Warmer weather is right around the corner and here are just a few of our favorite pieces we hope will get you excited about kicking off your spring entertaining season.

Beautiful white dishes are the staple for any table setting because they mix well with every color and pattern, especially all of the new colors for spring, like these gorgeous turquoise goblets that will look stunning on your dining room table. You could also mix these white dishes with a sweet floral pattern, like the one on this delightful soup tureen.

Need a good soup recipe for your next party? I found this delicious one in the Entertaining at Terrace Hill book. It won a ribbon at the Iowa State Fair, so you know it has to be good!

TOMATO-BASIL BISQUE

6 celery ribs, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 medium red sweet pepper, chopped

¼ cup butter, cubed

5 to 6 cups Roma tomatoes, diced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

¾ cup coarsely chopped, loosely packed basil leaves

3 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

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In a large saucepan sauté celery, onion, and sweet pepper in hot butter about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 40 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the basil, sugar, salt and pepper; cool slightly.

In a blender container, process half the soup and half the cream at a time. Return all to saucepan. Heat through but do not bring to boiling. Serves 6 to 8.

-Linda Asbille, Indianola, IA