“Creating a seamless summer party is all about preparation,” says Nate Berkus, noted interior designer and artistic advisor to LG Studio. “I always tell people the most important thing is that everyone, including the host, is enjoying themselves. Make sure you brew coffee ahead of time, set out a pitcher of lemonade and decorate with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Don’t over-complicate anything from food to decor, and everything else will fall into place.”

1. Be prepared

You don’t want to be sweating the small details once the party gets started. Have your food and beverage options ready to go before guests even step in the door. Bake pastries ahead of time, brew coffee and order in from your favorite restaurant, and set it all up on the kitchen counter or island. Put silverware and glassware out, buffet-style; it’s so much easier than trying to coordinate a sit-down dinner. Plus, your guests can help themselves so you get to mingle and enjoy yourself as well.

You’ll immediately elevate a summer beverage like lemonade by adding lavender or berries, and serving it in a chic glass pitcher. “I love to create a signature cocktail at any party I host – it just feels special,” Berkus says. “Set up a bar cart in the corner with other drink options, linen napkins and gold stirrers and let guests refill as they need.”

2. Simplify the menu

The secret to any great party is choosing menu items that you can prepare ahead and that will totally wow your guests.

“I don’t cook but luckily I have great friends – and a husband – who do,” Berkus says. “My good friend Athena Calderone of Eyeswoon makes this amazing Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata that’s perfect to serve any size group – from two to 10. It’s truly the perfect entree for a Sunday brunch. I’m sharing the recipe because you’re going to want to try it.”

When you’re in the kitchen, make sure you’ve got the right tools and equipment – dependable appliances are a must.

“The new line of appliances from LG Studio that I helped design combines the highest quality in design with the best of the best in terms of functionality,” Berkus says. “It features a timeless, pro-style design that you’ll love today and 10 years from now, along with flexible performance.”

For example, the new double wall oven from LG Studio can help you cook like a pro in your own home with features like an exclusive four-mode ”true convection” technology for even heat distribution and even cooking on every rack, along with a gliding rack system that extends over the open oven door for easy and safe access to food.

3. Style seamlessly

Pick a color scheme and stick to it, then mix in neutral and wovens with things like napkin rings and small vases to create interesting texture that won’t overpower your guests. Floral arrangements or touches of greenery are a great nod to summer and will dress up any table.

“I love blushes and naturals for summer parties; it feels really fresh and inviting,” Berkus says. “As far as greenery goes, I’m loving potted succulents and air plants. They create unexpected moments, and are a talking point. Green branches in vases are another great way to add height and color.”

4. Repurpose the things you love

You want your party decor to be on-point, but every party has a budget.

“I always tell people to use what they already have,” Berkus says. “Pull things from around your house, like vases, trays, ceramics bowls, etc. They’ll look great whether repurposed for the buffet table, or incorporated into the tablescape.”

If it’s an outdoor party, think about using your favorite lamps, throw pillows or even a rug outside to elevate the decor and really set the scene for your gathering.

These few simple steps are the key to creating a beautiful, seamless summer gathering that your guests will talk about for months to come. And the most important thing to remember is to enjoy the moment.

Athena Calderone’s recipe:

Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata

Ingredients:

1/2 pound baby potatoes

10 large eggs

1/3 cup creme fraiche

3/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 leek, halved lengthwise, rinsed and thinly sliced

1 spring onion, thinly sliced

2 cups lightly packed baby spinach

3 ounces goat cheese

Handful torn parsley

Handful chopped dill

Handful chopped chives

Salt and pepper

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350 F. Boil the potatoes until fork-tender. When cool enough to handle, thinly slice.

Whisk together the eggs, creme fraiche and salt.

Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet, cast iron or non-stick, over medium heat. Add the leek and onion and saute until translucent. Add the potatoes and cook another few minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for a few minutes, pushing the cooked eggs to the center of the pan. Place in the oven and cook just until set, about 12-15 minutes.

Cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs.

The post How to throw a seamless summer gathering first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

“Etiquette has truly become a lost art,” says manners coach, Dubravka Vujinovic. “People are busy on their cell phones or watching television and they’ve lost sight that having a family meal is a great way to connect family members. Manners should be important at every meal, whether you are sitting down to a formal dinner or a casual afternoon get-together.”

Vujinovic is one of the etiquette coaches at dinnerware giant Replacements, Ltd. Throughout the holidays, the company hears from folks looking for a crash course in social graces. It doesn’t matter if you’re the guest, or the host — ‘tis the season for good manners and proper etiquette.

