tab-top curtains in your selected color scheme to get started. With the right elements, everyday grilled food, plates, glasses, and flatware transform into tiki-worthy wares.

The menu is no-fuss, and most of it is make-ahead. You'll have time to relax and enjoy your guests - and not get stuck in the kitchen while everybody else has fun.

These affordable, satisfying indulgences are the perfect way to kick off a meal, and can even host a crowd for the ultimate cocktail hour.

Orange Sangria
Makes 6 to 8 servings

1 (750-milliliter) bottle chilled Chardonnay
2 cups chilled ginger ale
1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1⁄2 cup orange-flavored liqueur
Garnish: orange slices, fresh raspberries

In a large pitcher, combine Chardonnay, ginger ale, orange juice concentrate, and liqueur. Serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve. Garnish with orange slices and fresh raspberries, if desired.

Mock Orange Sangria
Prepare as directed above, substituting 4 cups chilled apple juice for Chardonnay and omitting liqueur. Serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve. Garnish with orange slices and fresh raspberries, if desired.