The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages the enjoyment of the outdoors and meals with family and friends. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and host your family and friends over to dine "out".  Here are some tips from the people at Real Simple to make your outdoor entertaining more fun and enjoyable.

• Lay brown craft paper across a table for a casually finished look―and super-easy cleanup
• An umbrella not only has the obvious task of providing shade, it also helps define your outdoor dining room.
• Keep food simple for a backyard picnic: salads, fresh fruit, cold drinks.
• Re-purpose indoor furniture to create an outdoor “room.”
• Set up tables in separate areas―say, drinks in one spot, dessert in another―to encourage guests to roam.
• To keep dairy-based dips chilled, fill a large bowl with ice, and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Place the dip bowl on top.
• Keep bugs away from food with an upended wire-mesh colander.
• Use Popsicle sticks to distinguish the rare burgers from the well-done.
• Circle your party area with citronella candles or incense sticks to light when night falls.
• Twinkling strands add instant ambience to any evening party.
• A solution for cautious hosts: battery-operated candles. Provides you with the same warm light, with no worries of wind or dripping wax.

Buen provecho!