CIAO LUCKY MAVENS!
We want to hear your home entertaining tips - what you wear, what you serve and how you decorate. Which of the below entertaining styles fit you best and why?
As a thank you for participating:
*The first 20 respondents will receive a Lucky tote bag filled with party essentials from Santa Margherita.
*Plus, the best forum post will win a Santa Margherita Supper Club Party.

SUMMER SIREN
THEME: Under The Sea
YOUR LOOK: Beachy sundress and bejeweled flip flops
WINE: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
MENU: Fresh seafood, light pasta
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: Exotic, tropical

BAREFOOT CONTESSA
THEME: Tuscan Garden Party
YOUR LOOK: Relaxed shift dress and gladiator sandals
WINE: Santa Margherita Chianti Classico
MENU: Italian favorites served family style
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: Rustic wildflowers

BRIGHT & BUBBLY
THEME: Celebratory Brunch
YOUR LOOK: Tailored shirtdress and wedge platforms
WINE: Santa Margherita Prosecco
MENU: Fritatta and Seasonal fruit
FLORAL ARRANGEMETNS: Peonies

See rules at http://www.luckystylespotter.com/info/smrules

For more information on Supper Clubs, visit http://www.sm-supperclub.com

I'm definitely a Bright & Bubbly gal! There's nothing better than a Sunday brunch with friends and mimosas. Does anyone know what the price range is for the Prosecco featured?

Barefoot Contessa definitely fits best with my style! I love to entertain in the garden - relaxed with a group of friends, great food (Italian always works well when entertaining), beautiful flowers and delicious wine. A perfect place to show off my new Gladiator Sandals!

I think the Barefoot Contessa option is a great base for a party and it sounds like you have some fun sandals to show off to your friends.

Hey Gina - I think the Proscecco is $15 or $20. I actually picked it up the other day and am looking forward to trying it out.

Each one of these themes are great but I am more likely to be a Beach Siren. I Love a casual but brite look when I'm having a party. Exotic flowers and Fresh Seafood and a Sundress, add some friends and you've got the Party!

I'm most definitely a Barefoot Contessa. When having people over I want them to feel comfortable, so i keep things as unfussy as possible. I wear my favorite dark jeans, a pretty top, scarf, and ballet flats.
I use all mismatched white dishes that lend a laid back coolness to the atmosphere. I add color in doses, like bright solid color napkins, or variated flower arrangements.
Food has to be good and easy. I like to serve food buffet style in stages which breaks up the evening and brings a newness to the party. I serve lots of smaller appetizer dishes, such as hot artichoke dip served with pita chips.
I pull out all my outdoor furniture and arrange it around the yard in different seating arrangements to allow people to mingle.
Simple, unfussy, and relaxed means more time to spend with your friends and family, and that's what it's all about anyway.
CIAO!
xo-

I agree that parties are all about fun and bringing your friends and family together. Sounds like you serve up some great styled parties.

I’m a BAREFOOT CONTESSA with a twist: my family is Greek, and my theme is usually more of a Spartan Garden Party (Spanakopita, Souvlaki, a big salad, and Baklava for dessert). Santa Margherita Chianti Classico would pair perfectly with a hearty Greek meal!
I like to set a simple table outdoors using white linens and china, setting this off with rustic Aegean-blue serving dishes my Yia Yia (grandmother) gave me. White candles in bright blue crystal votive holders add a nice Mediterranean vibe after the sun goes down.
As for attire, I love to wear something unique and quirky when hosting a party-— like my favorite Anna Sui a-line floral dress paired with flat gold sandals and big hoop earrings.
Just thinking about this has inspired me to start planning a little dinner party one evening soon. Thanks, Lucky and Santa Margherita!

Sounds like you host some great parties with lots of style.

I like the SUMMER SIREN! This would go great with my parties because I love to socialize and bring my friends together with some fun and great food and style. For appetizers I love to serve simple things like finger foods and lots of trail mix. For drinks I usually focus on one drink, like a cosmopolitan or a fun flavored martini. I keep the food simple, but try and do everything in advance so I can socialize with my guests. My favorite dessert to serve at a party is a make your own sundae bar, or for an appetizer, I have a mashed potato bar where everyone adds their own toppings in a martini glass. I would love the SUMMER SIREN pick for my next party because I love summer and am all about beachy style. It would be great to do an outdoor party with a ocean theme and a casual flair.