Set the perfect table

Remember: forks go to the left, spoons and knives to the right, with the sharp side of the knife turned toward the dinner plate. Place utensils in the order they will be used according to the courses you plan to serve.

Very importantly, don’t set the table with implements you don’t plan to use. “If you aren’t serving soup or salad, then you don’t want an extra spoon or fork in your place setting. Not only will these extra pieces get in the way and create extra clean up, it may be confusing for your guests,” Vujinovic says.

The bread plate goes to the left of the dinner plate, water glasses and other beverages to the right. Water glasses should be the only glass filled before your guests arrive. Wait to fill iced tea, wine and other drinks until after your guests are seated.

Don’t panic if you’re not sure about the proper place setting for each meal. Vujinovic says you can find “cheat sheets” or place setting guides on Replacements’ website, under the “neat things” tab.

Be a gracious guest

Always pass food around the table counterclockwise to the right without serving yourself first. Pass the salt and pepper as a set, even if you are only asked for one.

Ladies should always blot their lips before sitting down to the table, to keep from getting lipstick stains on linen napkins or glassware.

If you’re not sure which utensil to use with each course, start on the outside and work toward the plate.

And don’t forget…

Remember, the host/hostess always sits last. This person will let you know when it’s OK to begin eating by offering a blessing or statement or perhaps passing a dish.

Don’t cut more than one or two bites of food at a time and never butter an entire roll or piece of bread. Rather, pinch off one or two small pieces and butter those first.

If you need to excuse yourself temporarily, place your napkin on your chair to indicate you are coming back. Signify you are finished with your meal by placing your napkin to the left the dinner plate and your fork and knife side by side diagonally across your plate with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork times down.

Perhaps most importantly, don’t bring your cell phone to the table.

Vujinovic emphasizes good manners transcends all ages.

“I think it’s very important to start teaching your children proper manners even at a young age,” Vujinovic says. “As I’ve noticed with my own children, kids are very open-minded when it comes to learning, so if you introduce them to etiquette now, this will become habit and stay with them throughout their lives.”

Should you cause a major holiday fumble by accidently breaking a piece of the host’s dinnerware, you should certainly offer to replace the piece. If you don’t know the name of the pattern or manufacturer, you’re in luck — Replacements offers a free identification service.

Still hungry for more tips? Vujinovic says you can find additional etiquette dos and don’ts on Replacements’ YouTube page.

The post 'Tis the season for good etiquette first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

“Costs and quality don’t necessarily have to compete,” says Melissa d’Arabian, cook and celebrity chef who focuses on creating meals for the family that cost less than $10. “When entertaining, I like to keep things creative, without breaking the bank – especially if you have a big family or a large group of guests. By being savvy and finding creative ways to save, I’ll have extra funds to put towards party essentials or gifts.”

Celebrity chef d’Arabian offers these expert tips to add flair to your next special occasion without letting costs add up:

* Allow eager guests to bring their signature dish, in lieu of bringing a bottle of wine. This will help you to focus on your plates and ensure everyone feels part of the special occasion.

* If kids are attending, set aside a table with fun games like Disney Puzzle Packs, Green Lantern Hot Wheels Set or Music Ink Guitar. Stop by your local Family Dollar store to pick up these games and toys, which are sure to entertain for hours. If kids are young, hire a local teenager for an hour to lead the games, freeing up some adult time.

* My favorite holiday tradition is to use pretty greeting cards and envelopes as place cards, then write a personalized note inside. I love to have my visitors feel like their presence matters as they sit down at our family table.

* Instead of splurging on premade snacks, make your own. Spiced Herbed Nuts is an easy and festive recipe. Sprinkle herbs, spices, a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt with a bit of butter into a saute pan. Toss in the nuts and cook until fragrant. Serve as an appetizer, garnish a salad or accompany a cheese platter.  Stocking up on these simple ingredients at your local discount retailer like Family Dollar will go a long way for a reasonable price.

* Buying preshaved toppings can be pricey, instead, purchase inexpensive bars of chocolate and use a vegetable peeler to create elegant garnishes, giving a final touch to any dessert dish.

Perusing online and sharing ideas with other cooks is a great way to become an expert host. Family Dollar’s “Dollar Dinners for the Holiday” Contest offers a forum for you to exchange recipes and find special offers. Visit www.familydollar.com to enter for a chance to win a private entertaining consultation with d’Arabian, along with $500 in Family Dollar gift cards for your next family bash.

