(ARA) - Looking for a little inspiration for your next gathering? Let nature be your muse and plan a theme that celebrates the time of year.

Start with a visit to your grocer and ask about what's fresh. For example, explore using the vibrant colors and scents of California oranges to add a warm glow to your home and excitement to your menu. As the weather heats up, let the cooling tones and tangy aroma of lemons liven up your living space and add zest to your meals. Look to food magazines for insights and guidance.

Here are some easy tips and recipes sure to wow your friends and family:

1. Pick your seasonal centerpiece. Once you pick your seasonal theme, building a festive centerpiece with fresh fruit can be a great first step. Immerse your guests into the total experience through the décor. Use whole, fresh oranges to hold place cards with names to denote a guest's seat, to garnish water glasses with fresh-cut navel slices and enhance a flower arrangement with whole and cut oranges.

2. Plan your menu around and incorporate your fresh choice. Everything from your drinks to desserts should incorporate your seasonal pick. Chef Jill Davie of Josie in Santa Monica, Calif. notes, "Oranges have such a unique versatility, this is a great time of the year for experimentation with sweet and savory pairings, creating fresh citrus marinades and brightening up a plate with the intense flavors and colors of navel oranges." Visit your favorite cooking Web site for exciting recipes featuring fresh California citrus. Readers can find some of Jill Davie's favorite citrus recipes, like the ones below, at www.sunkist.com.

Fresh California Orange Mozzarella Tower

Ingredients:

4 California oranges sliced into 1/4 inch slices, lightly seared or grilled

12 baby lettuce leaves

12 1/4 inch slices of fresh mozzarella

12 fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup California Fresh Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette

fresh ground black pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. California Fresh orange zest, chopped

Directions (to make one portion):

* Place 3 baby lettuce leaves on a salad plate.

* Place 1 mozzarella slice on lettuce, top with 1 California orange slice and 1 basil leaf.

* Repeat process with a second mozzarella slice, second orange slice and second basil leaf.

* Finish with a third mozzarella slice, orange slice and basil leaf.

Blueberry Orange Spritzer

Ingredients:

4 cups water

1 cup honey

1 unit ginger root, approximately 4 inches, thinly sliced (leave the skin)

1 unit basil, approximately 15 to 20 leaves with stems (save a few for garnish)

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1 California orange -- fresh squeezed juice

4 cups water or sparkling water
Directions (to make one portion):

* On low heat, simmer the water, honey, ginger and basil for about 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

* Strain base into pitcher and immediately add blueberries.

* Bruise the berries with a spoon while stirring, allowing the mixture to steep.

* Add the fresh-squeezed orange juice and water and serve over ice.

* Garnish with a slice of orange and basil leaves.

* Drizzle with 1 tablespoon California Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette, sprinkle with fresh black pepper to taste and 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest.

* Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Send your guests off with a little memento from the party. Offer party favors that pertain to the party's theme, such as candles scented with dried oranges or homemade orange marmalade.

As the robust scents and exciting colors fill your home, let the sensations of your seasonal choice help you get creative with the menu, invitations, decorations and party favors. This creates a seamless ambience guaranteed to make a party-perfect atmosphere.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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