I've never heard of a mashed potato bar before-- what a fun idea!!

Glad you liked the idea, the mashed potato bar would be perfect for a summer get together. These Santa Margherita wines sound like a great drink to serve at your party.

I hosted a brunch party yesterday and took some advice from all of these - i threw on a t-shirt dress with gladiator sandals (so cute & comfy!), served a frittata (so easy b/c it goes in the oven and requires no cooking when your guests are there!), fruit salad, a cold cucumber/avocado soup and a little BUBBLY! mmmmm. it was a huge hit. and the prosecco really makes even the easiest menu seem festive.

I am a Barefoot Contessa wearing the relaxed, comfortable shift dress. Definitely Italian food served family style as well! Simple and relaxed is the way to go!

I like to keep it cool and casual. Attire would be a light sundress with comfy yet dressy sandals. And to eat - lots of yummy eats like crudites, and hors doeurves that are easy to eat so people can mingle.

I am an Under the Sea kind of person! I love to relax, enjoy the warm summer weather, and serve tropical themed food for my friends. I have some great Caribbean seafood recipes that are phenomenal and pair greatly with the Pinot Grigio! We light the tiki torches and have a great time.

We aren't much for entertaining except for family! so we dress accordingly for the pool cookout etc. And there is no drinking except soft drinks. I decorate for the holidays but that's about it! Sorry we are so boring! But thanks for the poll!

I forgot to add I was a Barefoot Contessa!!! lol

I am a bubbly!!! Matches my style and my persona!!

Ha! I'm a summer siren! We live in the pacific northwest so seafood and grilling go hand in hand.

I am bubbly as wel.

re: Lucky Style Spotter
I have abackyard pool so all of our get togethers are poolside. We are very casual and fun! The wine varies on the mood of the night and the menu.

I am a Barefoot contessa - nothing like a nice red wine on the deck to make a summer evening complete!

I’m a BAREFOOT CONTESSA

I Am totally a summer siren! I love pinot!

I love to host parties and cater to my friends and family. I love to grill and serve all my guests plenty of great food. I am a bright and bubbly type.I like to wear bright clothes that are comfortable.

I'm the Summer Siren definitely

I am definitely a summer siren. We love to be out at the beach, grilling seafood for dinner, and enjoying a good wine with friends.

I'm a summer siren. We live near the beach so our parties are very casual. I like to cook up and freeze appetizers the week before. I also like to use my crockpots to keeps sauces and warm dips appetizing. We have a large tub that we fill with drinks and ice. The most important thing is to just relax and have fun.

Beach parties are the perfect way to have a casual party in a fun setting. I try to make as many dishes ahead of time too so I have plenty of time to spend socializing rather than cooking.

I love to brunch...plently of mimosas and Bloody Mary's. It's always fun to combine lunch and breakfast, you alwasy can satisfy everyone.

I am definitely a summer siren. I love everything about summer from the food to the attire to the weather. Although I have to say I prefer a nice reisling over any other wine.

I'm in the Tuscan garden party camp, but possibly with a more polished feel on the flowers. I love noshing with friends in a relaxed, comfortable environment. All you need is a little buffet or pot-luck, plenty of wine, great playlists, and candles. I like to dress up a bit as the hostess without being too fussy.

I'm totally a barefoot contessa! I think the most intimate meals happen over large, family style shared dishes and generally go italian for its widespread appeal. Although, I do often go indian or mexican as well! And gotta love the super comfy shift dress and hot gladiator sandals for the summer!!

I'm definitely a Barefoot Contessa.

Bubbly Is Me

I am sitting here thinking more about it and I an totally the summer siren. I have the cutest little sundresses and sandals that go perfect with a breezy afternoon and my girlfriends on the patio by the pool. I wish I were out there now sipping a cool glass of pinot!

I LOVE Barefoot Contessa

I am in the under the sea camp. We are all about the "low fountry boil". Laid back, relaxed. Some nice light wines and nice beer. We are practical on the decor. Big cloth napkins, Plastic table cloth (we dump the boil in the middle of the table), sacks for the discards. Easy going and relaxed.

