Simple Ways to Enjoy Warm-Weather Dining

(Family Features) The warmer months can bring a sense of new beginnings. While you’re taking in the sights and sounds of the seasons, it’s the perfect time to give your dining routine some fresh perspective.

Get ready to enjoy the refreshing bounty of the season with these tips that can make it simple to enjoy outdoor dining:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh simply tastes better. Take advantage of early crops and make the most of a kitchen herb garden. Look to incorporate fresh herbs, like thyme and parsley, and veggies, including artichokes and asparagus, which are at their peaks during warmer months.

Seasonal salads: Salads are another way to enjoy warm-weather flavors. Try switching out root veggies for fresh fruits and berries or add lighter ingredients like quinoa and avocado. Visit your local farmer's market for inspiration and let your taste buds be your guide.

Pair appropriately: As the seasons change, it’s a great opportunity to switch up your wine selections. The warmer weather typically calls for lighter fare that pairs best with a white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or rosé. Try keeping versatile and affordable bottles on-hand that pair well with warm-weather meals, such as Josh Cellars California Rosé or The Crossings New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Take it outdoors: Warmer weather means it’s time to embrace the delicious blend of sunshine and warm breezes. Make time to enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch or an al fresco dinner. Be sure to add some ambient lighting so you can linger after the sun sets.

Keep it simple: Skip the complex recipes and let a handful of delicious ingredients shine. Look for simple seasonal recipes with five ingredients or less. Shorter prep time and cleanup allows you to enjoy as much daylight as possible.

Seek out some pairing inspiration for your next warm-weather dining experience at deutschfamily.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (people at table)

Big Gatherings, Small Spaces

(Family Features) Not every home is equipped with an expansive lawn dotted with natural gathering places. Though these settings make entertaining easier, small garden spaces and patios lend their own special character for hosting get-togethers that are just as pleasing.

Making the most of your limited space, getting creative and planning carefully are essential when it comes to hosting a small-space celebration.

Be smart about space. The first step in preparing your area for entertaining is eliminating any unnecessary clutter. Not only will unnecessary items restrict your physical space, they also create visual distractions that can make a modest setting appear smaller. Another savvy tip is to rely on multi-purpose furniture and accessories, such as a storage ottoman that functions as a footrest or extra seating. When shopping for furniture, keep scale in mind and avoid purchasing bulky pieces that will dominate the space.

Especially if your guest lists fluctuate often, look for comfy but portable seating you can easily add or remove as needed. As you arrange furniture, stick to the perimeter. Avoid large, centrally placed patio tables or fire pits that might create an obstacle, and instead create intimate conversation spots with a couple of chairs and a table in-between.

For more intimate gatherings and a small plate-centric menu, a counter-height island surrounded by barstools is a solution that provides a handy prep surface, eating location and opportunity to engage with guests while you refill serving dishes.

Create a fun vibe. Set the right mood for your get-together and guests will quickly forget they’re in a confined area. A cozy, comforting ambience works well for most small spaces. Soft lighting, plush textiles and warm color tones all lend well to an intimate setting.

However, it’s also possible to bring a more upbeat, contemporary aura to your event; a minimalist approach to furnishings and more vibrant color scheme can also help make the space seem larger. The key is creating balance and keeping decorations to a minimum so they don’t overwhelm, rather than accent, the space.

Get organized. Traffic flow can be the biggest obstacle of hosting in a small space, but artful planning can help ensure guests can access all the necessities with ease. Start by making sure there’s a clear path to entry and exit points. Situate food stations away from the doorways to discourage groups from forming and preventing guests from moving around, finding their way to the restroom and so on. Rather than a single buffet table, which can create lines and congestion, try scattering food stations around the area in which you’re entertaining.

Another way to boost your culinary offering: take advantage of vertical space with tiered serving platters. When it comes to beverages, complementing the evening’s decor with stylish containers holding drinks on ice can provide a fun pop of color and break up the food and beverage areas.

Find more tips to perfect your small-space entertaining at eLivingToday.com.

8 Tips for Urban Gardening

City dwellers often think gardening is only for those who live in suburbs or rural communities, but planting an urban garden can be easy.