As you’re focused on creating an unforgettable gathering, don’t lose sight of the most important part. “When you welcome people into your home, it’s about the people. Your guests want to see you more than anything else,” says d’Arabian. “Keep your menu simple so you can give your attention and energy to your guests, not just the food.”

For more value-priced entertaining and gifting ideas, visit www.familydollar.com or check out Family Dollar on Facebook at www.facebook.com/familydollar.

The post Budget-Friendly Tips and Tricks for Easy Holiday Entertaining first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is offering party hosts, families, and cheese lovers alike an introductory lesson on putting together a first-class cheese course.

Variety Matters
California has more than 50 cow’s milk cheesemakers making more than 250 different varieties and styles of cheese, so it’s easy to make your course innovative. There are five different categories to keep in mind when selecting cheeses to serve; Fresh, Soft, Semi-Hard, Hard/Aged, and Flavored. A traditional cheese course should always contain a bloomy rind soft-ripened cheese like a Brie or Camembert. Add a soft or washed rind cheese, such as Crescenza or Teleme (a California original) for a cheese your guests may not have tried. A semi-firm hard cheese is a great addition because you can include favorites such as Gouda or St. George. Very hard aged cheeses like a Dry Jack (another Golden State creation) compliment the other softer cheeses and provide intense flavor. And of course, finish it off with a strong, flavorful cheese, such as Blue or Schloss.

Less is More
Only feature three to five different types of cheeses so guest can savor rather than be overwhelmed by the flavors you’ve chosen. The beauty of a cheese course is that you only need to provide about 1 ounce of cheese per person if you are enjoying before or after a meal. If your cheese course is the main attraction, 3 ounces for each guest will do the trick.

Avoid the Cold Shoulder
In order to bring out the full flavor, cheeses should not be served cold. It typically takes an hour or two at room temperature for a large piece to fully develop. However, do not slice cheese until you are ready because you may risk drying the cheese out, and take special care with fresh cheeses, which need to be treated like fresh milk.

Make it a Party
Everyone knows cheese pairs well with wine, but did you know cheese also pairs perfectly with beer? Whether your group likes chardonnay, pinot noir or cabernet, or ales, wheat beers, pilsners and porters, you don’t need to worry about complimenting your cheese course. Download the free Pair Savvy smartphone application for an easy guide to pairing Real California Cheeses with wine, beer and even chocolates.

Enhance with Company
Cheese loves the spotlight but a simple co-star can really enhance a course. If your cheese course is kicking off the party, plan on a savory accompaniment like fresh Mozzarella with roasted tomatoes to fuel the fun and conversation. Cured meats like salami or prosciutto, olives, dried fruit, marinated or grilled peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms can also really brighten the flavors of selected cheeses. If your cheese course is ending on a sweet note, a California White Cheddar with apple and walnut conserve is sure to hit the spot. You can also try honey, jellies and jams, slices of fruit and berries, or candied nuts. For these Real California Cheese recipes and more, check out RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

With the CMAB’s simple tips, you are ready to impress family and friends with tasty flavors and pairings for any occasion. Just look for the Real California Cheese seal to guarantee you’re getting products made with 100 percent California milk.

California White Cheddar with apple and walnut conserve
2/3 cup diced red apple (1 medium apple)
2/3 cup diced green apple (1 medium apple)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, plus 4 walnut halves
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
8 slices rectangular slices sharp Real California White Cheddar, about 2 1/2 (about 1/2 ounce per slice)

In a small saucepan combine all ingredients except the cheese. Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool. For each serving, plate cheese. Top with 1/4 of the conserve mixture. Partially overlap with another slice of cheese. Garnish with walnut halves.

The post Enhance Entertaining with a California Cheese Course first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

1. Add flavor to your recipes
Freshen up your standby recipes by exploring innovative ways to add variety and flavor. If you’ve been serving the same dish for years, why not look for a way to liven it up by incorporating dried fruit? Your guests’ taste buds will be tantalized with these recipes below. They incorporate dried fruit for a boost of flavor that will be a perfect pairing with your holiday meal.

Mango Ginger Sauce
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple slices in juice
1 (5 ounce) bag Sunsweet Philippine Grown Mangoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup mango nectar
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon allspice

Instructions
Drain pineapple juice into a small saucepan. Dice pineapple and add to saucepan with remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Serve warm with ham, roasted pork, poultry or seafood.