I am def a Summer Siren - I enjoy everything related to the beach from drinks to waredrobe! My ideal summer entertaining style is laidback and fun - just like a day spent at the beach!

Another summer siren here! Pinot Gregio and pasta by the pool is what I'm about! Very exotic and tropical. With family coming together- there is nothing better!

I am a Barefoot contessa, All the partys are at my house. We just love good wine and great food

Summer Siren but switch up the Pinot Grigio for the Prosecco. Everything goes better with Prosecco. The more relaxed the better...little bites, great company, lots of sweets and a gorgeous view from my terrace!

I'm a BAREFOOT CONTESSA because I love the theme of a Tuscan Garden Party that is casual and relaxed. I love italian food, wildflowers, and anything rustic.

I truly am Bright and Bubbly. Happy, healthy, fun loving and loving people, good food, good wine, great cloths, good stories, interesting books, great conversation and a postive outlook on life.

I am summer siren

Theme: Havana Nights

Your Look: Sundress with bold colors matching headband, bright colored wedges, chunky handmade jewelry

Wine: Santa Margherita Proseco & Pinot Grigio

Menu: Grilled Salmon w/Garlic, Steak & Chicken Fajaitas, Homemade Salsa w/chips, Corn and Black bean salad

Floral Arrangement, Exotic flowers and african violets

I'm definitely a Summer Siren. I love having parties in the summer, and having my guests dress casual. I love to decorate the backyard with the red & white check tablecloths, I put some (fake) potted palm trees around the yard, and string strands of white Christmas lights on them. Gives the yard a more intimate feeling as it gets dark. I love to play a mix of Italian music (vocal, and instrumental). It almost gets the feel of an intimate Italian restaurant. For food, definitely lighter Italian dishes (antipasta, tortellini salad, etc), plus other dishes (spaghetti or ravioli). My backyard parties have become an annual thing everyone looks forward to.

Sounds like a fun way to eat Italian outside.

Summer Siren.... nothing better than a chilled glass of white wine to kick start the evening during a warm summer day!

I love to have a variety of wines-pinot grigio and berry flavored reds, variety of cheeses, nuts, dips/spreads, fruit, ciabatta bread....My husband and I do this every Friday evening, sometimes invite friends and just chill and catch up from the hectic week. Dress is low key loose linen look, lit candles around the patio--and the flash of the firefly!

I am a Barefoot Contessa. I love to have parties relaxed and casual parties outside with my dear friends and family members. We love our wine and great Italian food, nothing could be better.

Love a nice cold glass of wine on a hot day with friends!!!!!

The Summer Siren option suits me best........casual and light......I enjoy my guests and want them to feel relaxed and comfortable.

I am a Barefoot Contessa. I love to have outdoor parties too bad we havent had any with the Cicadas in season until who knows when. Urgh!

I am definitely a barefoot contessa!

I am definitely a BRIGHT & BUBBLY person. The description fits me to a T! I love colorful flagrant peonies, beautiful shirtdresses that are flattering for almost anyone, comfortable platform wedges, delicious white wine. I love celebrating with my close friends and having a great time. It's a light and fun affair, just like the wine.

Bright & bubbly. It just make me feel me.. I feel great and wonderful

I’m a Barefoot CONTESSA!!!

BAREFOOT CONTESSA, of course. I like just feeling at home, and not doing too much or having an extremely lavish party when I throw them. I prefer the family, close friends style, because my family is really close to me and I have a close group of friends. Just a cute dress and cute shoes. And I would make to food too.

Opps.. I didn't mean to hit send but anyway, I am definitely a barefoot contessa because I like entertaining friends and family in our beautiful tuscan kitchen. Serve them the finest wine and have a slice of lasagna or Nude Ravioli... hmm.. Yummy!

Shall we say I'm a mix between the Summer Siren and Bright and Bubbly. I'm relaxed in both settings and pull off a nice gathering and mix for all to enjoy. Here's to summer and good times!

Some of each I think with the Barefoot Contessa leading. Living in FL I like to have a variety of light dishes and lots of seafood with heavy Italian influence. Neither outfit would work for me-like to be a little edgier than that in my style (also decorations). But I guess that is what makes a great party-never follow the rules too closely and mix and match many ideas so it stays unique to your style.

