Susan Gravely, like so many others, fell in love with Italy at first visit. “I was enamored by the colors and the smells. I loved the gardens and fruit trees. I loved the gentleness of people and their enjoyment for life and living,” she said of her first trip to the Amalfi coast, with her…

There is something undeniably enchanting about gathering with loved ones amid nature’s embrace, armed with wicker baskets and gingham blankets, ready to revel in the sunshine and warm weather. From a jumble of salads to sliced watermelon dripping with sweet juice, the art of the picnic is a stalwart American tradition. Here are a few…

A consummate hostess, Vera Stewart shares her tips for warm-weather entertaining—plus a few favorite recipes from her new cookbook, “The VeryVera Cookbook: Occasions.” Be Flexible: The backyard offers countless possibilities for fun presentations, weather permitting—but “always have a Plan B in your pocket,” in case it gets a little too warm or a storm rolls…

You don’t have to spend an arm and a turkey leg to host a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t be daunted by scary headlines; the MSM is in the business of keeping viewers watching and readers reading, so take them with a grain of salt. Remember, our grandmothers knew how to throw a meaningful holiday, even…

As a work from home mom, I know how hard it can be to get work accomplished while entertaining kids. Most of the time, I work while a babysitter watches my kids or while my kids are asleep. However, given the 24/7 nature of being an entrepreneur, it’s just not always possible to complete all my…

Now that summer’s here in all her warmth and sunshine, it’s time to head outdoors. Growing up, my family hosted picnics throughout the summer. My mother would pack a cooler with deviled eggs, ice-cold lemonade, and sandwiches, and we’d spend our afternoons at the beach. It’s a tradition I’ve kept with my own family, and…

Warm weather and sunshine lift our spirits, encouraging us to host a get-together. Whether a Fourth of July BBQ or an elegant summer tea, the best events are made even better with these tips, tricks, and tweaks. The Theme The first step to getting good friends or family together outside to enjoy delicious food and…

As winter turns into spring, all I want is to do is open up the garden and move our dinners outside. Alas, not yet. I can serve drinks outside in the garden, but in reality, it is still too cold and too rainy to sit outside for a long period of time. And so, this…

I grew up in a large household as one of seven children. Table manners were essential for my parents’ sanity, a way to keep us under control. (Once, I remember being in total panic when faced with a bunch of grapes on my plate. To this day, I’m teased mercilessly by my siblings as they…

To celebrate New Year’s Eve this year, my friends and I are splitting up. The entertaining, that is—I’ll be hosting a cocktail party at my home during the early part of the evening, and then the celebrations will continue at theirs for dinner and beyond, or until after midnight. Brilliant, I say! Don’t underestimate the…