A Sophisticated Supper

The sun-dappled Bird Key home of artist Theresa Spinner is the backdrop for this elegant al fresco supper. A quick trip to Morton's Market yields a memorable feast for all the senses, starting with caviar and a chilled bottle of Cristal champagne. Chateaubriand with roasted potatoes, grilled patty pan squash, asparagus and baby zucchini, assorted breads and a salad of baby mozzarella and ruby red cherry tomatoes, bursting with flavor, round out the repast. Get out your best linen tablecloths, add roses, candles and silver serving pieces and-voilà-you've got a supper that's fast and fabulous.

RESOURCES: China, flatware, linens, Mary's on Main; flowers, Tiger Lily; cuisine, Chef Shane Pollak, Morton's Market.

Florentine Feast

Transfer your delectable edibles from their carryout containers into pretty bowls and platters, and any occasion will soar. Case in point: this leisurely lunch right out of the heart of Tuscany. Brightly fruit-patterned majolica from Florentine Ceramics on Main Street sets a leisurely holiday mood, and Epicure provides the earthy Italian peasant fare: penne pasta, aromatic cheeses, a mixed green salad and sliced New York strip with rosemary. Fresh herbs from the garden and an overflowing fruit basket complete the picture-perfect picnic. Go ahead, linger all afternoon under the Tuscan-like sun.

RESOURCES: Majolica dishware and serving pieces, Florentine Ceramics; flatware and linens, Mary's on Main; flowers, Mr. Florist Plants 'n Things; cuisine, Epicure. Photographed in the courtyard of Mr. Florist Plants 'n Things.

Brunch on the Bay

The oak-filled grounds of The Cypress bed and breakfast, on Gulfstream Avenue across from Sarasota Bay, are the perfect park-like setting for a family brunch filled with good-for-you fare from Sarasota's new star on the gourmet take-out scene, Whole Foods. Bring out a festive hand-painted tablecloth from Mary's on Main and pile on the platters of Thai chili-glazed salmon, harvest couscous, spinach orzo salad, millet yam cakes and green beans almondine. A pear tart, strawberries and muffins sweeten the party. This is real food that feeds the soul.

RESOURCES: China, glassware and linens, Mary's on Main; flowers and cuisine, Whole Foods.