For those of you who are into entertaining or even just thinking about throwing a pretty little Summer Dinner Party in the next few months, I thought I would share one of my recent parties with you.

This was a dinner party that I donated and it was auctioned off for charity. I wound up with 8 lovely women who I got to welcome to my home and feed dinner to, which was actually such a treat for me!

For drinks I served Raspberry and Peach Prosecco Punch and Blackberry Jalapeno Margaritas (both are recipes from my book) and then rose and white Bordeaux with dinner.

For Appetizers there was Green Gazpacho with Rock Shrimp, Smoked Trout Crostini, and Pan Fried Stuffed Figs.

Dinner was a beautiful spread of Couscous salad with Figs, Currants and Pistachios, Beet Pesto Pasta (recipe in my book), Kale Salad with Charred Corn and Feta and Grilled Salmon with Apricot Mustard Sauce and grilled peaches (also in the book).

For dessert I served up mini Bourbon Vanilla Root Beer Floats and then a huge Raspberry Pavlova. We sent them all home with a signed book and a bag of Almond Joy Cookies for their husbands and children…

I also have to note that Pia litteraly helped me with every single thing. Like she helped cook the food, set the table (truly did), do the flowers and bring glasses up from the basement. All day I felt like I had an adult there helping me the whole time, not a 5 year old. And when the guests arrived, she greeted each one at the door. She also brought out fresh appetizers, collected dirty napkins and glasses and let me know when someone was running short on their refreshments. She then helped clean up. Later she asked if she could autograph anyone’s books. Seriously. That was hard to resist, so all of those women left with Pia’s autograph and a drawing (like a cat or dog or pitcher of lemonade, or butterfly next to her name). At 10PM I looked like you could wipe the floor with me and Pia was still bopping around and begging the ladies not to leave. I wish I could bottle up a 5 year olds energy.

I hope that this inspires you to have friends over this Summer!

** I have been asked about my arbor and what I have growing on it. WYSTERIA!! I have a couple different varieties (lavender, white and pale pink) that have all been planted for 4-5 years. I think by the end of the season they will have finally covered the entire thing. Last year I planted to aggressive growing Cecile Brunner Climbing roses and they are finally doing really well. I think next spring will be a stunning bloom and I am so excited to photograph it. Only 9 months to wait…