Some of each I'd think.

I'm a Summer Siren.

I'm a Summer Siren.

This was a tough one...I really like elements of each. When it comes down to all the elements I pondered- food - wine - decorations...... I would NEVER wear flip flops while entertaining anyone and I would never serve red wine here in Las Vegas in the summer!! So, Bright and Bubbly it is! It seems like a fun menu that I could really add to and create a dessert type theme with that sweeter wine. I would definitely serve gourmet cupcakes on tiered trays and have a candy bar....with Chinese take out boxes for guests to take home a sweet treat for later.

I love having a cupcake centerpiece, even in the Las Vegas heat.

I am definitely a Summer Siren. I love the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, since it suits the menus I plan, which is usually shrimp, fish, pastas with pesto or veggies. I wear a comfy sundress and flip flops and want my guests to be comfortable too and enjoy the food.

I wish I could be sophisticated and lady-like but that's not usually the case for me. I haven't tried very many wines. (So far the only kind I can honestly say that I like is Manischewitz, although it gives me a terrible headache)...I wish I was comfortable in dresses and heels but that's never been me. Mostly I just hang out with the guys. No fancy dinner parties really, we just cook hot dogs or burgers on the grill. I do love all kinds of flowers though. Until this past January I never had a yard, so this year I've planted some things and am just waiting for them to blossom....lol, maybe I need to blossom as well.

So much more the family style - relaxed, help yourself, be comfortable and casual in the hot weather.

I am such a Summer Siren--If I could live inside a Lilly Pulitzer of J Crew catalog, I would. The brighter the prints, the sparklier the flip flops, the more chilled the wine, the happier I am.
Give me a plate of broiled salmoin and some fresh grilled vegetables from my garden, & I am the happiest person out there!

I think barefoot Contessa is the one I'll opt for because this suits my personality and lifestyle the best.I wear summer dresses,serve wine and appetisers.I decorate with flower arrangements and go green theme.

I am the Bright & Bubbly Girl! We are all blessed with personal gifts and mine is HOSPITALITY. My entertaining style is an ecclectic mix but always focuses on the guests and their enjoyment. I strive to provide my guests with an amazing experience filled with fun and laughter. I use a host of serving pieces and linens to compliment the theme as well as provide a backdrop to the delicious food and beverages. Each guest is greeted at the entrance with a warm welcome and offered something to nibble on and sip to break the ice. I try to accommodate dietary needs and preferences whenever possible - even making a list of selections that have worked especially well at my gatherings. I enjoy paring foods and wines to showcase them at their finest flavors. I keep my look reflective of the theme and guests without going overboard. The goal is to enjoy eachother without trying to scream "look at me" as the host. I live in the south so I decorate with lots of fresh flowers and candles. The suggested peonies are a classical addition. I also use a variety of fresh, seasonal florals and greens spiced with fresh fruit in my arrangements. I have created some festive accents using citrus and even melons with complimentary fresh flowers, herbs, and ribbons! A lovely, fresh fritatta and seasonal fruit suggested are wonderful. I add my own special touches including a homemade fresh chutney with artisan cheeses and breads. A lovely dessert favorite on the light side is a fabulous fresh fruit Pavlova from my grandmother's recipe that is also a big hit. I have elegant china that my grandmother passed on to me that I use for my gatherings. I would love for her to attend each get-together as she is my graceful mentor; since her passing however, she attends every one as my angel of hospitality!

Sounds like you love to host. I try and use simple centerpieces with flowers and fruit. For a quick idea, I try and grab any produce in my refrigerator like squash and apples for a great centerpiece. Homemade dishes add a nice simple touch to the party. I try to make desserts that make people smile. Last time I made cupcakes so every guest got their own dessert and they could feel like a kid again.

Summer siren all the way for me! Anything that gives you the feel of a day in the tropics can't be beat. Also, the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is the best I've ever had, and just hearing the name brings me back to the first time I tasted it during a fabulous meal in Las Vegas....not exactly the tropics, but a good second choice!

I am definitely a Summer Siren. I love a nice casual get together with a nice grilled salmon & asparagus w/champagne vinagerette and a nice chilled Pinot Grigio or other light wine.

