Beach picnic
A beachside bash should have a casual feel with a nautical theme and neutral colors for décor. Beach artifacts such as shells work well for serving and decoration. Instead of cooking on the beach, make easy forkless items ahead of time such as lobster and shrimp rolls. Seating should be low and comfortable. Lighting is key to any party. Decorate with battery-operated votives to illuminate the setting as the sun goes down. Products include:

Rope Knot Silk Twill Pillows, Williams-Sonoma Home, $78
Palau bed tray, Crate and Barrel, $49.95
Battery powered votives, Artificial Candle Co, Set of 3 for $13.95
Osaka acrylic bar glasses, Crate and Barrel, $2.95
Partyware Dinnerware plates, Pottery Barn, $34 for set of 4
Partyware oval tray in white, Pottery Barn, $29
Square pillow, natural, ABC Carpet & Home, $370
Large print tote in flutter pattern, fur color, Seacloth, $125
Lanterns, West Elm, $39
Macrame Tray in beechwood, The Conran Shop, $175
Pillows, John Robshaw, $65 for 2
Galvanized party tub, Crate and Barrel, $19.95

Backyard barbecue
Grilling is a quintessential part of summer, but we put a new spin on the backyard barbeque experience. Black and white with chrome is the color scheme for this modern, yet casual gathering. Creative grill fare such as pizzas are easy to make. Encourage guests to sprinkle fresh cut herbs as pizza toppings. Make sure to have a place for guests to sit that is comfortable and inviting. The grill is the focal point of this party, yet everything else should be easy to move and portable like a mini grill for desserts and a chic bar cart. Products include:

Performer charcoal grill with gas starter, Weber, $349
Hanover bar car, Restoration Hardware, $649
Carnaby platter, Crate and Barrel $9.95
Grill top pizza stone, Williams-Sonoma, $99.95
Ice scoop, Crate and Barrel, $19.95
Scissor wine cooler, Crate and Barrel, $28.95-$48.95,
Scissor Ice Bucket, Crate and Barrel, $$26.95 - $44.95
Pakka Wood-Handled Grill Tools, Crate and Barrel, $19.95 each
Classic Tapered Wine Cooler, Crate and Barrel, $24.95
Tabletop grill, Eva Solo, $300, Dean & DeLuca
Cole and mason electric mills, Williams-Sonoma, $99.95
Beverage bucket, Williams-Sonoma, $199-210
Galaxia Table 23.5" Sq., The Conran Shop, $290.com
Chefs thermometer fork, Williams-Sonoma, $29.95

For more outdoor entertaining ideas, check out www.InStyle.com

MORE FROM FOOD & WINE

Food & Wine Section Front

Garden-fresh cauliflower in cast iron Turn grilling upside down: Use your broiler Nobu’s sizzling, spicy-sour marinated ribs Sweet delight: Spiced cranberry cake 4 fast, fantastic recipes from Nigella Lawson The Scottos' sweet and spicy dishes Delicious delights: Recipes for diabetics Maria’s diabetes-friendly lentil soup Paula Deen's fun (and yum!) recipes for kids Signature drinks from around the world Food & Wine Section Front   Add Food & Wine headlines to your news reader: