Quickie recipes for summer entertaining.

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Recipe

Summer entertaining should be fun and effortless. Keep things simple and think frozen foods when it comes to impromptu, tasteful entertainment.

Maureen Christian Petrosky, author of The Cocktail Club: A Year of Recipes and Tips for Spirited Tasting Parties and The Wine Club: A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends, as well as creator of the 10-minute happy hour, says it is important not to stress over entertaining and to focus on moments that matter with family and friends. To do this, keep go-to items in your freezer and fridge at all times for easy meals that please crowds:

Frozen pizzas and appetizers. If unexpected guests drop by or family beach time goes longer than planned, gourmet frozen pizza pairs well with most anything--a glass of wine, nonalcoholic cocktail, or salad--and makes for a tasty appetizer or dinner ready in 15 minutes or less.

No-cook vegetables. Take...