Brie with Berry Sauce
Ingredients
1 (5 ounce) bag Sunsweet Antioxidant Blend
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 thin lemon slices
1 cinnamon stick
1 wedge Brie cheese, let sit at room temperature for one hour

Instructions
Stir together Antioxidant Blend, juice, honey, lemon and cinnamon in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes; let cool to warm and remove lemon slices and cinnamon stick. Cut Brie in half, lengthwise, and spoon berry mixture between halves.

2. Time is essential
Keep shopping simple. Grocery stores are crazy during the holidays. There’s no sense in traveling to several stores to find exotic ingredients; plan a menu that takes standard, easy-to-find, but still healthy ingredients, like Sunsweet Plum Amazins, which are perfect for adding to your favorite recipes because the dried plums are already diced!

3. Snack healthier
The aromas of holiday cooking can fill a house, and can also start a symphony of growling stomachs. And let’s face it; your guests won’t be the only ones reaching for a handful of snacks to quell their bellies. To keep the munching healthy, replace bowls of candy with a variety of dried fruit. Sunsweet offers a sweeping portfolio of products from an antioxidant blend to dried apricots and cherries. If you’re craving chocolate, look for PlumSweets; A combo of dried plums and decadent dark chocolate, without the guilt. Searching for more suggestions? Check out Sunsweet’s Facebook page for additional recipes, sweet tips and festive deals this holiday season for a chance to receive free products, cookbooks or a subscription to a cooking magazine.

4. Avoid food allergies
Keep everyone happy. Make sure you check with your guests about possible food allergies and phobias, and then plan a well-rounded menu that keeps everyone happy and not hungry. And while eggnog may be your holiday beverage of choice, make sure to provide multiple options for your guests.

5. Entertaining and having fun
When it comes to preparing your feast, think of things you can do ahead of time to avoid extra stress. Speaking of the day of, don’t forget to be a guest at your own party. The dishes can wait; they will be there when everyone leaves. Surround yourself with good friends and good food, and make sure to set aside time to enjoy them. You worked hard to bring everyone and everything together.

With these tips, you’ll be sure to keep this year’s feast fun and fancy-free.

The post Helpful Tips for Holiday Entertaining, Including a Sweet Surprise first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

Since you’ll likely be spending a great deal of time in the kitchen baking cookies and preparing delectable feasts for the holiday season, you’ll want to have the right tools on hand. Why not save precious time and energy with a high-performance blender that can do it all? Entertaining can be easy this season with the Vitamix Professional Series 500.

Featuring three convenient pre-programmed settings for hot soups, smoothies and frozen desserts, the Professional Series 500 makes hundreds of recipes and helps home chefs make gourmet meals like the pros. The machine’s superior pulse feature offers greater control in processing to create a variety of textures, and its full-range, variable speed control allows for flexibility and creativity.

The Professional Series 500 is much more than a blender. It can actually replace several appliances in your kitchen, saving valuable countertop space. This multi-functional kitchen essential is easy to clean and is equipped with a commercial-grade 2+ peak horsepower motor that generates blade speeds up to 240 mph.

It really can be simple to cook for the holidays with very little stress or mess. With a simple and tasty recipe, a festive and scrumptious holiday celebration is within reach with just the flip of a switch.

Holiday Squash Soup
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5 Cups

Ingredients:
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 buttercup or butternut squash, cooked, peeled or 2 cups cooked squash or pumpkin
1/4 small onion, peeled
1/4 medium apple
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions:
To cook butternut squash easily, split the squash in half vertically, scoop out the seeds and place flesh side down on a lightly greased baking pan. Pierce the skin and bake at 350F for 30 minutes. Cool and scoop out flesh.

Place all ingredients, except the heavy cream, into the high-performance blender in the order listed and secure lid. Blend until smooth. Add in heavy cream and blend an additional 20 seconds.
Note: This recipe can be reduced by half and made in smaller containers.

The post Blend up a No-fuss, Festive Recipe for Holiday Entertaining first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

To help make your next summer soiree stress free, try a few of these simple tips:

* Season and marinade your meat and vegetables the night before so all that’s left to do is fire up the grill. Be prepared for entertaining all year round by storing your own unique, dry seasoning blend in an empty salt shaker. Just shake, grill and enjoy.

* Put a unique spin on traditional pasta salad by swapping out your regular white pasta variety in favor of Ronzoni Garden Delight Pasta. Ronzoni Garden Delight pasta is the only great-tasting tri-colored pasta with the added bonus a full serving of vegetables in every four-ounce portion. It’s a great way to sneak in a healthy dose of veggies without anyone noticing.

