One way to take advantage of global warming.

So, how warm is it where you are?

We’re in Philadelphia and yesterday it was 68 degrees F. A few days before that it was 72.  Today the weather’s in the 50s. Craziness.

We’ve decided that we might as well take advantage of the unfortunate warming of our planet (while trying to do something about it, of course).  And thus was born the early winter outdoor brunch idea. Why waste these beautiful warm-ish days (even if they do make us feel squeamish)?

Grab a fire pit (yours or your neighbor’s), add a tray of mimosas (or hot coffee drinks if your weather’s on the cool side of warm),  some brunch-y food (keep it simple – a crustless spinach quiche or a french toast casserole with raspberries or blueberries),  round up your neighbors, and there you have a lovely start to an unseasonable day.

One of the many minty mojitos I've enjoyed in Hawaii.

A mojito in Hawaii. Does it get any better than that? I think not! But what I really like about this mojito is the abundance of mint and the tall frosted glass. Don’t forget a good drink is made in the details.

Here’s our version for stateside:

• 1 ounce simple syrup (using 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, boil the water in a small saucepan, pour in the sugar and stir constantly until completely dissolved. Remove pan from heat right away and let the mixture cool.)
• a bunch of fresh mint leaves (the more the merrier)
• 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of light rum
• ice (crushed is nice, but you can use cubes as well)
• the juice of about half a lime (fresh is fabulous but bottled works just fine)

Pour the syrup into a tall frosty glass and toss in a bunch of mint leaves. Muddle the mint by smushing the leaves around the bottom of the glass with the back of a spoon. Or if you want to get fancy, muddle the leaves with a mortar and pestle and spoon into the glass  along with the simple syrup.

Add the rum and lime juice; stir. Add ice, garnish with mint and a lime wedge, picture yourself on a deserted island and enjoy.

My Friday night snack.

Entertaining a small group (think 1 or 2 couples) can be ultra-easy if you take a few shortcuts. Buy some canned smoked trout, easily found at Trader Joe’s or a gourmet shop. Now that hot weather is upon us, pick up some juicy mangoes and cut them into cubes. Add cubes of pineapple and slices of mandarin oranges. Grab some blossoms off of whatever flowering plants or bushes are nearby. Arrange everything on some pretty dishes. You’re now officially the hostess with the mostest!

Just because the season isn’t quite here, doesn’t mean I can’t bring summer in to my table. So, in lieu of poppies, daisies, veronica, and hosta greens, I have ajuga, archangel, dogwood blossoms, and ostrich ferns. And I couldn’t be happier.

Fresh salsa is not only delicious, but oh so pretty on your table as well. Create that Mexican fiesta feel with fresh, locally grown tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and organic tortilla chips. Put all together on a tray, and decorate with more tomatoes for a complete look. You’re really going to need this idea when those tomato plants are going off this summer—so don’t forget.

Yes, I know hot weather is upon us and it’s time for the lightness of refreshing white wines (or brisk beers, depending on your likes). But I just love Almira Los Dos–an inexpensive red I’ll be drinking throughout the summer months. So there!

I can feel it in the air. Summer’s coming, and on hot days—in the alcoholic beverage realm—nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. In preparation for your laid-back outdoor parties, rise above the beer kegs of your youth and start sampling lesser known beers. Have some fun close to home, as in craft beers from small breweries in your area. Or become an armchair traveler and try out beers from around the world. German beers “vom Fass” (on tap) are spectacularly yummy, but go ahead and thrill your guests with a close second by breaking out the bottled versions.

I don’t know what it is with me and birds lately, but I’m seeing ready-made color schemes everywhere I look. This duck, for instance, is sporting a beautiful combination of violet, taupe, and cream. Think tablecloths, contrasting napkins, floral arrangements, pottery. And if you need an accent color for still more punch, the emerald green or bright orange on our pal is a done deal.

Nobody, but nobody, can help but smile when a rubber ducky is in view. For your next pool party, get yourself over to the dollar store, stock up on duckies and tealight candles, and float them in the containers of your choice.

Azaleas, beautiful flowers that they are, only bloom a very short while (well, at least the varieties I have). Don’t be shy about clipping them for lovely bouquets while they last. Perfect for decorating your Mother’s Day dinner table!