Ali Larter’s Entertaining Must-Haves Include Candles, Pretty Linens And A Good …

Ali Larter is a gorgeous actress, but you might not have known that she’s also an entertaining guru. In her new book “Kitchen Revelry,” Larter shows off her fabulous party ideas and recipes. And to celebrate, Domaine Home sat down with the Resident Evil star and found out her must-have items for throwing the ultimate shindig.

Larter told the site that candles along with a unique serving dish and pretty linens are essential. “When I’m feeling fancy, or when the occasion calls for it, I use Kim Seybert black, round placemats or Heath Ceramics linen runners,” said Larter. “Classic and simple, these pieces can dress up any table.”

And of course, Larter said no party is complete without a good drink. “It’s very important to always have one of your favorite bottles of something on hand. I like all kinds of reds, especially Cabs like Faust. Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne is so divine — it’s always sitting in my leather and silver wine bucket,” she said.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amy Neunsinger via Domainehome.com

Now all we want to know is, when can we come over for dinner? Head over to Domaine Home for more on Larter’s entertaining must-haves.

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• Hang Outdoor Lights

  Not only are these easy to install, but ambient lighting is a great way to set the perfect mood for an outdoor party. The key to getting the lights to stay up? Screw-in or heavy-duty adhesive hooks. Just drape lights between hooks, making sure that the end plug is near an electrical source. For more details, head over to a href=”http://www.homeandgardenideas.com/outdoor-living/outdoor-decor/lighting/how-hang-string-lighting-outdoor-party” target=”_hplink”Home Garden Ideas/a.

• Create Container Gardens For Your Patio

  From porches to front yards, any space can benefit from a pot of pretty blooms — and your patio is no exception. The key is to use a lightweight soil mix, which will provide excellent drainage and aeration. Head over to a href=”http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/container-essentials/index.html” target=”_hplink”HGTV/a for all the details.

• Create An Outdoor Bar

  Spring weather is perfect for outdoor parties. But if you’re bothered by constantly running in and out to grab drinks, making an outdoor bar is a great solution. The easiest way? Positioning an inexpensive tiered rolling cart off to the side of your entertaining space. Simply stock the heaviest mixers (and extras) on the bottom level, unbreakable glasses or cups on the middle shelf and then line up bottles across the top of the cart, allowing enough space for mixing. Cut garnishes (lemon and limes) in advance, so guests can help themselves.

  For a full tutorial on how to create a great outdoor bar space, visit a href=”http://www.ehow.com/how_6396745_create-outside-home-bar.html
  ” target=”_hplink”eHow/a.

• Get Your Pool Ready

  Now’s the best time to set up your pool before the weather gets too hot (you should be relaxing in it, not working!) After sifting out the debris, give your pool cover a good cleaning before boxing it away. Then you’ll want to check the water and pH levels for good measure before firing up the pump. For more details and a step-by-step tutorial, swing on over to a href=”http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-get-your-pool-ready-for-summer” target=”_blank”Do It Yourself’s website/a.

• Clean Your Outdoor Umbrella

  If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your patio umbrella, then now is probably a good time. First you’ll want to pull the canvas/fabric off of its base and fill up a garbage bin with a mix of bleach and water (one cup of bleach for every gallon of water.) Let your cloth soak in the solution for fifteen minutes and scrub down the dirtiest parts. While it’s still wet, place it back on the base and make sure it expands (this way you avoid shrinking the material.) For an easy-to-follow visual guide, head on over to a href=”http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-clean-your-patio-umbrella.html” target=”_blank”DIY by Design’s tutorial/a.

• Build A Fire Pit

  It might take the whole weekend to finish, but the end result is something you can admire and use for years. The steps involve digging a trench, filling it will gravel and assembling the walls. For the step-by-step instructions, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1636191,00.html” target=”_hplink”This Old House/a.

• Fix The Fence Gate

  Fence gates that sag into the ground can be difficult to open. First, check if the gate post (the pole that hinges to your gate) is wobbly. If that’s the case, then simply secure crushed stone around the post with a sledgehammer. However, if the post is rotten, you’ll to unhinge the gate, dig up the post and replace it. For the step-by-step guidelines, visit a href=”http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20284513,00.html” target=”_blank”The Family Handyman/a.

• Mow Your Lawn The Right Way

  Secure your goggles, keep your kids and pets indoors and fire up the lawn mower. The trick to achieving a nice even gloss is to glide your machine emacross/em the hill, not up and down. Also, be sure to avoid obstacles that get in the way (that includes sprinklers, people!) More details about this project can be found on a href=”http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-mow-your-lawn2.htm” target=”_blank”HowStuffWorks’ feature/a.