* Take your meal outdoors and pack a picnic. Opt for coolers with handles and wheels that allow you to transport heavier foods easily. You can also purchase picnic baskets complete with a shoulder strap, glasses, plates, silverware, napkins and even a tablecloth.

* If you’re looking to lighten things up this summer, swap the mayonnaise found in your traditional pasta salad with fat-free Greek yogurt. Not only will this lower the calories in your salad but it will also add a unique and tangy punch of flavor.

* Summer salads are as much about the texture as they are about the taste. Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables like asparagus, grapes, apples and broccoli for a fresh and satisfying crunch.

If you’re looking to spice up your usual summer salad, this Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad offers a delicious combination of fresh salsa, hearty beans and sharp cheddar cheese.

Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad
Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredient:
1 box (12 ounces) Ronzoni Garden Delight Penne Pasta
1 cup prepared salsa
8 ounces plain low-fat yogurt
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1 can (2.25 ounces) black olives, drained
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Tortilla chips, optional

Directions:
Prepare pasta according to package directions. In a medium bowl, whisk together salsa and yogurt. In a large bowl combine pasta, chicken, corn, black beans, green onions and black olives. Fold in dressing. Top with cheddar cheese and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips, if desired.

The post Tips to Keep your Summer Entertaining Menus Easy first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

Whether you have a packed social calendar complete with weddings, birthday parties and family reunions, or you just spontaneously decided to throw a backyard barbecue on Friday night, your network of friends will likely play a big role in your plans. Lifestyle expert Lisa Gurry offers these tips with the help of Bing.com on how to socialize your summer, so whether you’re planning, hosting or simply attending an event, you won’t have to go it alone.

Hectic-free hosting: Let’s face it – planning and hosting an event can be stressful. But no one expects you to be Martha Stewart, so embrace the craziness of entertaining and enlist help from your friends. Your guests will feel more comfortable if they get to be a part of the preparation. Consider these tips for hectic-free hosting, and allow the stress to turn into laughter so you can enjoy the party too.

*Do your homework. Line up the menu early so you have time to do your grocery shopping, baking and set-up prior to the day of the party. The last thing you need is a tray of burnt cookies one hour before guests arrive.

*Pot-luck parties are a great way to divvy up preparation and shorten the length of your to-do list. The vibe will feel more casual and guests will get to enjoy a unique variety of dishes on the table.

*Set the mood with some easy decorations and a killer playlist, and get input from your Facebook friends with Bing’s shared shopping lists. They can help you choose between inflatable palm trees and mini tiki torches, and Carry Underwood or Dave Matthews Band. Everyone wins.

Show up in style: A guest’s job is typically to make themselves comfortable and have a great time. But there are some unspoken rules to keep in mind to be a gracious guest at this summer’s hottest parties.

*Don’t show up empty-handed or without a smile. Whether you’re bringing a dish to contribute to the barbecue, a gift for the birthday boy or a small token of appreciation for the host, bring something. Personalize your present at Bing.com where you can see what the recipient “likes” best on Facebook, guaranteeing that you’ll impress with your gift selection. You’ll feel so confident with your perfectly wrapped choice; you won’t even need to include a gift receipt. Most importantly, remember that you are at a party – enjoy yourself and let it show.

*Planning to attend with a plus-one? Always be sure to give the host a heads-up. Unexpected party guests can cause awkward conversations and unnecessary stress for the party planner.

Get out of town: Sometimes the best summer events are nowhere near your home town, and weekend getaways are what summer is all about. The days are longer, the temperature is warmer and it’s not unheard of to sneak away from your desk a little early on a Friday afternoon. Now’s the time to embrace your summer travel wishes, so consider these tips to get out of town before summer’s end.

*Pack light. Chances are, wherever you’re headed, it’s going to be warm. Plan to live in your swimsuit, some jean shorts and a few stylish tank tops. The last thing you need to worry about while vacationing at the beach is how you’re going to lug a giant suitcase up three flights of stairs. All you need to have fun is good company and good weather, so leave the closet at home.

*If steep prices have been keeping you on travel lockdown, break free. Opt for a road trip if your destination is close enough. It’ll save you money and provide a great opportunity to belt out your favorite tunes on the road with your closest friends. If driving is not an option, search for flights on Bing and “like” your desired route to receive notifications of great airfare deals to that city directly in your Facebook feed. What’s more, you can find a free place to stay with the Friends Who Live Here feature – Bing will show you which of your friends live in the cities you’re traveling to so you can save your hotel money and catch up with old friends.

