It's summertime and the entertaining is easy. It's easy to plan a menu around abundant fresh produce, it practically cooks itself. Cleanup is simple when you entertain outside - let the ants clean the crumbs for you! And why set a fussy table when nature is stealing the show anyway? 

So the next time you set out to plan a summer party, don't sweat it. Mother Nature will do most of the work for you.

And in case you need any further reassurance, here is a complete collection of entertaining resources for the summer season.

Preparing for Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining
You no longer need to run between the patio and kitchen when you entertain outdoors. Manufacturers have responded to consumer demands for easy outdoor entertaining with the latest in outdoor kitchen design.

Grillin' for Gals
Step aside gentlemen. We ladies have picked up the grill spatulas and will no longer settle for staying cooped inside during the summer. Here is an easy grilling primer for any lady who is ready to socialize around the barbecue instead of in the kitchen.

A Picnic Dinner in the Park
Take dinner on the road and enjoy those balmy summer evenings.

Picnic Baskets
Looking for the perfect picnic basket? Turn to these sources for help.

The Classic July 4th Barbecue
Why reinvent the wheel when you know what everyone likes to eat at this party? Just put a little spin on it.

Star-Spangled Nibbles
The barbecue has cooled down hours ago and it's time to head out to see the fireworks. A little snack might be nice right about now. Consider packing a few of these nibbles for your outing.

Summertime and Patriotic Accessorizing for Your Table
Patriotic spirit runs high over the summer season. Here are ideas to use simple, fresh food as the star of your table, even if you can't afford stylish accessories. 

Top Picks for Summertime Entertaining Accessories
If you can afford a new accessory or two, here are my recommendations for the most stylish, useful and necessary items for this coming season.

Corn-on-the-Cob Necessities
What would a barbecue be without corn-on-the-cob? But it can get a little messy unless you've prepared your guests with these useful items.

Condiment, Salt and Pepper Servers
Serve your barbecue condiments with a little extra pizzazz when you choose among these top picks for condiment, salt and pepper servers.

Summer Food Etiquette
Brush up on the rules of etiquette for eating some of our favorite summer foods. You never know who may be watching you at the next company picnic.

Cooling it in the Summertime
It's never good etiquette to spend all your time in the kitchen when you should be socializing with guests. But in the summertime there's no excuse. Here's how to spend all your time entertaining your guests.

The Juiciest, Easiest Corn-on-the-Cob
My surefire best method for preparing one of summer's favorite vegetables.

Add Pizzazz to Summertime Drinks
Here's a fun way to add style to your summertime drinks.

Have a Backup Plan for Summertime Entertaining
Summer parties are great, but what if the weather doesn't cooperate? Here are your backup options.

Pool Party Tips and Niceties
Tips for minimizing post party work; also nice touches for your guests.

We All Scream For...
Ice cream of course! Here are suggestions for serving an ice cream buffet for one of the easiest summertime desserts.

July 4th Links
Plan your 4th of July celebration with the recipes and menu ideas found among these links.

Memorial Day Links
Plan your Memorial Day entertaining with the menus, grilling tips and other ideas that can be found on these pages.

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