I LOVE AN OUTDOOR GET TOGETHER, WITH GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD WINE, AND GOOD
CONVERSATION...LIKE LOTS OF HOR DOVRES AND GREAT DESSERTS.

As a Latina a simple outdoor lunch has the potential to be a fiesta. We infuse every occassion with our signature sass. It would be difficult to identify with just style seeing that all three speak to me.

SUMMER SIREN
THEME: Bajo La Misma Luna
YOUR LOOK James Perse Maxi Sundresshttp://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2971559?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=dresseswomen:dress&cm_ite=james_perse_maxi_sundress:219609&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=8228E85C-F545-DD11-98CA-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA)
WINE: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
MENU: Ceviche, Grilled Carne Adobo Skewers, Chimichuri Sauce
LISTEN: Rough Guide to Brazilian Street Party http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Guide-Brazilian-Street-Party/dp/B0015RB3TO)
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: short vases filled with tangerines

I love the summer siren theme. We live walking distance to our beach and I love carefree summer parties. I usually wear a sundress as a cover up over a swimsuit for our pool parties and we enjoy fresh grilled veggies from our garden. Its a perfect summer day/evening with family and friends.

I'm a summer siren for certain.

I'm a summer Siren--i love to have friends over during the summer!

BAREFOOT CONTESSA. Relaxed, Italian favorites, family style, Rustic wildflowers- yep, that's me.

Definitely Bright & Bubbly - I always am up for champagne and peonies!

Bright and Bubbly - I love hanging out with my friends.

<i>SUMMER SIREN
THEME: Under The Sea
YOUR LOOK: Beachy sundress and bejeweled flip flops
WINE: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
MENU: Fresh seafood, light pasta
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: Exotic, tropical</i>

This one fits me perfectly. Relaxed, enjoying, tropical....and seafood!!!

I'm the summer siren. Not to casual, but not too uptight.

I'm more the summer siren as it fits well with where I live with all the sun and warmth. I too like things to be casual but with some style, and summer siren fits the bill.

A Summer Siren provides a warm, welcoming and festive atmosphere for her guests. During the summer, this means more laid-back attire (sandals welcome !) and menu (finger foods and buffet style service). Drinks and plates would be easily accessible, with plenty of small seating areas ideal for conversation while eating. The dessert (hands down) would be cupcakes and fresh fruit, served with a light white. Cheers !

I would have to say my style is Barefoot Contessa with a bit of Summer Siren. A summer party should be fun and casual as well as a little bit elegant. For an evening party, white twinkle lights in the trees and bushes set the stage and make your gathering feel festive. Tiki torches and candles add more light and ambience. Lawn chairs can be dressed up with cool and airy cotton covers to give them a cohesive look and provide plenty of seating for your guests. Decor can be as simple as a few fresh flowers picked from your garden or whatever you have growing wild. No flowers in your area? Try putting some tree branches with or without leaves in your vases or other containers. Light summer bites featuring in season fruits and vegetables served buffet style and wines chosen to go with your menu make up the perfect summer party menu.

I love summer parties to serve up fresh salads and some cool drinks. The buffet style keeps the party casual and helps encourage some socializing.

SUMMER SIREN fits me best, because I live by the beach, I love seafood and Pinot Grigio is my favorite wine...My wardrobe is also mainly made up of bikinis, sundresses and open-toed shoes :)

I am a real Summer Siren. Cool sundresses and sandals all the way for me. We entertain on the patio with drinks and music. Grilling is the only way to entertain in the south.

Being the beach bum that I am, I'd have to go with the Summer Siren style. With Izzy's Hawaiian tunes playing in the background and guests noshing on shrimp cocktails, a tropical sunset soiree is definitely my ideal celebration. Comfortable, casual and light.

Barefoot Contessa....Grill steak, chicken, shrimp with make-your-own fajita fixings on the patio so I can enjoy my guests and folks feel involved. I always set music to match the guests personalities. A large tub with ice filled with SANTA MARGHERITA wines adds the finishing touch.

I'm a quiet, casual person so barefoot contessa is more my style than the others. I prefer small gatherings with close friends.

I am definitely the Summer Siren! I absolutely loooovvvvvveeee Santa Margherita. Several years ago when I was still waiting tables and tending bar, I think I sold more Santa Margherita than any other brand, as I had such a strong love for it myself. Anywho...the Summer Siren party sounds fab, and I'm about to plan that partay right now...:)

Thanks for the idea Santa Margherita and thanks to you too Lucky!

Santa Margherita is definetely great to serve at parties. It is always a hit with guests and helps bring the people at the party together.

I am a Barefoot Contessa lady. I love being outside and enjoy being with family and friends. Santa Margherita is one of my favorite wines and it goes so well with Italian food.

I would say I am a "Summer Siren". I like to wear loose compfy clothes and sip on a cold Pinot Grigio. Grilled fish and some fresh garden veggies sound like a great dinner party.

i am bright and bubbly! i just hosted the biggest celebration of my life--it included bubbly, happiness, hot pink shoes, and tons of peonies! My wedding. It was a big celebration of good food, , good friends, and good wine--the necessities when it ocmes to entertaining!!!

I live in Florida, so I usually like to incorporate anything tropical into my entertaining.

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the super party ideas, and Santa Margherita is a great drink to serve to bring friends and family together at your party. Thanks Lucky, I am planning my party right now and you can be sure I am going to be serving lots of Santa Margherita!

I am a snobby spanish summer siren! I have served Santa Margherita for ages since it is one of the few white wines I drink. This pinot grigio makes an amazing white sangria with peaches and looks so pretty when served. My menu would be grilled halibut and veggies, served with a lemon risotto, santa margherita sangria, and fresh berries with homemade whipped cream for dessert!

Oh the peach sangria is a great idea for a summer party. I love using Santa Margherita for all kinds of parties. The luscious flavor just adds to the ambience of the party and they taste great.

I am the Summer Siren party gal. With a pool in my backyard we have these theme parties all the time. The sundress and flipflops would be great and I would have shrimp kabobs grilled, and my pastas in a hollowed out watermelon and serve them in hollowed out cantalopes. IT makes for a fun table. Also we put dressing in hollowed out lemons and limes, and it really makes the table look nice. Rather than floral arrangements I usually make a fruit arrangement and it is really beautiful. Pinot Grigio in colorful plastic wine glasses listening to Jimmy Buffet, and how can you go wrong?

I'd rather be near the sea! Beach girl - Summer Siren all the way! Shrimp cocktail,s, cotton casual, breezy decor, feet in the sand and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio in hand!

I'm a summer siren! My ideal party would be on the beach. I'd have a wooden white table and chairs with aqua blue/green plates and glasses. The centerpiece would be a glass hurricane vase filled with sand and seashells. For dinner, I'd have grilled salmon with Pinot Grigio wine. Dessert would be a tangy lemon pie. I would wear a long beach dress that would blow in the wind, sandals with jewels, a big sunhat and big sunglasses, which would also have jewels. After dinner, everyone would head farther down the beach and sit around a campfire making Smores and drinking margaritas.

A beach party would be great with light and airy colors and casual food. Smores are a great dessert.

My style is relaxed and fun. I keep a large tub of unopened toys from the dollar store/clearance stocked. Kids are always welcome at our parties and they love the tub of toys. It keeps them busy while adults are visiting and enjoying themselves.

My style is bright and bubbly. I love to spend time with friends laughing and having a good time.

I''m a Barefoot Contessa, no doubt about it.
Entertaining to me is about great food and time spent with good friends and family. There is nothing better than an organic Mediterranean feast complete with a great Chianti.
Appetizers to start would be grilled zucchini with olive oil and feta, a creamy artichoke dip with baquettes, or a french bread with a balsamic bruschetta.
Dinner usually consists of organic greens with fresh chopped romas and cukes either served with a light vinagarette or a caeser dressing. Followed by grilled wild salmon or halibut. Occasionally served is a nice grass fed mignon. Always a hit is a pasta salad complete with capers, kalamata olives and prosciutto.
Sometimes served is a chicken grilled with zuchinni, green peppers onions and mushrooms with feta and dill yogurt sauce on a pita.
After a feast like that you might want to enjoy something light such as a an italian ice or a gelato. Occasionally though you might want to indulge and have tiramisu.
I try and serve what I have grown fresh in my garden.
I never use disposable plates or utensils for environmental reasons. Outside bamboo or melamine plates would be apropos. Inside I like to use funky thrift store finds and always cloth napkins and silverware. No plastic for my guests.
On a hot day I would string a misting hose along to patio to keep everyone cool as we are in a arid, desert climate.. Add fresh lavender and eucalyptus bunches for scent and color. I have candles in wrought iron lanterns to use as the sun sets.

