For the sheer wow factor, few dishes can match a platter of fruits de mer, French for fruits of the sea. A combination of raw and cooked seafood set on a glistening bed of crushed ice, fruits de mer never fails to impress, with the shapes and colors of the seafood creating a dazzling display. Best of all, although it looks like you slaved for hours, fruits de mer is actually quite simple to prepare. Since it's served cold, most of the seafood and dipping sauces can and should be prepared a day in advance. The only accompaniments needed are crusty bread, green salad and sparkling white wine. Here is our best advice for throwing a summer party that celebrates the ocean's bounty. In addition, check out Pottery Barn Stylist Jeffery Moss's video about creating a beautiful table setting for your fruits de mer party and Domaine Carneros Founding Winemaker Elaine Crane's tips on entertaining with sparkling wine.