Home accessories: Lanterns in the Garden

The Novel Bakers present Day 2 of Garden Week. . .

An Invitation to the Garden:

Seasonal Entertaining Outdoors

Michael Devine

Certainly a lot of detail goes into entertaining successfully," Charlotte Moss wrote in her foreword to An Invitation to the Garden. "But one thing you can be sure of is that ease comes with practice, and all of that translates into fun for your guests. As I have been a guest at Michael's, I know firsthand that he has fun at his own parties. Whether he's hosting a five-course seated dinner or a casual tray-on-the-lap get-together, he is smiling as if someone else did all of the work. He subscribes to Maxwell's philosophy that when the guests walk through the door, the party begins for everyone, host included."

As I leafed through the book, I was charmed by Michael's "Lantern-Lit Drinks Party." Colorful paper lanterns dangled from a centerpiece of tall white branches that were tucked into a Dollar Store vase. The party began at dusk, and as his guests walked up, they were greeted by a whimsical scene. Each no-fuss, inexpensive lantern has a battery-operated votive.

At dusk, the effect is like stepping into a dream.

Since I couldn't find any branches (I don't have any trees!), I strung the lanterns from a market umbrella.

The menu was finger food," Michael said. "I didn't need to use flatware--another labor-and time-saving trick."

Honey-Glazed Cherry Tomatoes

Makes 24

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

24 cherry tomatoes, rinsed and dried

1/2 cup flax seeds

In a small sauce pan, add honey, sugar, and water. Blend and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

When mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and cool. Insert a toothpick or small skewer into each tomato. Dip tomatoes in the honey syrup, then roll in flax seeds.

A cheese tray, and (somewhere on the table, heaven knows where) are Carr's Water Crackers (suggested by Michael Devine).

The paper napkins and red serving pieces are from the Sandra Lee collection; I found them at K-Mart and Publix.

Store-bought, mini-cannoli didn't make it to the table. As I was carrying them outside,

I tripped, and the cannoli went flying.

Dessert was a bowl full of cherries.

Ice cubes with edible flowers added a vibrant touch. I couldn't bear to throw away my winter pansies, so I planted them under the shrubs--so far, they haven't succumbed to the heat. Pansies are just the right size for plastic ice cube trays.

A clear acrylic trash can served as an unbreakable ice bucket (K-Mart bath linen department).

Michael Devine used multicolored bachelor's buttons for his party, but he also suggests rose petals and nasturtiums. (Impatiens are edible, too.)

If you'd like clear cubes, use distilled water.

Add a thin layer in the bottom of plastic trays. Place a washed, edible flower onto the surface of the water. Freeze. Remove from freezer, add more water, and top with a flower. Freeze.

I found pale blue glasses at Publix (99 cents each).

At one end of the table, I set out platters of salami and prosciutto, along with French bread, breadsticks, and assorted mustards. Cheeses were placed in a wooden box. Votives added their own special magic. They always do!

Tips from Michael Devine:

* Food that can be eaten while standing and chatting is a must for a cocktail party.

* Lay down a thick layer of mulch around the beginning of July when the garden is almost filled in for the season. If you mulch too soon, it may attract insects.

* When planning your garden, plant white or light-colored flowers because they almost glow after dark. Michael Devine prefers nicotiana ("Jasmine"), which sends fragrance through your night garden.

I'm a little sad to be leaving this beguiling book, but I'm also excited to see what the Novel Bakers have done today! A visit with them is just like being in their kitchens, cooking and laughing and enjoying life.

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