Lori A. Stern occupies a niche corner of the food world. She’s made a name for herself with her pressed-flower sugar cookies and petal-adorned cakes, but her skills aren’t limited to just desserts. Everything she touches turns brighter, better, and prettier, and she’s no stranger to improvisation, either, a tactic she employed on this dreamy midsummer evening. Every dish was almost too beautiful to eat—but of course, we did.

Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays, and Kristen Cassie, founder and florist at Moon Canyon Design, proves it with this beautiful wreath of delicate roses, cattails, and the intoxicating aroma of hydrangeas

Grill-marked hot dogs, hamburger patties, and popsicle-red lips…ah, the signs of summer—and a stomachache. This 4th of July, we’re resisting tradition and serving up fare that’s fresh, healthy and fuss-free.

Early summer brings a long-awaited bounty of fresh produce that seem to just be springing out of the soil. While the abundance is welcome, sometimes we bite off more than we can chew—literally. If you’ve gone a little squash-crazy at the market or your garden flourished more than you expected, share the wealth with a garden-table party that doesn’t waste a thing.