This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. 

Summer — the season of backyard BBQ’s and intimate outdoor dinner gatherings. There is something magical about dining al fresco whether it’s under the night sky with a table lit by globe lights, on a picnic blanket on the beach, or a rustic feast on a farm sampling the season’s freshly picked produce. The warm weather brings people together to catch up after a long winter and create new memories. 

Every summer I love to host at least one dinner for a small group of friends and/or family.I really enjoy setting up colorful tablescapes and preparing a hodgepodge of small appetizing plates for guests to sample over wine.