Summer means "Company" Gathers!

Wow! Summer is around the corner and I need to get crackin' if Hubbs and I are going to have a 'normal' summer. For us, 'normal' means people gracing our Patio with their friendship and sharing food and fun. Be it family or friends or the pleasant combination, food is a part of it all for us and I like to plan and be sure no detail gets missed. I know, it sounds "stressful", and at times it can be a bit, but for the most part it's just plain old FUN! Nothing is sweeter than to see everybody together, laughing, eating your food, loving you for it;), and wanting to come back. It's a winning combo for me!
This seasons gatherings are going to be based on "theme". We have Italian, Mexican, Southern, and the Pacific figured out, plus I've added a Bluesfest theme (serious BBQ & all the men and thier guitars going at it ~ way sweet!). In there somewhere will be some camping vacations we're taking, but Lord willing all will work out in a timely fashion.
All you need for a theme dinner is a few simple things on your menu and some decorations that 'highlight' your idea's. Keeping it simple is SO important, please don't miss that ~ it's so sad to have wonderful family and friends over and 'miss them' by being too crazy busy. Example of my simple would be our "Italian" night. Menu: Five Cheese Penne (a roaster pan full), a Basil Salad (huge), and a Punch Bowl Trifle (I love Tiramisu). That's IT ~ dinner, bam! Decorations: Vinyl red checkered tablecloth's, glass bowls filled with whole lemons, fresh basil plants on the tables, parmesian cheese shakers, olive oil decanters, paper napkins with a Tuscan motif, Italian music playing softly in the background, etc. AND, if you REALLY want to keep it simple, do some great Pizza's ON THE GRILL, yes, grill em', their DELIGHTFUL, pour a glass of red wine and HAVE A BLAST.
Not into Italian? So shoot for something else...the key is to have a party and enjoy all that God has given you by sharing it with others ~ share HIM with others! Never a dull moment when God is in your life and at your Gathering, He's the LIFE of the party ~ the Way, the Truth! Enjoy YOUR Summer in love:)