A picnic on the beach, a holiday dinner, a romantic repast for two or a baby shower for your best friend. Whatever the occasion, here's your chance to show your friends that your raw food diet is more than just grazing on a plate of fruit. Bring out those recipes that will leave them breathless and begging for more.

Here are some great tips for entertaining that will help you prepare so you can get out of the kitchen to enjoy your guests.

• Stay true to yourself - Prepare foods that speak to you. For me, it's the comfort foods like Italian and Mexican dishes. They're all cheeses, herbs and cream sauces. You always do best when you create from familiar recipes you really love.
• Know your guests - The key here is to know what pleases your guests. If you already know what friends and family likes and dislikes are, you can figure out how adventurous you should be. With strangers, you'll need to do your homework to find these things out. Don't forget to check for allergies!
• Be age appropriate - Children eat far less food than adults, and they tend to have cast iron stomachs. Teenagers eat 50% more food than all age groups and are more open to ethnic foods and flavors. Both the elderly and children don't enjoy spicy foods.
• Imagine what they'll be wearing - If you expect your guests to be dressed to the nines in white, don't serve gooey or oily finger foods and stay away from red sauces. For beach or sports events, keep the food light and avoid heavy foods and sauces.
• Consider the venue - Is your space large? If so, it can probably accommodate ample serving dishes. On the other hand, a smaller setting might be most appropriate for one-dish meals, like pizza, veggie loafs or burgers. Also, prepare according to whether it will be a sit down dinner or a buffet.
• Stay in season - Nothing is as yummy as fresh organic seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sticking with fruits and veggies of the season will keep the appeal high and the costs down. Organic wines and fresh flowers are the perfect finishing touches.
• Prepare ahead of time - Plan your event from table settings to dessert. When possible, prep days or even weeks in advance then freeze for easier assembly on the big day.
• Have a theme - Choose your menu according to theme, whether it's seasonal or ethnic. Plan your entrée first, then soup, appetizers and dessert. Lastly, choose your side dishes. Keep a watchful eye on colors and textures so you can have a mix and not use foods that are too similar.

My favorite tip is, don't be a hero. If you need help ask for it! Remember, the whole point of entertaining is to have a good time right along with your guests.