Summer Hosting
Image credits from left to right: Vintage Christofle Champagne Buckets, Pinterest, Nickey + Kohoe, Southern Living, ZARA Home, Bertwig Gotland, Once Milano, La Tuile à loup
When entertaining at home in the summer, relaxed, approachable materials, like linen and wicker come to mind. I'm happiest when making memories around the dining table, or outdoors by the fire in cooler Colorado evenings. A favorite motto - people may not remember what your table looked like, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Aim to be a welcoming, grateful host - and don't forget to have fun (cocktail in hand).
Ina Garten says it best - nice hand towels make lovely napkins in a pinch, especially for a casual summer table. Her own table, set below with French linen towels is an inspiration. However, these linen napkins from my friend Kathryn of Linen the Label are a consistent favorite - I have them in several colors and use everyday.
Image Credit: Ina Garten
Silver and silver plate can be an easy way to elevate your cocktail gatherings. I bring my silver bowls outside to serve chips, cherries and other snacks - nothing is too precious for everyday. Vintage and antique silver is durable, high quality and meant to be used. Rather than perfectly polished - I prefer a little bit of approachable patina.
Soft blues, mixed with the rattan, wicker and neutrals, is a restful and soft palette that I often return to in the summer months. Those tones and textures complement the design selections in our home, and they transition seamlessly to outdoor entertaining.
When designing entertaining spaces, indoor and out, the foundation of the room is the most important. In the dining room, an oval French wine table, available from Molly Solich Studio, is the key starting point. Round tables add a needed contrast to square spaces, and allow space for a center statement moment - a champagne bucket, silver tray or oversize statement florals.
Natural ferns, flowers foraged from the garden or local fields (always have your clippers!) can truly make a table. Some of my go-to vases & planters are linked below - with these two Ikea options - a wicker planter and glass water pitcher - being my recent favorites.
For a fun outdoor party, I love these melamine plates & coordinating platter featuring a chic red mughal flower. Casa Branca makes a darling mughal flower paper napkin that pairs perfectly - I throw everything on a large acrylic tray for easy transport outdoors and even easier clean up.
In a sunroom or patio, I love to add texture in the furniture with wicker or rattan pieces. My own garden room, off the kitchen, is in progress, but I plan to use traditional Malawi cane furniture, originally made in South Africa. It will be a nice spot to have cocktails with friends and family, and relax in the breeze with the windows open to the backyard.
1. La Rochelle - Bee Tumblers.
2. Once Milano - Long Fringe Napkins
3. Nickey Kehoe - Vintage Iron Garden Chairs
5. Molly Solich Studio - 19th Century French Lantern
6. Linen the Label - Oyster Linen Napkins
7. Indiens Melamine Plates and Platter
9. Molly Solich Studio - 19th Century French Wine Table
10. Molly Solich Studio - Vintage French Silver Plated Champagne Bucket
There is a nostalgic feeling associated with collecting pieces for hosting. From the table to the napkins, every detail works together to set the scene for intimate gatherings and priceless memories with loved ones. Find more inspiration on my ShopMy page here.
Happy hosting!
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