Make Your Own Spa with Refreshing Frozen Towels

A great way to cool down your backyard guests is to prepare simple frozen rolled towels. This is a great trick used at spas and tropical resorts, and it's easy to recreate at home. You can use washcloths you have on hand, or order them in bulk inexpensively online.

Start with a large bowl of water and add a few slices of cucumber. Allow the slices to steep in the cool water for a few minutes. Next, take standard washcloths and soak them in the scented water. Wring out a washcloth and lay it on a flat surface with one of its straight edges facing you. Fold in the top two corners of the towel to create a point at the top, then fold the left and right sides of the cloth into the center so that they overlap. (At this stage the towel should look almost like a rocket ship.) Press it down to flatten, then flip it over, and roll it up from the bottom to the point. Place the rolled washcloth on a half-sheet pan and continue this process with the remaining washcloths until you fill the pan. Freeze the tray until the cloths are frozen and somewhat firm, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (Do not freeze any longer, or the towels may freeze together.)

When the temperatures soar, bring out the pan (or transfer to a pretty platter and offer with tongs for a spalike experience) and offer the cloths to your party guests. They can use the towels as a refreshing wipe for their face, neck and hands.