A Memorial Day gathering just isn’t complete without classic picnic fare. We suggest you offer all three of the enticing entrees below — guests can pick and choose or sample away.

Picnic Drumsticks can be made a day ahead and chilled for a classic picnic treat with a twist — a refreshing cucumber-sour cream dip. Irresistible Italian Pizza Salad is an entrée and a zesty pasta salad all in one. Round off your picnic table offerings with a showy Sourdough Picnic Loaf — guests will be sure to save room on their plates for a wedge of this one-of-a-kind sandwich.

Have a great party!

Your question has me dreaming of summer. Entertaining outdoors is wonderful -- I love that the crumbs and spills end up on the lawn instead of the carpet! Here are a few of our all-time favorite finger foods for summer entertaining. Try this Toasted Onion Cheese Log for a rich and savory appetizer. Pick up an assortment of your favorite nuts and spice them up with this addictive recipe for Deviled Nuts. Round out your hors d'oeuvres table with a refreshing fruit plate highlighted with Lime Cream Fruit Dip. Any of these can be made ahead, leaving you free to thoughtfully arrange your table or to relax on board while you wait to welcome your guests.

Hope you get out on your boat soon!

Rhubarb is synonymous with early summer, and the tart flavor adds a special zing to cakes, breads, pies and desserts.

Crumb Top Rhubarb Pie is a simply delicious way to showcase your rhubarb. For a great brunch or tea-time treat, Rhubarb Streusel Bread is dotted with colorful sliced rhubarb and strewn with a delightful brown sugar cinnamon streusel. For an all-out show-stopping rhubarb dessert, bake a Strawberry Rhubarb Ribboned Cheesecake, swirled with a tangy stripe of strawberry-rhubarb filling.

Sliced rhubarb freezes well, too, so if you plan ahead, you can bake these tangy-sweet treats year-round.

Enjoy your rhubarb!

Sounds absolutely lovely! I suggest keeping the food elegant and uncomplicated to match the surroundings. Offer tiny tea-sized portions that allow guests to daintily nibble throughout the party, and make sure tea and lemonade are readily available.

You might even consider hiring help from a neighborhood teenager or two, to keep trays refreshed and pour beverages.

To continue a classic tea party theme, start with triple-layer Ribbon Sandwiches for delightful nourishment. Then satisfy sweet tooths with Spring Almond Ruffles and Easy Fruit Tarts — you'll be amazed at how simple these gorgeous tarts are to make.

Enjoy your celebration!

I have always found that part of leadership is making people feel comfortable, and offering refreshments is a wonderful way to get everyone on board for your meeting!

Draw them into the room with the sweet buttery scent of Shortbread Bars. Boost morale and attendance with an impressive plate of Glazed Piña Colada Bars. Even the financials will seem interesting while munching on an Ultimate Chewy Cream Cheese Swirled Brownie.

Best of luck with your meetings.

Tea parties are one of our favorite topics, and we have no shortage of ideas. We suggest you start with the classic, crustless cream cheese and cucumber or tomato sandwiches, plus these impressive-yet-easy Gougère Puffs.

Then serve a few tantalizing treats, such as rich Chocolate Thumbprints drizzled with white chocolate, or some fun and fancy Lemon Mini-Cupcakes with Raspberry Surprise Centers. For even more great ideas, search “tea party recipes” on our website.

Keep the tea flowing and say “ta-ta” to the same old tea parties!

Brunch is a great way to entertain, especially when you keep it simple. An easy menu featuring quiche, muffins and a fun drink is a perfect combination. The quiche can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, giving you more time on the day of your party.

Just before people arrive, arrange a buffet or side table with elegant Springtime Quiche, cut and ready to serve, and a heaping basket of fresh Coconut Streusel Muffins with Strawberry Butter. Guests can help themselves while you blend up frosty Breakfast Coolers and bring them to the table. Have coffee and half & half available, and the conversation can linger into the early afternoon.

Enjoy your brunch!

Green and delicious come together beautifully in these favorite St. Patty’s Day dessert recipes. Guests will taste the luck o’ the Irish when they get their own Lucky Cookie Cut-Out Cookies, frosted with a smooth white glaze that looks fabulous dressed up with green sugar or sprinkles. Crème de Menthe Cheesecake is perfect if you want a green dessert and an elegant centerpiece on your buffet table.

Beware of leprechauns and little ones if you serve Irish Cream Brownies—their sparkling green icing is certain to make them disappear in the blink of an eye!

Enjoy your holiday!