If you are the guest, say thank you with a beautiful and unique gift.

 

• Hostess Gifts

  John Derian, Founder of John Derian Company
  “Bring along a gift your hostess hasn’t received before. Look for ordinary housewares made extraordinary with artistic, unique touches—such as colorful leaf plates from South Africa. You could also offer up something simple, but exceptionally well made, like a beautifully blown glass pitcher or a few sturdy flower-blossom ramekins that are perfect for olives and summer snacks.”

Albums that make us think of summer year-round.

1. Aquemini — Outkast
2. Arular — M.I.A.
3. Doolittle — The Pixies
4. The ArchAndroid — Janelle Monae
5. The Queen is Dead — The Smiths
6. Dangerously in Love — Beyonce
7. College Dropout — Kanye West
8. Elephant — The White Stripes
9. Exile on Main Street — The Rolling Stones
10. Babylon by Bus — Bob Marley and the Wailers

Check out Tory’s recent trip with the design team to Europe.

Ideas for entertaining your littlest guests and ending the evening with something sweet.

 

• Kids’ Entertainment

  Pilar Guzman, co-author, Time For Dinner: Strategies, Inspiration, and Recipes for Every Night of the Week
  “Give each child a jelly jar to see how many lightning bugs they can catch. The winner could get a little prize—candy, perhaps, or even a package of silly bands. Another idea: Set up a mini outdoor theater. Place floor pillows draped in different colored sarongs and throws on the ground. Then project a movie onto a white screen or sheet—The Little Rascals and The Three Stooges are great choices.”

   

  • Desserts

    Sam Godfrey, Perfect Endings
    “I’m feeling nostalgic for old-fashioned layer cakes this summer. They’re perfect for parties because people see one, and they instantly think of their childhood—and they know it’s going to taste extraordinary. On a hot summer day, I’d want a light and fruity cake. That said, if I see a chocolate layer cake that looks like my grandmother made it, I’m not going to pass it by.”

 

Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy is riveting, from the first chapters of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to the last page of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.

Here, the perfect menu for an evening at home with friends.

 

• Food & Drink

  Michele Mazza, Executive Chef of Il Mulino
  “For summer entertaining, we suggest our Pappardelle Pomodoro—it’s a fresh, summery, vibrant dish. And the perfect wine pairing? Prosecco Aneri from Italy.”

  Pappardelle Pomodoro
  8 oz fresh cut pappardelle
  8 oz jar Il Mulino Pomodoro sauce
  1 1/2 oz parmesan cheese
  1/2 oz romano cheese
  1 oz butter
  1 oz Il Mulino Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  black pepper to taste
  1 Tbsp basil chiffonade

  1. In boiling, salted water, cook pappardelle until al dente.
  2. In a saute pan, heat Il Mulino Pomodoro sauce with butter until butter is melted.
  3. Strain pasta well and add to saute pan.
  4. Adjust flame to low. Add basil, parmesan and romano cheese, and black pepper.
  5. Toss cheese in the sauce until blended.
  6. Place in a pasta bowl and drizzle Il Mulino Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top.
  7. Garnish with basil sprig in the center.

From the experts, setting the mood with a chic table and great playlist.

 

• Outdoor Décor

  Celerie Kemble, Kemble Interiors
  “The key is to bring indoor elements outdoors. For the table I like setting fine glassware and ceramic plates in soft pinks and greens on natural rattan placemats with bamboo flatware and colorful linens. For flowers an ornate urn or vase filled with leaves always looks great. Lighting is key—I love the look of indoor lamps outdoors and, of course elaborate candlesticks—make sure the candles you use aren’t brand-new. Slouchy, half-melted ones balance everything and come off as more lively and fun.”

   

  • The Perfect Playlist

    DJ Cassidy
    “Feel the breeze, feel the sun, feel the sounds.”

    1. “Saturday In The Park” by Chicago
    2. “Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’” by De La Soul
    3. “Club Tropicana” by Wham
    4. “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie
    5. “Rhythm Of The Night” by Debarge
    6. “Unconditional Love” by Donna Summer featuring Musical Youth
    7. “Blame It On The Boogie” by The Jacksons
    8. “All This Love” by The Similou
    9. “Master Blaster Jammin’” by Stevie Wonder
    10. “My Boo” by Ghost Town DJ’s

 

The Piano Lesson, 1916© 2010 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society, New York

Henri Matisse had an extraordinary view of the world—bold, geometric, abstract and undeniably beautiful. The Museum of Modern Art’s current Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917 exhibit explores one of the artist’s most experimental periods.

Bathers by a River, 1909–10; 1913; 1916–17© 2010 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society, New York

When we think summer (and Indian summers), we think great entertaining. We asked the experts for tips on celebrating in style, from the perfect invite to dessert and what to wear. Check back every day this week for more on décor, music and menu.

 

• Summer Dressing

  Tory Burch
  “Summer is about mixing casual styles with beautiful accessories, like a printed dress or a feminine blouse with jeans and a bold piece of jewelry. I’ll add a textured sweater or a lightweight jacket—evenings can get chilly if you’re by the water.”

   

  • Invitations

    William Miller, The Printery
    “Surprise and delight people with an invitation that adds an unexpected kick to the sweetness of summer—like a spiky bright-red crab motif against a sea foam green border or even a skull-and-bones emblem against bright, happy pink—it promises your party will be great.”

 

Photo: AMC

The countdown has officially begun for the return of Mad Men this Sunday.