Don’t look now, but your family is descending upon your house for a visit. Have no fear. Entertaining at home can be as easy as pie if you remember what your mother taught you when crossing the street: Stop. Look. And listen. The same lesson applies to entertaining.

Summer is synonymous with outdoor picnics, barbeques and entertaining family and friends. This year, instead of grilling up the same barbeque staples, experiment with tapas-style recipes that are light and sensible and embrace the flavors of the season. Your guests will sure be satisfied by these, small, tasty and distinctive food choices.

Is there a person on your Valentine's Day gift list who has always wanted to become a little more cultured about wine? Perhaps he or she has attended several wine tasting events to sample different styles – just to pique his or her interest even more.

Does your kitchen feel more like Julie’s than Julia’s? No need to be concerned ... if Julie could learn to master the art of cooking in less than a year, you can design your own chef’s studio in a fraction of that time. Follow Julie’s footsteps and take your lead from those who know kitchens best – professional chefs.

Even the healthiest eaters have their weaknesses – those foods that make them “splurge,” ignoring calorie counts and fat grams. It’s an easy trap to fall into; we’re surrounded every day by foods that taste good and inspire cravings.

You wouldn’t dream of hitting the road without a gauge that tells you how much gas you have left in your car, and you shouldn't grill without one either. The GasWatch indicator is a must-have gadget for everyone who entertains.

When it comes to having friends and family over for summer gatherings, our first thoughts often turn to late afternoon barbecues with sizzling burgers, plastic cups and paper plates. If that’s your idea of outdoor entertaining, maybe it’s time to get out of the house! Here's some ideas on how to use your good china to entertain in summer-friendly ways.