Photographed by Michael Polish

How does actress Kate Bosworth entertain during the summer season? With pretty blooms, homemade desserts and a good chilled Moscow Mule, complete with the requisite copper mugs. And, of course, great friends and family — including her husband Michael Polish, who photographed the luminous portrait above.

The best summer parties always have…
Water (by a pool or the beach), a delicious cocktail, great friends and good music.

When entertaining during the summer, I usually serve…
Something simple but delicious. A bright herb salad served with fresh grilled fish and a tomatillo salsa, for example.

And for drinks…
A good Moscow Mule is always divine. I love the combination of fresh ginger and mint with lime for the summer. We have chilled copper mugs at the ready!

And when it comes to decor, I prefer…
Peonies, hydrangea, soft English roses. I’m quite classical when it comes to floral arrangements. My favorite florist in L.A. is Kelsey at flowergirllosangeles.com. She ventures to the market daily to make sure her selections are perfectly fresh.

Best conversation ice-breaker…
A compliment.

Dream summer party guest list…
I surround myself with kind, open-hearted friends with a wicked sense of humor. Those who get into just the right amount of trouble. If you feel that you fit this description, join us!

The best summer party I’ve ever been to…
The best summer parties for me consist of close friends and family at my husband and my property in Montana. We make cherry and apple pies (using the fruits from our orchard) and play our old jukeboxes that have been lovingly restored, all night long. You can hear Merle Haggard, George Strait or Dwight Yoakam singing all the way across our lake.

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