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Creative Entertaining: Light the Night on Fire -- Opa! (PHOTOS)

Whisk your guests off on a magical journey to the Greek Islands right in your own backyard. For décor, use colors that evoke the pristine waters of the Aegean Sea, deep blue with a splash of turquoise, the landscape dotted with white cubed architecture, and the fresh sea air.
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Whisk your guests off on a magical journey to the Greek Islands right in your own backyard. For décor, use colors that evoke the pristine waters of the Aegean Sea, deep blue with a splash of turquoise, the landscape dotted with white cubed architecture, and the fresh sea air.

The food is rustic, flavorful and simple. A village salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green, red, and yellow peppers, kalamata olives, oregano, and Greek feta cheese; grilled lamb chops flavored with fresh mint and ladolemono sauce, chicken souvlaki with a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top, and to light the night on fire, a shot of 80 proof Ouzo and flaming saganaki on sizzling plates. Opa!

Photo Credit: Mark Luciani

Find recipes here.As originally published on HGTV

For design and decor tips, see slide show:

CREATIVE ENTERTAINING: LIGHT THE NIGHT ON FIRE, OPA!
Find Your Inspiration(01 of25)
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The Aegean Sea was my inspiration, so turquoise and white displayed prominently.
Decor(02 of25)
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Floral arrangements don't have to be professional as long as they're creative.
Food & Drink(03 of25)
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No fuss appetizers dressed up in candy dishes.
Have Fun!(04 of25)
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Entertaining at home shouldn't be stressful. Sit back and enjoy your guests.
Get Creative(05 of25)
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Ouzo glasses garnished with a modern twist: a wedge of kiwi to cool down the heat.
Attire(06 of25)
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Encourage guests to dress the part.
Design(07 of25)
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Simplicity is in the details.
Appetizers(08 of25)
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No fuss appetizers dressed up in candy dishes.
Guest List(09 of25)
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Invite a wide arrange of guests, young and old.
Cocktails(10 of25)
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Fresh herbs and fruit will dress up any cocktail--and make it seem that much more exotic and refreshing.
Mocktails(11 of25)
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Decorative straws for the kid's mocktails.
Cocktails(12 of25)
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Fresh herbs and fruit will dress up any cocktail--and make it seem that much more exotic and refreshing.
Use Color(13 of25)
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Add a punch of color at every opportunity.
The Menu(14 of25)
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Print menu and name cards customized to reinforce the theme.
(15 of25)
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Submerge Calla Lilies in water and top it off with a floating candle.
Greek Village Salad(16 of25)
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Serving the meal family style is more relaxed.
(17 of25)
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Souvlaki on the grill.
Family Style(18 of25)
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Serve the meal family style for a more relaxed environment.
Decor(19 of25)
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Turquoise and white carried onto the dinner table.
Opa!(20 of25)
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Saganaki is a flaming cheese that oozes with salty flavor. The fire is quenched with a spritz of freshly squeezed lemon.
Decor(21 of25)
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Candles, flowers and array of vases add an element of design.
Sweet Endings(22 of25)
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Jars of blue and white candy and a turquoise cake designed by Petite & Sweet carry the theme to a delicious finish.
Sweet Endings(23 of25)
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Baklava oozing with pistachio and honey deliciousness.
Sweet Endings(24 of25)
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The Greek key was carried throughout. Delicious, delectable edibles by Eat My Words.
Make a Splash!(25 of25)
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Try Greek night for your next barbeque. It will surely make a splash!

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