I think the arrival of asparagus and artichokes deserves its own party. My editors agreed. Here’s a peek at my ideas for a spring harvest fest, complete with yellow tulips, a posh cocktail, and homemade napkin rings. You can find details, directions and see all the pictures here. (And a big thanks to Nicole for sharing my Frank Lloyd Wright story. I heart Nicole.)

Martha Stewart’s edge punch strikes again.

I always go completely insane over those mini vegetables in the stores. I buy them, bring them home, open the fridge, and stare.  Here’s a way to actually eat them:

Party Favors: seed packets from the grocery store. Artichokes can really come in handy. Besides, of course, on your dinner plate. (I love them as centerpieces, too, or placecard holders at each placesetting.)

Remember last summer, when I told you all about my love for American expatriates Gerald and Sara Murphy, who hung out with Picasso, Hemingway and Fitzgerald? This was Gerald’s favorite cocktail. He called it the juice of a few flowers. It’s my favorite, with or without the champagne. Once, F. Scott Fitzgerald drank too many and started throwing glasses off the balcony at the Villa America in France. I love knowing this.

His recipe: Mix 1 ounce each freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, 1/2 ounce each fresh lemon and lime juices. Top with 1 ounce gin, vodka or champagne. Garnish with a flower, of course.