In my ever-so-humble opinion, we all should be frequenting our local farmer’s markets and eat outside as much as possible before the weather turns cold. All it takes is a little imagination and planning to create a fabulous spread to be enjoyed outdoors.

Now in its 17th year, the Food Network’s New York City Wine & Food Festival (www.nycwff.org) took place last week from October 17-19.

My mom always says, “make sure your table is set so your guests know you were expecting them.”