Chase away the winter blues by welcoming spring with a gathering of friends and family. Take inspiration from the fruits and vegetables that are reappearing at your local farm stand or green market -- baby greens, leeks, asparagus, new potatoes, fresh peas, fava beans and berries. This menu showcases the season’s best ingredients.

When your guests arrive pass Vanilla Shrimp Crostini and Almond-Ale Spritzer, a lively cocktail of ale brightened with almond extract, cilantro and lemon juice. Start with Cat Cora’s Spring Vegetable Minestrone Soup with Fava Beans and Mint. Finish with a dessert of fresh berries. Continue the spring theme by keeping the decorations light and airy – instead of flowers try blooming forsythia branches in tall vases. Choose dinnerware and linens in light colors -- lemon yellow, lime green and pale raspberry.