Whether you are planting a garden for yourself or your family, you can do your part to create a more sustainable and green future with these simple steps recommended by Arjan Stephens, executive vice president at Nature’s Path Organic Foods:

1. No Space, No Problem: Not everyone has a backyard, roof or balcony. To overcome this issue, start a container garden. You can use a large bucket, which is a low-cost and effective option, or upcycle containers not in use, such as crates, old toys or paint cans.

2. Plant Selection: There are vegetable, flower and herb varieties that are easy to grow in urban spaces. When planning your garden, think about what to plant – shallow-rooted veggies, such as herbs, lettuce and radishes typically do better in confined spaces.

3. It Takes a Village: In addition to establishing your own garden, another way to plant is by getting involved with community gardens. Each year, Nature’s Path Food’s Gardens for Good program supports community gardens that make fresh, organic food more accessible in local neighborhoods. Three $15,000 grants are available to gardens that demonstrate high community support and a viable plan for the urban agriculture project.

4. Plant Right: Put some gravel in the bottom of your container to help with drainage and fill with soil, tamping it a bit. Leave 1 inch at the top for watering. Tamp the soil after the plants are in place and water gently.

5. Grow Up: Small spaces make it ideal to grow vertically, which means planting tall plants like squash, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes.

6. Drain Gain: Whatever container you choose for your garden, remember drainage holes are essential. The holes need to be large enough to allow excess water to drain out.

7. Water Wise: Hand water every morning. Once the plants are large and summer is hot, they will probably need watering in the evening, too.

8. Soil Smart: A common mistake urban gardeners make is not making sure their soil is good quality. While those made with pesticides promise great results, they are loaded with chemicals. Go for organic soil instead.

Find more details about Gardens for Good and urban gardening at naturespath.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

10 Tips to Make Outdoor Parties Unforgettable

(Family Features) Entertaining is one thing, but dazzling your guests with an outdoor party sensation is another. Summer can be the best time of year for outdoor parties. From twinkling lights to patterned tablecloths, every detail counts when it comes to impressing family and friends.

It may feel like a lot of pressure to live up to expectations, but your party can be both simple and elegant with a few easy tips.

Start early
Early is never early enough when it comes to planning a rock-star summer gath­ering. Check to see if you have enough utensils, make sure everything is in place and that there is enough food for your guests. Prepare weeks in advance, if possible, to make sure you have all the materials necessary to throw your dream outdoor party.

Spice up the invitations
The perfect invitations can do three things. First is tell the basics: what, when and where. They can also tell guests what to bring along with them. Of course, invitations should also be appealing to the eye. This is your time to get a little creative and catch guests’ attention before the big event.

Show your style
You want your guests to be as comfortable as possible. Make sure to dress tables and chairs with cushions and tablecloths. Mix it up and show off some of your personal flair with bright colors or fancy patterns. It’s easy to celebrate summer with styles that bring summer vibes to life.

Light up the party
Brighten up the big day or night with some candles, lanterns or sparkling lights. In case of wind or weather, try to purchase covered candles to increase the chances the flame will stay lit. Make sure everyone can see the hard work you have put into the party.

Less mess meals
No one likes messy meals, especially at a summer party. Put together a menu that isn’t stressful on the cook or stressful on your guests to eat. Dropping sauce on a white summer top is a party no-no.

Rain, rain, go away
Always prepare for the worst. If clouds roll in on party day, make sure you’re ready. You can simply move the party indoors at the drop of a hat. Tents can also help keep the party going outdoors in case of precipitation.

Brighten it up
It’s finally summer and that usually means flowers everywhere. Pick out an arrangement and make it the focal point of each table. The bright colors can draw your guests in and make them want to appreciate the beautiful nature around them.

Make your own games
Give the kids something to do and make it fun. While the adults visit, the little ones need something to keep themselves busy. Whether it’s bubbles or water play in the heat, something to mix it up can help keep them occupied.

Jam it out
Keep the music low and cool. There is no need to blast your speakers across the entire yard. Play your favorite jams, but nothing too crazy. The music can really set the mood of the entire party and make or break the atmosphere.

Cool it down
The summer heat is blazing and sometimes being outside can be miserable. Make sure your guests stay comfortable, even in the heat. Lay out handheld fans, lots of water and even some towels. Your guests will want to stay hydrated so they can party on.

