Add some zing to your next party without breaking the bank on fancy decor or expensive entertainment. When used together, the suggestions below will create a dynamic experience for you and your guests.

Sight
Instead of the standard floral centerpiece, let the bright vivid hues of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables color your table. Grilled eggplant, red bell peppers and asparagus or medley of cantelope, melon and assorted berries will accent your table (not to mention, your meal), especially when paired with crisp white linens and dinnerware.

Taste
Iced tea and lemonade are summertime staples. Update these classics with a new twist - frozen fresh berries. Place sliced strawberries, blueberries and or raspberries in an ice cube tray, cover with water and freeze overnight. Insert ice cubes into a glass, fill with preferred drink and garnish with a sliced strawberry. Voila, you have a refreshing, festive drink.

Smell
Grilling is to outdoor parties like popcorn is to movies. Guests, who weren't hungry upon arrival, are suddenly starving as the smell of BBQ drifts through the air. But grilling can be messy. Not anymore! Use Reynolds Hot Bags Foil Bags, pouches made of extra heavy-duty aluminum foil. Just insert entree and vegetables into the pouch, fold to seal and slip it on the grill to cook. Once your meal is done, just throw away the pouch. No fuss, the way every great party should be.

Sound
If, like me, you prefer to load up the CD player, turn it on and walk away during your party, then I have two CD suggestions for you. In Between Dreams (2005) and Sing-a-Longs and Lullabies from the Film Curious George (2006), both by Jack Johnson, a native Hawaiian and former pro-surfer turned great singer. While the latter CD is unsuspecting, both CDs include mellow yet upbeat music, perfect for relaxing with good friends over a bottle of wine.

Touch
The sense of touch is rarely thought of when planning a party; it just happens, like the texture of food, the warmth of the sun or the feel of crisp, clean linens. The best way to always incorporate 'touch' into your party is to greet guests with a smile or warm embrace when they arrive and thank them for sharing their company when they leave. This tip is not new but a gentle reminder that people make the party!

Everyone knows the power of blueberries; they are anti-oxident rich fruits that protect against aging, heart disease and cancer. And in the summer, they are plentiful and so easy to eat - out of your hand, on top of dessert - and as a condiment to grilled chicken, pork and white fish. I found this recipe years ago and it has become a summer staple at dinner parties.

1/2 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing grill
2 jalapeno chiles
24 scallions
3 cups blueberries (about 1 pound)
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
3 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, very
thinly sliced, plus whole leaves for garnish
1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, roughly
chopped, plus whole leaves for garnish

Heat grill to medium-high; lighly oil it. Grill jalapenos until slightly charred and blistered, turning frequently, about 15 minutes. Using a paper towel, pull off the stems and remove skins and seeds from chiles. Roughly chop flesh; set aside.

Place 2 cups blueberries in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 5 times. Transfer to a medium bowl, and add onion, jalapenos, lime juice, and salt; stir to combine. Add basil, cilantro, remaining cup blueberries, and oil; stir to combine.

Serve over grilled chicken, pork or white fish and garnish with basil and cilantro leaves. Enjoy!

Celebrate your son or daughter's big achievement with an inexpensive special effect ... confetti. Either purchase confetti hand clappers (www.orientaltrading.com) and let guests 'applaud' your grad or rent a handheld cannon (www.artistryinmotion.com) that propels confetti or streamers 25-35 ft in the air. Bonus - see if you can get your school's colors.