Sure, summer is suited to barbecues, picnics and all sorts of al fresco fun. But indoor entertaining has appeal during the warmer months as well. When temperatures turn too sultry to sit outside, or you just crave a more elegantly prepared meal shared with good friends and no mosquitoes, you'll be grateful for your kitchen and indoor entertainment spaces.

The new school year is just around the corner, and with childhood obesity on the rise and an increased national focus on sensible eating, it's more important than ever to offer healthy food alternatives to kids. And not just for school lunch. Afternoon snack time is often overlooked when parents are planning meals, making it easy for families to stray away from making smart food choices.

With obesity rates on the rise, there is no better time than now for families to build healthier habits. While selecting the right foods is the first step, how they are prepared is equally as important. Cooking healthfully includes choosing the right ingredients as well as implementing techniques such as baking, grilling, broiling, roasting and stir frying.

For the average person, hostessing does not mean setting out your finest table cloth and most prized dinnerware. One of the keys to being a good hostess is to create a warm home environment that's ready to welcome guests at any time.

The end of summer doesn't mean you need to head indoors to cook your meals. The ease of operating gas grills ensures that grilling is a great way to prepare a meal any time of year, and seasonal food can inspire grillers to try new recipes.

A family reunion can be one of your extended family's most memorable shared experiences, providing new family stories and deepening bonds for years to come. If you are in the coordinator's seat, it can also be a daunting amount of work. With a bit of advice from the experts on planning, delegation and, the centerpiece of any family gathering, food and drink, it can be a bit easier.

The art of learning to pair wine with dessert is something that you will find helpful throughout your life. There are even culinary courses, pastry classes and various books and websites devoted to the topic, which simply highlight the importance of knowing your wine when you dine.

Planning a road trip this summer to see a part of the great U.S.A. you've never been to before? If so, there's a lot of planning to do. You need to figure out which route to take, what attractions you want to visit along the way and where you'll spend each night away from home -- not to mention what to bring.

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for children. Each fall begins with a new teacher, different classmates and a fresh start, making it the perfect time for you and your kids to get back into a daily routine. A good place to start is the school lunch. To avoid falling into a rut and preparing the same lackluster foods, here are a few tips to help make over any lunch box this school year.

Did you know more babies are born in August than any other month of the year? According to data from the CDC, there is a "baby boom" from July to September -- meaning most women become pregnant during the cooler nine months prior. For all moms who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, it's important to have a healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods. By following clear advice from health experts, moms-to-be can ensure their health and boost their baby's growth.