Instructions: The abundance of the season makes it a great time for a no-frills, easy grilling party. Nothing inspires me to cook more than a trip to my local farmers market. The colors, shapes, and varieties of produce - not to mention the sheer abundance of it all - draw me there.

My way of taking advantage of whats available is to host a Make Your Own Shish Kebab Party. Its a fun, easy, and casual way to entertain. Almost all the preparation work can be done the day before. It also appeals to any guests who are vegetarian.

Choose a variety of vegetables and fruits with different colors and shapes.

Some favorites of mine are Rosa Bianca eggplant, White Egg eggplant, Thai eggplants, yellow pear tomatoes, zucchini, red, yellow or purple peppers, mild chile peppers, baby red potatoes, fingerling potatoes (pre-cook these), onions, mushrooms, patty pan squash, and summer squash.

Peaches, nectarines, and apples are also great to grill!

Offer a variety of steak, sausage, boneless pork, boneless chicken, whole shrimp, whole scallops, or fish. Chunks of firm-fleshed fish such as tuna, swordfish, salmon, or shark grill beautifully.

Cut the meats and vegetables into 1 1/2 inch chunks. Display them in bowls or on platters. Keep meats and fish separate. Vegetables can be displayed in lined wicker baskets, platters or bowls.

Have a tray of skewers out. Metal skewers work great but for an interesting touch try long stalks of lemongrass halved lengthwise. Thick rosemary stalks that have been stripped work nicely, too. If using lemongrass, rosemary, or wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water one or more hours before grilling to keep them from catching on fire.

Allow about six ounces of meat or fish and eight ounces of vegetables per adult. For children, cut those amounts in half.

Flowers are great for decorating and you can really go wild at the farmers market. Choose whatever suits your fancy. I love to use sunflowers this time of year. Baskets of mums are always easy and look great.

A rice salad, potato salad, and/or pasta salad will complement the shish kebabs. You might want to prepare some sauces to serve alongside your kebabs. A fresh fruit salad or pie is the perfect ending to this meal. Click for menu and recipe ideas.

All the vegetables and meat or fish can be cut and stored separately. Rice, potatoes, and pasta can be cooked the day before and assembled the day of the party. Dessert can also be made earlier in the day or the day before.

If serving any appetizers, wait a bit before you light the grill. If you want to get right down to eating, then light the grill when your guests arrive. This is a really fun interactive way to entertain and your guests are sure to enjoy it!

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