In the series opener, Giada De Laurentiis creates fresh, simple dishes for a neighborhood block party. On the menu: chicken and shrimp with pancetta chimichurri; orecchiette with greens; garbanzo beans and ricotta salata; blueberry-and-mascarpone turnovers.

Homemade Halloween treats are made, including spice cake and chocolate-dipped nougat with dried apricots.

An Italian meal features vegetable fritto misto with lemon mayonnaise and bucatini all'amatriciana with spicy mozzarella meatballs.

Giada creates a stylish, eclectic menu for a trunk show she's hosting at her home. Included: shrimp spring rolls with cucumber-yogurt dip; beef pops with pineapple-parsley sauce; blended cherry mojitos.

Los Angeles-inspired Thanksgiving dishes. Included: spiced turkey breast; poached pears in honey, ginger and cinnamon syrup; sweet-and-savory bread pudding.

Giada De Laurentiis plans a traditional lobster bake on the beach. The menu includes lobster tails with clarified butter, corn-and-black-bean salad with basil-lime vinaigrette, and spiked watermelon pops.

Giada prepares a colorful menu for an art show she's hosting at her house.

Italian dishes are made for a holiday get-together. Included: penne with shrimp and herbed cream sauce; Gorgonzola-stuffed portobello mushrooms; cranberry-cornmeal cake topped with caramel-walnut sauce.

The host serves eggs for dinner. Also: Lamill Coffee in Los Angeles is visited.

Giada hosts a recipe swap. Included: a fig-and-almond tart.

The host puts a healthful spin on indulgent foods for a relaxing spa party.

A healthful menu featuring grilled chicken and avocado Napoleons, citrus salad and angel-food cake with lemon-honey-yogurt sauce.

A Moroccan-themed gathering, featuring honey-balsamic lamb chops, couscous cakes, and hibiscus tea with vodka and citrus.

Giada prepares a picnic brunch to take to a polo match. The menu includes "Champagne Sangria", "Crispy Parmesan Biscuits" and "Espresso Chip Meringues".

The host throws a sushi-making party. Included: vegetable rolls with chili mayonnaise; salmon hand rolls.

The host plans a meal inspired by Paris. On the menu: steak-and-cheese croissant sandwiches; mushroom-and-parsley salad; raspberry-rose pots de crème.

Giada De Laurentiis puts her spin on typical picnic fare. Included: deviled eggs with crab; caponata paninis; a chocolate-honey-almond tart.

Giada and her husband Todd share a romantic evening while daughter Jade stays with a sitter. The recipes shared are "Roasted Citrus-Herb Game Hen", "Crouton Salad" and "Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegetables".

On the menu: red snapper with fava-bean puree; fried cheese-stuffed zucchini blossoms; mini pineapple cakes.

Giada prepares a menu for a bridal shower. Included: open-faced tuna sandwiches; hummus; coffee-glazed Italian donuts.

The host packs an eco-friendly picnic to take along on a hike. Included: cranberry-nut granola; grilled vegetable, herb and goat cheese sandwiches; chocolate-raspberry bars.

Mini Italian pub burgers, beer-battered apple and onion rings, and spicy chocolate milkshakes are made.

Trinidadian chicken stew, citrus-rice salad and mango-and-lime lassi complete an internationally inspired meal.

Desserts, including pomegranate-mint sorbet; strawberry-rosemary scones; and chocolate-hazelnut-dipped fruit.

Zucchini-olive flatbread, cauliflower-and-bacon gratin, and mascarpone-chocolate toffee bars are made.