From graduation parties and baby showers to Sunday brunches and family cookouts, at-home entertaining is a frequent summer pastime. You’ve hosted parties in the past, but how do you ensure you’re always making a good impression on your guests? Pay attention to your company’s comfort, food and décor, says Eric Lysdahl, Allied ASID, of Eric Lysdahl Inc., Interior Design and Decoration.
“The best summer gatherings are those marked by bringing together close friends or family; offering simple, good food—the best ingredients you can afford—and being calm as a host to make your guests feel comfortable,” Lysdahl says.
Physical comfort is key as well, particularly if your get-together is under the sun. “When setting an outdoor table, you want your guests to be well shaded,” he says. Flip to Top Choices in our June/July issue to see seven patio umbrellas we love.
“I like the stylish pavilion stripe and shape of the Vienna patio umbrella by Safavieh,” (above) Lysdahl says.
The décor you select for table settings should be appropriate for the season and the event. (Try to keep the dark orange plates and olive green platters stashed away until fall.) Fresh summer flowers such as hydrangeas, roses and orchids always make beautiful centerpieces, and a bowl of berries, melons or citrus fruit can provide bright colors—and it’s edible décor.
“Adding fruit into a tablespace creates a level of interest to your floral,” says Stacey Sainato of Morristown’s Peony Events. “You can include in a floral centerpiece, or fill the bottom of a glass vase an array of lemons and limes and top it with flowers. It adds that summer feel to your table design.”
Hosts also can complement the décor with personal touches, such as pieces from their own collections.
“I like to use items from my collection of antique vintage tabletop pieces to create unique dining experiences,” Lysdahl says.
If you love the antique look but don’t have an extensive collection from which to pull pieces, these accessories can dress up any table.
The Fiorella table runner from Williams Sonoma is hand-made in Italy and will brighten any table setting.
Your friends will love eating off of plates from the 100 Years of Royal Albert china collection.
The antique finish of these West Elm railroad lanterns will add a rustic vibe to the table setting—and the lamps will make entertaining easier when the sun goes down.
Want more expert advice from New Jersey’s interior designers? Read “Ask the Experts” in our June/July issue.