For me, the beauty of summer lies in the simple act of creating scrumptious, mouthwatering feasts with perfectly ripe, locally grown produce. Nothing gets my creative juices flowing like a trip to the farm stand, where I behave like a kid in a candy store, dazzled by nature's bounty and the seemingly endless shapes and colors of produce. The smells -- the honeyed scents of fruits and aromatic herbs at their peak -- are intoxicating. And the vibrant fruits and vegetables are packed with flavor, adding life to any dish they grace.

Simple preparations save time in the kitchen, leaving more time to take advantage of those long, sunny days. Shen you plan outdoor spreads, think of chilled salads or dishes you can serve at room temperature. All of the following dishes are portable, and I've provided tips for make-ahead components and last-minute assembly of ingredients that will leave you plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the evening's festivities.