From aroma to presentation, taste, touch and sound-revel in the Mediterranean spirit by creating the most authentic ambiance in your home. For the most enjoyable experience, complement your dishes by arousing the senses Mediterranean style.

Invite friends and family for the ultimate feast. Keep it casual and decorate with what you've got. Remember, the Europeans enjoy what they have for long periods - no need to spend money on things you already have. Play the soundtrack to your favorite movie and ask your guests to come in character! Or consider classical, opera or Dean Martin - you can certainly find "Best of" CD's for your favorite genre/artist. Remove those paper napkins! Use cloth napkins. Host your dinner inside on the dining room table, or outside on the patio table - let the season dictate where you will enjoy dinner with your friends and family. Use a crisp white table cloth, or no table cloth at all - let your food and décor dress the table. Bring out the formal silverware - enjoy the fine things that you already have. Who are you saving them for? Decorate your table with a batch of flowers picked from your own yard. Did we mention how therapeutic this is? Take out those candlesticks, dust off those candles and light them up to add a warm shimmer and feel to the table. Remember, use unscented candles only. Scented candles are great for a bath but not the dining table - you want your home to be filled with the aroma of the food. Consider simple and easy to assemble appetizers, offer a variety of olives, cheeses, Melba toast, bread or crackers, assorted fruit, and olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Pick any one, or all, make it simple and easy - use what you have! Start with a simple Mediterranean salad. Cut tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, add a little salt and pepper, top with olive oil and red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Choose from several Contessa Mediterranean convenience meals - consider the Chicken Italiano, Burgundy Beef Stew and Chicken Cacciatore - prepare them in 12 minutes or less - and plate them family style in decorative bowls or plates. Complement the meal with fresh bread. If you choose Italian meals, offer a warm Focaccia bread or Ciabatta slices- easy to make! Don't forget the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping the delicious breads… Offer your guests a choice of white or red wine and be prepared with some witty and heart-felt toasts! Use simple everyday glasses for the most down-home, comfortable, family dinner. For dessert, serve vanilla ice cream and pour a little balsamic vinegar over it (try it, you will be amazed at the flavor). Or, if that's a stretch, offer spumoni ice cream - if you can find it. Consider biscotti or Panettone as the sweet tooth comfort-treats for the evening. Offer hot tea or coffee as an option. If there is still some wine left, keep enjoying it and toast all night long to everything you and your guests are thankful for. But remember, drink responsibly - make sure to have a designated driver!

You're looking to impress - so provide the best and shoot for perfection! We have you covered for dinner, so you can focus your attention on the details. First, play your choice of classical or opera music - Beethoven, Vivaldi or a best of collection of opera - keep the volume low for a romantic ambiance. Use a white table cloth and cloth napkins to match. Think outside of the box on where to dine… Patio, dining room, poolside, a special table in an unassuming area… Create the scene! Enjoy your fine china - it's time to use it! Decorate your table with a batch of flowers picked from your own yard. Did we mention how therapeutic this is… Display modest unscented candles for a touch of warmth/romance. Scented candles are great for the bath but not a dining table - you want your home to be filled with the aroma of the food. Start with a simple salad topped with light olive oil, red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. Complement with fresh bread, French or crisp baguette. Dust off your formal stemware and enjoy a robust red wine. Choose from several Contessa convenience meals with Mediterranean origin, consider the Beef Goulash, Shrimp Primavera or Portobello Ravioli - prepare them in 12 minutes or less - and plate perfectly for two. Offer hot tea or coffee as an option, sorbet or an assortment of your favorite desserts. Enjoy the rest of your Mediterranean evening over wine, great conversation and under candlelight. Drink responsibly.