Chefs across the States are digging deeply into the nuances of Spanish cuisine.

So why not bring the Spanish way--simple ingredients and breezy dining--home?

This month's dinner party gathers together four friends for a casual meal. The setting: a table set stylishly with patterned plateware that stunningly highlights the Moorish influences of southern Spain.

To begin: Simple skewers created from high-end canned Spanish staples like white asparagus, olives and roasted peppers are an effortless starter. The bites pair superbly with a self-serve white-port punch loaded with early-season peaches and effervescent with Spanish sparkling wine.

Then it's on to a creamy white gazpacho made with almonds and grapes, and finger-friendly shrimp a la plancha served over toast slicked with saffron aioli. On the side is a delightfully pungent olive, chorizo and blue cheese salad.

Save the dishwashing for later, and instead spoon up apricots roasted in fortified wine and served with Marcona almonds, thick cream and a drizzle of honey. Sit back with your guests, restart the special playlist and let the evening drift by.