Late summer lingers with a quiet grace. Zinnias still burst with color, the trees remain richly green and the day’s heat softens into golden afternoons. It’s the perfect season for a garden party, gathering friends around a beautifully lit backyard table. “I love how the sun shifts through the year, lighting the same evergreens in different ways, like they have had costume changes with the seasons,” author and Flower magazine editor Margot Shaw says in her new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens & Parties.
The natural spotlight highlights the linen napkins that flutter in the breeze and the flowers that brighten every surface. Fresh herbs and garden blooms also become part of the décor, reminding us that elegance often lives in effortless moments. “Think about adding a signature touch,” says Christina Baruch of Denville-based Events Made Golden. “A welcome sign, vintage watering cans filled with flowers or colorful cloth napkins make the gathering feel thoughtfully curated.”
You also can make a lasting impression with menu options and drinks. “A pitcher of homemade lemonade, iced tea or a sparkling fruit punch adds a festive touch with minimal effort,” says Baruch, “and bite-sized desserts such as mini tarts, cookies or berry parfaits are perfect for mingling outdoors.”
With thoughtful details, seasonal blooms and the company of good friends, a backyard gathering becomes more than a meal. Want more inspiration and tips? We’ve put together some below, pulled from Shaw’s book and with local experts to add the perfect Garden State touch.
To complement the lush green of the surroundings, the host of this East Hampton, New York, party topped the table with a bubblegum-pink, embroidered tablecloth by Carolina Irving & Daughters and magenta antique French damask napkins from Guinevere Antiques. Notes author Margot Shaw: “The chair frames recall the iconic, late 19th-century style but feature deeper seats for modern comfort.”
Subtle details can be used to add pop and interest to the décor. Colorful linens, glassware and bold zinnias in ceramic vases adorn the dining table. A minibar is set up on scalloped metal consoles, which also hold Annabelle hydrangeas straight from the garden. In a clever nod to the coastal environs, oysters are served in a clamshell bowl.
“We love incorporating fresh greenery, seasonal blooms and natural textures like wicker, wood and linen,” says Phyllis Porter, owner of Elegant Creations in Middletown. “These elements instantly make the space feel warm and inviting without taking away from the beauty of the garden itself. As the sun begins to set, we recommend adding lanterns, candles or string lights throughout the space to create a soft glow that encourages guests to relax and enjoy the evening.”
Temporary structures and tents, such as this one by architects Richard Bories and James Shearron, can be used as a pool house and another lounging location. During summer, this structure blends in with the landscape. In colder months, it is stowed away until the following season.
“Offer an abundance of cushioned surfaces and blankets to use when it cools, as well as small side tables where guests can set down drinks,” adds Arlin Elena, owner of Mahwah-based Moments Made. “As daylight fades, string café lights overhead and scatter lanterns, hurricane candles and votives for a warm glow.”
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