5 expert ways to make the most of seasonal gatherings

(Family Features) From summer holidays and pool parties to spontaneous backyard barbecues with friends and neighbors, the hottest season of the year brings people together. When it’s your turn to host, make the most of the occasion by setting up your space to maximize the fun while showing off your festive side. “Summer is hands down my favorite time to host,” said Kristina Zias, lifestyle, beauty and fashion expert and mom. “I love any excuse to bring people together and – let’s be real – I’m always looking for a reason to throw a party. The key is keeping things low stress for the host and making sure guests feel comfortable the second they walk in.” This season, Zias and Glade are teaming up to share some of her favorite summer entertaining tips, which are simple, low-effort ways to make every gathering feel special. Whether you’re planning a full-blown backyard bash or hosting a few friends for drinks, Zias’ go-to ideas are all about setting the mood and enjoying the moment. 1. Set the Scene Without the Stress To achieve a beautiful scene and make cleanup a breeze, try using disposable plates, utensils, napkins and cups in red, white and blue. A self-serve drink station with strawberry-infused water and a table of colorful fruit skewers adds charm without requiring much prep. 2. Tap Into Nostalgia Through Scent Scent can instantly transport guests back to cherished summer memories, making it a powerful way to set the tone and spark conversation. Zias suggests using home fragrances to do just that. The new Glade Americana collection, available exclusively in stores and online at Walmart, features three limited-edition scents inspired by nostalgic summer traditions like beach trips, ice pops and garden-fresh fruit. Masterfully crafted to help bring summer to every room of your home, they’re designed to evoke warm-weather traditions.

• Berries & Cream: Scents of a classic American summer treat spring to life in a picnic-perfect blend of apple, red berries, apricot, vanilla and sweet cream.
• Summer Pops: Reminisce on childhood memories of a cool ice pop on a warm summer day with bright notes of Brazilian orange, pineapple, strawberry, white peach and sandalwood.
• Beach Life: Transport yourself to a favorite summer vacation spot by the ocean with a breezy mix of sea salt, driftwood, white moss and white peony.

“These seasonal scents can help you evoke nostalgic memories and bring that summer energy into any room of your home,” Zias said. “They make everything feel a little more special and, honestly, they just make me happy.” 3. Keep It Simple and Guest-Friendly Part of summer’s appeal is its easygoing vibe, so there’s no need to overdo it with complicated snacks or overwhelming decor. Lean into the simplicity of the season with ready-to-serve bites that can please guests of all ages, like berries, sliced or cubed watermelon, meat and cheese trays, sliders or chips and light dips. A separate kids station with games and snacks can keep little ones entertained. 4. Create Comfortable Hangout Spots The hot summer sun and cool indoor air means guests will likely filter in and out of the house, so help them feel welcome and comfortable wherever they may be. Consider flexible seating guests can move around on the patio or in the yard, like bag chairs or foldable lawn chairs. Complement your festive indoor drink station with beverage-filled coolers to keep guests refreshed and designate an area for essentials like sunscreen and bug spray. 5. Have a Backup Plan The best-laid plans can go awry when summer storms pop up. Before inviting the entire town for a barbecue, make sure you have enough indoor space and seating in case of rain or extreme heat. For grilling plans, Zias recommends prepping an alternate cooking method to avoid last-minute stress. A little backup planning can help keep the good vibes going, rain or shine. For more summer entertaining ideas, visit Glade.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (group of friends eating) Photo courtesy of Glade (candles)   SOURCE: Glade

(Family Features) Beach vacations, backyard barbecues and long road trips make summer a season of spontaneity. Often cited as memory-making moments, these unplanned adventures can also make it a challenge to stay on track with your health. This summer, sticking to your wellness goals doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious, sweet treats. When summer throws you off your routine, reach for convenient sources of high-quality protein, like Premier Protein High Protein Shakes. With 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, you don’t have to choose between summer fun and nutrition. These summer shakes bring joy back to the health journey as easy and delicious grab-and-go solutions, putting a healthier, happier lifestyle within reach. Not to mention the shake’s 24 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, which help support a healthy immune system as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The fan-favorite shakes are best enjoyed as part of a nourishing breakfast, afternoon snack, post-workout boost or as an ingredient in a protein-packed recipe. There’s something for every taste bud, with more than 12 flavors including fan-favorites Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel and Cafe Latte. If you’re interested in trying summertime recipes that taste indulgent and pack a protein punch, consider these tasty treats. When the sun is beating down and the only reprieve is an ice cold refreshment, let this twist on frosted lemonade be your escape from the heat. With fruity flavor and added protein, Frosted Peach Lemonade allows you to travel to a tropical island from the comfort of home. From hot days to cool nights, Premier Protein delivers the perfect solution for the classic bonfire indulgence with Protein Marshmallow S’mores. Your new summer classic, this unexpected s’more hack lets you embrace a sticky treat without sacrificing your nutritional goals. With nutrition that works for you, delicious recipes and nutrition tools help make the ride smoother and more enjoyable as a fun reminder the health journey doesn’t have to be daunting. With easy-to-understand nutritionals, Premier Protein High Protein Shakes deliver tasty fuel for whatever comes next, giving you the confidence to reach your goals and be the best version of yourself without missing summer’s special moments. To find more information and protein-packed recipes that’ll help keep your summer health goals on track, visit PremierProtein.com.

Frosted Peach Lemonade

• 2 scoops Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake 100% Whey Protein Powder
• 1 cup lemonade
• 1 cup frozen peach slices

1. In blender, blend protein powder, lemonade and frozen peach slices until smooth.

Protein Marshmallow S’mores

• 2 cups Premier Protein Vanilla High Protein Shake
• 5 tablespoons gelatin
• 3 scoops Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake 100% Whey Protein Powder
• 3 graham crackers
• 3 chocolate bars

1. Add protein shake to small saucepan and layer gelatin on top. Let set 5-10 minutes (gelatin will start to “bloom”).
2. Over low heat, whisk mixture periodically until consistency thins.
3. Pour into mixing bowl and allow to cool 5-10 minutes until mixture is warm, not hot.
4. Add protein powder; whisk 10-20 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Mixture should not break and fall immediately when whisk is lifted.
5. Pour mixture into lined pan and allow to set in refrigerator.
6. Slice and serve alone or with graham crackers and chocolate bars.

  SOURCE: Premier Protein

(Family Features) Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. Enjoy more warm weather recipes by visiting Culinary.net.

Easy Pasta Salad

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

• 1 pound pasta noodles of choice
• 1 can (15 ounces) peas, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) carrots, drained
• 1 package (16 ounces) diced ham
• 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
• 1 package (6 ounces) cheddar cheese cubes
• 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup juice from bread butter pickles
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and place in large bowl. Add peas, carrots, ham, bacon pieces and cheese cubes.
2. In separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, pickle juice, vinegar and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour mixture over pasta and mix well.
3. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.

  SOURCE: Culinary.net