Backyard Barbecue and Barn DanceWhen/Where: Sunday, Aug. 28, Little Compton Community Center, 34 Commons, Little Compton, 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.Why Go: A great community event and salute to summer! Burgers and hot dogs, square dancing downstairs, a movie upstairs and a bounce house for the kids outside. This event is free to members and open to all. Pricing: Free for members
A quick way to add a dash of style to a last-minute barbeque is sitting right inside your linen drawer. “Folding a napkin creatively can be exciting,” says Stark enthusiastically, “I think napkins are the unsung heroes of table décor. Get creative!” For a beach party, Stark might do something as simple as iron three horizontal creases into a napkin to look like waves. For a gathering in the garden, he might attach a flower to a ribbon then tie it around the napkin for a touch almost too beautiful to muss.
Concert by Irish Sensation Andy Cooney When/Where: Friday, Aug. 26, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center, 49 Touro St., Newport. Why Go: Irish Music sensation Andy Cooney returns to Newport for one night in a concert to benefit The Museum of Newport Irish History. Pricing: $25
“Make a centerpiece on your lawn,” says Stark, who likes to set out a stack of thick serving trays (cutting boards would work as well) or a low stool –– on top of a picnic blanket — to provide a symbolic center-point for his guests: The Party Is Here. “It can hold glasses and other things that need a steady surface. But then I might add a clay pot with a liner filled with daisies or sunflowers, or maybe herbs from the farmer’s market.” He says if it’s just drinks he’ll stock his “centerpiece” as a bar. “Nuts, dried fruit, cheese, some bottles of wine. All the things you’d put out for a cocktail party except it’s not on the bar, it’s on a picnic blanket on your lawn — which makes it special.”
A: Not really. Our schedules these days are really busy. When we were in high school and when our kids were much younger we always enjoyed them. So, we are looking forward to coming New York.
Like the subtle art of mastering food and wine pairings, a husband and wife team in San Francisco are gaining attention for their website that pairs her passion for cookery and his passion for music.