Sounds like a great Mediterranean menu.

wELL I am the summer siren...huge clam bakes, steaming clams and vegetables, grilled shrimp and lobster kabobs on the grill along with ribs that the meat falls right off. We have fresh mango slushies (margaritas for the adults but non alcholic mango slshies for the kids) for all out of the slushie machines. Being together is more important than impressing with fancy china...good times, family and friends and enjoying the beauty of summer. As long as you are dressed, come as you are. We make a slaw that is fresh and light and we add blueberries for flavor...and sweetness. Everything is a little unique but still a beach/ summer blast.We have all bring whatever vegetables they have grown from corn, taters, etc to steam with the clams. It is a very easy going forgiving menu, and we all enjoy company and sports and for those who ate too much and cannot move just listen to the music and sit and enjoy the sunset or stars. For fun serve Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
really cold and drop some blueberries in it, adds a bit of summer jazz.

WINE: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
MENU: Fresh seafood, light pasta
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: Exotic, tropical

Congrats to everyone that received a party tote bag. I hope we hear who the grand prize winner is! Party on Style Spotters...

Oh I really hope I win a prize this time! I loved this discussion and I got lots of party and entertaining ideas.

Hi there! I am a Summer Siren! I love to entertain and my friends and family always know when I throw a get together they are sure to have a fantastic time! A few key tips I have to offer are first, my guests don't just eat, drink and mingle, I involve them all in actively participating in the meal preparation. We have created many fabulous recipes and memorable meals as a result of my guests getting brave and creative in the kitchen. We laugh, experiment, play, and conjure up meals using whatever they want to try that is available in my cupboards and refrigerator and I purposely make sure all is well stocked with a variety of typical and unique ingredients that are sure to surprise and tantalize them into creating the most devine delicacies! Second tip is I usually assign a theme to my get togethers, such as wear your favorite rock star inspired outfit, or bring your favorite wild dancing CD, come dressed in your craziest geek look, you get the idea. This automatically brings great conversations and amazing photo ops to your party and is sure to create some memories that will be talked about for a long time. I have more, many more tips, but I don't know how much space I have left, LOL!

I love giving parties, especially in the summers, so am a definite Summer Siren. I live in the South so the one most important thing I do is to make everyone at ease and feel comfortable. I like to serve cold foods as they are not heavy and perfect for those hot summer evenings. I tend to make appetizers and always have plenty of fresh fruit on hand. I like to play light jazz for background music as it goes so well against the warm breezes and scent of Magnolias in the air. It is also light enough to go with conversation. I use tiny white twinkling lights which I have wrapped around our trees for lighting as it just creates such a romantic ambience.
WINE: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio lightly chilled.
FOOD: light appetizers and plenty of fresh fruit and a selection of cheeses.

I am a BAREFOOT CONTESSA. I like a casual party.

I can't wait to find out the winners of this contest. I think everyone won though with all the great new entertaining tips. This inspired me to have a great party featuring Santa Margherita of course!

I also can not wait to find out who won. Great tips posted here!

I wonder when they will announce the winners? I can't wait!

Thank you everyone for your awesome participation on this forum! The tote bags were sent out to the first 20 respondents. Heatheranne won the Supper Club party! Congratulations Heatheranne and to all of the tote bag winners!

Congrats Heatheranne, what an awesome prize! I hope I get my tote bag!

Congratulations, Heatheranne! I loved your party ideas and I'm happy to see you're the winner.

Question for the first 20 respondents: have you already received your tote bags?

Yup i got mine!
xo-

Congrats Heatheranne! You had some great party ideas. I haven't received my tote yet so I hope it is coming because I responded fast. Did anyone else get theres???

Great prize.

I never got a tote bag even though it looks like I was in the top 20 people.