by M. N. Miller

Created on: June 10, 2008   Last Updated: August 06, 2008

Summer means unwinding by the pool, grilling steaks and getting together with friends. Entertaining is a passion of mine, and the warmer weather is an inspiration for some of my favorite kinds of get togethers.

Having friends over for a meal is a major event at my house. My friends know to be ready to lend a hand in the kitchen. I love to have us all gathered around the counter slicing, dicing, and mixing it up as we prepare the meal all together. Conversation comes easy and the laughs are plentiful while everyone is working up their appetite. It helps everyone enjoythe foodmore when we finally sit down to eat. Getting them geared up to do dishes afterwards is a little more difficult, however. I'm still working on how to make that part of the fun.

SometimesI want my guests to feelpampered, like they are on vacation during their visit. I'll invite them to put their feet up by the pool, soak in the hot tub and relax. Making sure they do not have to lift a finger while they are visiting is key. Listening to music, talking and basking in the sun can be the perfect get-a-way. They leave feeling refreshed and I'm left with a winning feeling for have been able to help.

Grilling is a special skill thatI take pride in. Being competitive in nature, I like to get a friendly grill-off going with some friends when grill season rolls around. The rules are simple. Using ingredients of your own choosing, eachchef must grill up a steak for the panel of tastetesters. My favorite is the baby back rib contest. It probably has something to do with the fact that no one yet has beaten my sauce with its unique blending of spices. Winning isn't the best part though. That would be the tasting. So I of course make sure to invite as many "competitors" as I possibly can to my grilling tournaments.

Entertaining is more than a past time to me, it's a sport. I like looking for ways perfect my game and make each get together even better for my guests. No contracts, sponsors or deals are necessary. Their enjoyment is all theincentive I need to keep entertaining.

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