
Summer calls out for celebrating in the garden. To make your parties sing, it pays to attend to the visual details. Sometimes the smallest detail can lift up the look and spirits of your party, making it an event that your guests will remember for a very long time.

Photo: Steven Nilsson
Afraid your guests will burn up in the unblinking sun during an afternoon garden party? That was our concern when we organized a garden party to benefit Save Venice. So, we headed to Chinatown and bought a case of paper umbrellas. They are inexpensive, practical and very chic. The image of guests sauntering through the garden under these romantic shades, made us feel we had stepped back in time.
Planning a lunch on the terrace? Crisp linen napkins, shining silver and colored glass give this table an elegant, summery style – perfect for a snappy lunch overlooking the garden. Here is a table we created for just such a gathering.

Photo: Art Gray
Want to create a romantic garden setting for two? Think neutral colors and cream-ware. Forget fine linens. Instead, cover the table in unbleached canvas to create a relaxed brunch for a lazy summer morning.
Entertaining in the garden shouldn’t feel forced, but a little attention to the little things will make everyone feel lucky to be there. And with summer beckoning, we are fortunate indeed!