Simplistic planning can be the most fun. Host an improvisational garden gathering with the neighbors as spring showcases its flora. Our double pink Kwanzan cherry tree is in full-bloom! Its pink petals announce spring’s youthful vigor. This weekend we hosted a wine and cheese party with our neighbors to celebrate that winter’s embrace has gone. When entertaining with a cheese and wine theme, be sure to check the date on the cheese before purchasing. In France, the fromager knows his product and will assist. Our multi-service grocery stores tend to have less trained staff that know specialty product knowledge. I recommend at least 3 selections and at least 2 varieties from either the milk of cows, goats or sheep. Vary the shapes when slicing the cheese. Know and understand your guests’ tastes. If your guests don’t care for a hearty bleu cheese, then don’t subject them to a negative exposure. I recently acquired a new cheese board carved from honeycomb calcite stone. It is an amber stone that has veins of calcite that resemble a honeycomb, hence the name. This stone not only enhances the cheese, it also presents candlelight beautifully, too! So, decorate your table with lovely spring flowers and a balanced color palette consisting of the plates, the linen and the glassware. Pair the cheese selections with interesting wine for a fun intellectual tasting. Remember, it is a tradition in Bordeaux, France to drink the oldest wine last. Let’s toast to an energetic spring, dear neighbors and delightful floral gardening that brings us all together! © Kelly McBride Loft