Find more summer party tips at eLivingToday.com.

Secrets for Mastering the Grill

With warmer temperatures and sun-filled days arriving, there are few better ways to celebrate the summer season than by firing up the grill. Whether preparing a simple dinner at home or a backyard bash for a crowd, grilling is an easy way to add sear and flavor to your favorite meats and vegetables.

The perfect party, regardless of the number of guests, requires proper preparation, attention to detail and a few handy tricks around the grill to serve up delicious options for all in attendance. However, hosting a great get-together doesn’t have to be complicated.

To up your grilling game this summer, try these tips from Chef Rick Bayless of Macy’s Culinary Council, a national culinary authority featuring some of the nation’s leading chefs.

Use the Right Tools
Aside from fuel, there are several cooking tools that are essential for grilling, including a meat thermometer, long-handled spatula and tongs, grill mitts and a grill brush. Bayless’s go-to gadgets are a basket to prepare whole fish and a cast-iron grill grate to achieve marks and depth of flavor.

Get to Know the Fire
When grilling for a party, planning ahead is key, according to Bayless. It can be helpful to know the hot spots of the grill and the distance from grates to flame. Start early if roasting a larger piece of meat, while thinner cuts can be thrown on the grill after the party begins and your guests arrive.

Keep it Simple
Bayless recommends a simple menu that features tried and true flavor profiles nearly everyone loves. For appetizers, he suggests grilling vegetables and adding them to guacamole with bacon. Pair with wedges of grilled pita for dipping, which is an unexpected alternative to typical chips.
For a main entree, Bayless suggests making meat the star and serving up ribeye steaks marinated in garlic, chilies and fresh lime juice. To cap off the meal, his go-to dessert is grilled cornmeal pound cake, served warm and topped with ice cream, berries or whipped cream.

Find more grilling gadgets and helpful cooking videos and tips for your next summer cookout at macys.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Prepare for Entertaining Inside and Out

(Family Features) With warm weather comes an overwhelming urge to get outside and enjoy it. From barbecues and cookouts to ice cream parties and poolside hangouts, summertime is a popular excuse to kick up your feet and invite your friends and family over to celebrate together.

Now is the perfect time to give your deck or patio area a little TLC before inviting the masses. Follow these tips to revamp and refresh your home’s exterior and interior ahead of hosting your next summer event.

1. Get your gardening gloves on. A little color goes a long way for a bed of plants and flowers. Plant some bright flowers along your patio or consider growing functional, edible plants that look and taste great. Gardening is a fun summer project that can add beauty to your home’s exterior lounging areas. If gardening isn’t your thing, fresh-cut flowers in a vase as a centerpiece can do the trick.

2. Ready the deck and home exterior. Fungus on the deck isn’t appealing, nor are mildew stains, dirt or weather-beaten patches. Pressure wash your deck then re-stain it with a matching color and finish, and apply a wood preservative to help prevent water damage and discoloration. In addition, it might be time to give dull shutters and doors a fresh coat of paint to prevent them from looking washed out.

3. Remove mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can form on the exterior siding and trim of your home, as well as on patio furniture, flower pots and swimming pools. It’s important to regularly clean the outside of your house as well as your outdoor furniture and accessories that may have been stored away all winter. It’s easy to remove mold or mildew with a garden hose, a long-handled brush and a mixture of a 1/2 cup of Clorox Regular-Bleach per each gallon of water.

4. Stop the spread of fungal disease in gardens. Fungal diseases can be deadly to plants and wildlife. When used as directed, bleach is a simple but powerful tool that can be used to help stop the spread of fungal diseases. It can also keep cut flowers alive longer when you add a few drops to a water-filled vase.

5. Clean up the bathroom and kitchen. Don’t forget about indoor spaces. When hosting friends, it’s likely that you or a guest will need to visit the kitchen to prepare a side dish or grab another drink and bathroom visits are inevitable. Clean up any loose items and use a disinfecting wipe on hard surfaces like countertops, door handles and light switches.

When it comes to summer entertaining, all you need is a quick refresh before you kick back with loved ones in a clean, relaxing space. For more information, visit Clorox.com.

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