“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.

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.