Summer Soirees: Entertaining
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
I think it's the being boxed up and ready to move tomorrow that has me thinking about nesting, being settled, having pressed linens and stacks of clean dishes. And entertaining. Though all entertaining can be accomplished with grace and ease, there's something so naturally simple and simultaneously elegant about summer evening parties. Perhaps it's just the light breeze and scent of hydrangeas floating around the party. Well. Here's to summer entertaining.
| Opening up the back of a dwelling and allowing for traffic to flow smoothly between food inside and visiting outside doubles the entertainment space. Private Comment
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| For smaller gatherings, furniture facing inward on a back patio makes for easy chatting, with room to breathe and roam. Hang and disperse differently-sized white lights (citronella, for mosquitos and pests) around the space. Private Comment
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When serving food, create a quick professional look by spreading a white linen cloth on the table, using white dishes, sterling forks (easily found used at antique stores) and green cloth napkins and table plants to create a simple and quick service.
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| Just as with sprawling interior rooms, sectioning off the back yard gives reason and distinct purpose to the area. Private Comment
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| Lighting. Lighting. Whether large spotlights, or tea lights and white lights strung through trees, get the lighting right. Private Comment
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Entertaining by a pool takes such little effort for a grand effect. Decorate the table for food, turn on the pool light, crank up a little samba or jazz, and you're good to go. Just don't be that person that, after several drinks of guests, gets thrown in the pool.
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The space need not be large to offer a grand effect and comfort.
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In fact, landings like these, even in smaller apartments and urban dwellings, can be just the right added space for entertaining (and a late, calm breakfast the morning after).
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| But even a small space with a view, well: ahhhhh. Private Comment
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Comments
Becky Harris says:
Here's one I'd like to visit for a party:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/18994/Feldman-Architecture-modern-patio-san-francisco
http://www.houzz.com/photos/18994/Feldman-Architecture-modern-patio-san-francisco
3 years ago ·
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bevans says:
I really like the patio furniture that was chosen for the spaces, here is a great selection of patio furniture: http://www.patiofurniturestation.com
9 months ago ·
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