Cottage weekends, perfect fruits and vegetables, lake dips, fireflies. Summer is most definitely here.

I’m looking forward to spending some time relaxing on my own, watching birds in the back yard. I'm also hoping to get together with friends and family, just to kick back and catch up. Recent weather reminds us how hot and steamy summer can get, so keeping summer entertaining plans easy and casual is always a great idea. To help keep meal preparation simple, the bounty of farmers' markets at this time of year is an absolute joy.

As usual, we’ve put together some great seasonal recipes to help with your summer entertaining.

Let’s start with something as simple as an iced coffee. Have you noticed how much more we’re paying for coffee these days? No longer am I pouring any leftover coffee down the drain! Instead I’m making ice cubes that can be used in a thirst-quenching iced coffee. Here's our quick and easy iced coffee recipe.

Salads are top of mind in the summer, of course. Today we're featuring two main course salads: first is a smoked duck and orange salad. The smoked duck found in the freezer here at Jill’s Table is fabulous, and we've paired it with a simple citrus dressing made using some of our great oils and vinegars. Combine these ingredients with virutally any of the many fabulous greens you'll find at the outdoor farmer’s market at Covent Garden Market and you’ve got yourself a salad that isn’t just a side – it’s the star of the plate.

(Speaking of the market, our array of market baskets now includes a new line of trolleys. They really do add to the market shopping experience.)

Next up, a wonton salad. Not exactly what you'd expect – yet somehow, it works beautifully. Inspired by two recent New York Times recipes, we took Daily Dumpling Wonton Co. classic pork and mustard greens wontons and paired them with with fresh local ingredients for another fabulous main course salad. This one is a showstopper!

As always, the key to great recipes is great ingredients, and that certainly applies to the oils and vinegars in salad dressings. Surprisingly there's quite a lot to know about oils & vinegars, and if you're looking for advice our team can help you select from the wide variety on our shelves. We have olive oils from mild and buttery to grassy and peppery – from Italy, France and Spain. Our vinegars come from the same countries and offer a great range of flavours. We often have many olive oil and vinegar bottles open in our kitchen, so please do ask for a tasting.

Looking for something practical to serve salads on and in? We really like Pampa Bay "I-can't-believe-it's-not-porcelain" melamine which offers a wide range of serving pieces that are ideal for poolside and the cottage. We also like Danica’s new Fresco series; the vanilla bean and marine blue colours are lovely, and Danica's large bowls and platters are perfect for salads.

It’s been hot! A refreshing summer drink is such a summer pleasure. Check out our Tessiere syrups from France... these are great splashed into some chilled mineral water and are a great addition to cocktails.

And with drinks, perhaps some cheese? Just a friendly reminder that for all of July, with the purchase of $20 of Canadian cheeses, you'll receive a complimentary box of Lesley Stowe Raincoast crisps made in… yay, Canada!

We're in peak season for bridal showers and weddings. If you have any to attend, our team is here to help find the perfect gift. Maybe consider serveware from Sophie Conran or Casa Fina made in Portugal. Or maybe a spectacular Mike Sbrocca salad bowl; unique, hand-crafted Canadian bowls that will bring decades of enjoyment. Your choices can be beautifully gift wrapped, ready to go.

We hope you're able to savour the deliciousness and delightfulness of summer. We look forward to helping you make it even more special.