It’s late afternoon, usually a sleepy time at Stony Ridge Ranch. But today the bed-and-breakfast, located 60 miles northwest of San Antonio, is vibrating with activity as owners Rollie and Steve Devlin prepare for their spring party, finishing off the last few details before friends arrive. They slide herbed breads from the outdoor fireplace onto an old farm table; they dish fresh whipped cream into an antique crockery bowl. Nature has provided the decorations—not to mention the excuse to celebrate. And Rollie, once a caterer, prides herself on providing a home base where couples can unplug and reconnect. But one day each April, she lavishes attention on her neighbors instead. A veterinarian, musicians, a nearby olive-orchard owner—the wonderful mix of guests reflects the region’s distinctive character. Some are longtime residents, descendants of German or Mexican settlers; others, like Rollie, who moved here from Dallas a decade ago, are former city dwellers seeking a quieter life. Today all are welcomed with a glass of champagne topped with a pretty sprig of lemon verbena.

Celebrate to joys of spring in your community by taking a page from Rollie’s cookbook. Spoil your neighbors and friends with a wonderful outdoor party that uses the best of nature in your community. It is that easy to start a new neighborhood tradition.

Be sure to make this refreshing drink with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

 Mint Lemonade 

The garden at Stony Ridge grows heirloom tomatoes, but for a big party like this, Rollie supplements them with heirlooms from a San Antonio market. Of course you can also make this dish with regular tomatoes.

 Tomato-Avocado Towers 

For a fancier presentation, you can skewer the shrimp and serve the salsa in either a martini glass or a scallop shell, with the skewer laid across it

 Jumbo Shrimp with Mango Salsa & Grilled Pineapple 

Rollie makes the honey with fresh lavender. If you have access to lavender plants, you'll need 12 flowering sprigs about 3 inches long. Otherwise, you can buy dried lavender buds in some supermarkets, in gourmet-food stores or from Web sites that sell herbs and spices. Do not buy lavender from craft stores or anywhere that might carry lavender for purposes other than cooking.

 Grilled Chicken on Rosemary Branches with Lavender Honey 

For an extra flourish, press whole fresh sage leaves into the dough before baking this delicious focaccia.

 Fresh Herb Focaccia 

Serve the tart with a big bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

 Rustic Berry Tart