Simple is best when it comes to summer entertaining. Picnics in the park, barbecues, and long lingering meals with family and friends.

Summer is the season, too, for fresh air, fresh produce and of course fresh flowers. If it’s hot, no one wants to go to too much trouble to create an elaborate table setting. I know I don’t.

Here’s my super simple whip together in 10 minutes table and dinner for a spur of the moment get together.

The table-

• Throw any table cloth on the table- it doesn’t even need to match your napkins.

• Tie any color ribbon around your napkin- add any type of cut fresh flower. {or greenery}

There table is done- now for dinner.

Dinner-

• Mix together mixed greens & soft goat cheese; break up chunks of good & dense day-old French bread.

• Add olives, sliced red onions and cucumber- chunks of crab or lobster meat {if you have it on hand, if you don’t, no worry} Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

• Then add what really makes the salad so yummy- pour “Sunshine Tomato Dressing” over the salad.

Sunshine Tomato Dressing-
Put all ingredients in a glass bowl or jar, cover tightly and set it in the sun for 4-5 hours.

• 8 vine-ripened garden tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, put through press
• 3 shallots, chopped
• 1 cup good, fruity olive oil
• 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil slivered
• 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp. sugar
• lots of pepper; salt to taste

This recipe is great to make at the beginning of summer to have on hand for last minute meals – remember keep it stored covered tightly in the fridge- but serve at room temperature.

Now sit back relax and enjoy.