Plan Your Block Party

The nice weather has a way of reacquainting us with our neighbors. After hibernating in my cave and car all winter, I'm now looking for excuses to delay just a few more minutes outside, and in the process I see my neighbors who have been in a similar state of hibernation. And this is why many neighborhoods begin planning their annual block party just around this time. The May issue of Everyday with Rachael Ray has some very clever ideas for planning your annual block party. For example, take a look at the photo on the right. Who can resist plucking a popsicle out of those colorful buckets? It's a much more enticing presentation than serving them in those paper or plastic wrappers out of the box. You'll also find recipes perfect for large summer gatherings such as the Tomato and Orzo Salad which they've allowed us to reprint on this site. So start planning your block party today while the days are still growing longer and warmer.
_{Photo © Everyday with Rachael Ray}