Easy, Breezy June

"Moons and Junes and ferris wheels, the dizzy-dancing way you feel..." Joni Mitchell penned those lines over 40 years ago but her reference to the excitement of summer's initial forays into fun still ring true today. The June issue of Martha Stewart Living was swiftly scooped up and pored over the moment I walked into the door this evening. This June, more than in June issues past, the focus is on entertaining and summer cooking. I was a little surprised to see so few articles on gardening, summer crafts or summer decorating ideas. What it means, though, is much more room for the things we truly focus on in June: easy outdoor dining, simple strategies for summer get-togethers and plenty of recipes for drinks, desserts and other lovely indulgences. Below are some highlights from the issue.

The cover is an homage to summer's casual flare: burgers, refreshing drinks and a riot of blue gingham.

On the splash page towards the back of the magazine, the editors labeled bottles of white wine and rosé with letters from the masthead: an enticing invitation to sip from these splendid entertaining ideas.A collecting article about the humble household juicer - glimpsed through the ages - will have you making a list of styles you will be searching for on your next trip to the flea market.Summer entertaining is the primary focus of this issue. One article presents us with ideas on simple summer strategies for get-togethers with friends and family: buffets, picnics and casual dinners.A farm-to-table story is a great way to get excited about using the season's produce!An article on tarts is especially captivating. The "plates" used in the images are actually comprised of stitches, beautifully sewn and embroidered by Miyuki Sakai.