• Silver stars will add sparkle for a silver anniversary.silver stars image by Lytse from Fotolia.com
  
  For this significant silver anniversary, it's time to pull out all the stops. While the concept of a barbecue suggests a causal, laid-back atmosphere, the food and decorations can still rise to the occasion and reflect the achievement of the couple on achieving the 25-year mark. A full menu with an array of appetizers, entree, salad and a silver dessert are all in order, as are glittery, silver decorations.
  
  

Display Ideas

• The caterer and the guests can have some fun mixing silver serving pieces with the casual atmosphere of the barbecue. Appetizers can be passed on silver or mirrored trays, and silver glitter and sparkles can be strewn on tables decorated with silver ribbons. If the barbecue takes place in the evening, sparkers can be lit at strategic intervals to toast the anniversary couple or before serving the dessert to the couple. Silver and white lights strung along fences and through the trees will add a festive, celebratory feel. Make sure that photos of the anniversary couple and highlights of their lives together are placed in silver frames on tables around the area.
  
  

Appetizers

• In addition to appetizers that can be cooked on a grill, such as stuffed mushrooms, chicken wings or potato rounds with a dab of barbecue sauce on top, serve at least one appetizer in a silver spoon. Any bite-sized morsel will do---in this case, it's the presentation that adds the festive silver-anniversary note.
  
  

The Entree

• Any number of grilled entrees would be special for a 25th anniversary. Marinated steak, chicken, shrimp or salmon would all be a special treat once they are barbecued. For each of these entrees, add a silver charger plate underneath the dinner plate. A salad made from barbecued vegetables, orzo pasta, cubes of feta or goat cheese and a vinaigrette dressing can be served alongside. Adding a barbecued touch to a green salad is easy by adding grilled fruit, such as a peach or plum half. Use silver serving bowls to add the anniversary sparkle.
  
  

Dessert

• Tiny, round silver candies provide the perfect finishing silver touch for dessert. Place them with a generous hand on the icing of a cake, cupcakes or iced cookies. To finish the meal, set out a table for coffee and tea with a silver tea set.