*Once you’ve arrived, unplug from status updates, Tweets and text messages. Be present and enjoy the time spent away from real-time updates. Put down the phone and relax – you’re on summer vacation.

The post How to Socialize your Summer with the Help of your Friends first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

Keep it Light
Prepare a series of savory appetizer dishes. Try serving a variety of tea sandwiches, whipped avocado, spinach and veggie dips, or prepare an artisanal cheese plate paired with fresh fruit. Consider a chilled soup using pureed cucumber, fresh herbs, yogurt and sour cream that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Turn Down the Heat
Instead of using the oven, prepare hot food in a slow cooker to decrease temperatures in your kitchen. Because it’s the season for fruits and vegetables, try an arugula, white bean or corn-based salad. To add additional seasonal flavor, toss in fresh herbs like mint or cilantro.

Fire Up the Grill
Nothing says summer quite like a backyard cookout on the grill. Instead of grilling the usual burgers and hot dogs, mix up the spread and grill fresh sliced pineapple or halved peaches. To get your veggie fix, grill peppers, zucchini and onions brushed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic.

Treat Yourself
Iced coffee is a great way to keep you refreshed and cool. If you love coffee flavor in a cold and indulgent treat, try Starbucks(R) ice cream. Enjoy flavors inspired by your favorite coffeehouse beverages, such as the rich and creamy Java Chip Frappuccino. Reward yourself and relish every bite or serve as a decadent dessert for guests.

Once you have created the perfect summer menu, try this recipe to give your dessert a cool and refreshing twist – it’s sure to impress your guests:

Frozen Tiramisu
Serves 6

20 Italian lady finger cookies
1/2 cup Starbucks espresso or Starbucks coffee, chilled
2 pints Starbucks Coffee Ice Cream, slightly softened
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
1/4 cup chocolate shavings

Line 10 lady fingers into 8-inch baking dish. Brush with 1/2 of the espresso, then top with half the ice cream; repeat layers. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze one hour or overnight. Beat mascarpone, heavy cream and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy and whipped. Remove plastic wrap from ice cream, then top with mascarpone mixture and chocolate.

Visit www.starbucksicecream.com to find other Starbucks ice cream desserts and flavors.

The post Summer Entertaining Made Simple and Delicious first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

* Keep it simple. Focus on easy recipes to save time in the kitchen so you can spend more time with family and friends.

* Plan ahead. Begin preparing as many recipes as possible the day before the party to allow for easy and quick preparation the day of the event.

* Make it memorable. According to celebrity chef and entertaining expert, Kathy Casey, you want to invest in the right piece of equipment to provide guests with a great experience. “Whether you’re mixing up cocktails or preparing for a large dinner party, quality kitchen tools, like a reliable Vitamix blender, are essential,” Casey says.

For your summer party, consider a signature cocktail, such as a refreshing margarita made easy in a Vitamix Professional Series 200 machine. This high performance blender does just about anything – finely chops, grinds and blends whole ingredients all in one container – and also comes with a recipe book with more than 200 recipes for extra inspiration.

* Keep it light. Serve lighter foods during the warmer weather. Grilled vegetables, a variety of pasta and green salads, and an assortment of chilled dips and spreads – such as easy-to-make guacamole in a Vitamix – create a delightful summer buffet.

* Make it colorful. Add interest to your buffet table with a variety of colorful foods as well as decorative tableware, such as a bright tablecloth, fun napkins and fresh cut flowers.

With these simple tips and easy entertaining recipes, you can relax and enjoy your summer party just as much as your guests will.

Guacamole
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Processing time: 20 seconds
Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 medium tomato, halved
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
For a spicy guacamole, add 1/2 a jalapeno pepper during step one.

Directions:
Using a blender, like the Vitamix, place all ingredients into the container in the order listed and secure lid. Blend for 15 to 20 seconds. You may need to stop the machine and run a spatula around the inside of the container to integrate ingredients. Don’t over mix – leave chunky. Serve with tortilla chips and garnish with diced tomato and parsley.

Whole Fruit non-alcoholic Margarita
Preparation time: 7 minutes
Processing time: 45 seconds
Yield: 8 cups

Ingredients:
1/4 cup water
8 ounces sweet and sour mix
1 medium orange, peeled, halved
1 lime, peeled, halved
1 lemon, peeled, halved, seeded
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
6 cups ice cubes

Directions:
Place all ingredients into your blender in the order listed and secure lid. Blend for 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour into salt-rimmed margarita glasses and enjoy.

The post Quick Tips for Summer Entertaining Made Easy first appeared on The How Do Gardener.