Tuesday, May 21, 2013

How to Host A Perfect Summer Kickoff Soiree


How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine
image via Lucky Magazine
Whether I'm playing hostess or attendee, my favorite dinner parties are those that feel effortless - the ones that forgo stuffy, extravagant traditions and allow for the type of simple (yet still well-styled) pleasures that make you feel like you're on vacation. Summertime is a natural when it comes to providing the perfect backdrop for these types of gatherings (think golden lighting, warm air, late sunsets). So when Lucky Magazine and La Crema Pinot Gris asked me to team up with them for a summer entertaining series and to host an outdoor get-together that showcased my personal style, I was all about it.

With a little advance planning and a few key details in mind, it's easy to come up with a beautifully designed summer kickoff bash that will give guests something to remember. For my dinner party, I chose to focus on concepts that embody the season: vibrant flowers, classic-meets-playful patterns and color schemes, garden fresh foods, a light, summery wine, music made for spontaneous dance parties, and for my hostess outfit, a casual, feminine-yet-edgy sundress and sandals. My only set rule for entertaining is to get preparations done early enough in the day that I can relax with my guests. Because like summer itself, this type of blissful gathering never lasts quite long enough, and every moment should be enjoyed with reckless abandon.

Read on for the details of how I designed and styled my party, and where you can get the goods to host one of your own!  (You can also read my piece for Lucky Magazine right here.)


How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine
How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine

This time of year marks a transition from rainy skies into sunshine and vivid hues, so for the color theme, I felt inspired to combine classic neutrals like grey, black, and white, with pops of bright, bold tones.  One of the ways I brought color to the food was by adding fresh strawberries and sliced green apples to organic mixed greens.  This is an easy way to create a colorful summer party salad that's as lovely to look at as it is to eat.

(Pinot Gris $20, La Crema; cotton steel grey napkin, $3.95 each, Crate and Barrel; white wine glass set of 4, $49.95, Williams-Sonoma ; classic wine coaster, Crate and Barrel; aspen dinnerware, $64.95-$69.95, Crate and Barrel.  Some great salad cookbooks: Salad Days, $12.79, Amazon; Salad of the Day Cookbook, $34.95, Williams-Sonoma)

How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine
How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine

For the wine, I served La Crema Pinot Gris.  Bright and fruity, it's the perfect 'anytime wine,' and a deliciously summery choice for casual gatherings.

My go-to summer party outfit is always a comfortable yet elegant dress that makes a statement. For this event, I also wanted to wear something that coincided with the color theme (neutral with pops of color). My dress's bodice was filled with feminine ruffles, so I contrasted that with edgy studded black sandals. I love heels, but when I'm hosting an outdoor gathering, flats are infinitely more appealing.

(Target dress, sold out. Similar style: Parisian Slip, $88, Free People; Odella Gladiator Stud Sandal, $19.99, Target; Pinto Gris, $20, La Crema)

How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine
How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine

The table setting featured silverware bunched with chives from my garden and tied up into grey napkins with black and white striped ribbon.

For summertime social activities, I tend to opt for bold nail polish shades (I chose coral here) and lots of mixed accessories in gold, silver and turquoise.

(Cotton Steel Grey Napkin, $3.95 each, Crate and Barrel; Peach Daiquiri nail polish, $7.79, Essie; Turquoise Necklace, $23, Oh Nostalgia; La Mer Simple Wrap Watch in Black, $88, ShopBop; ring, picked up in a Colorado rock shop)

How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine
How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine

A summer cheese tray featuring a variety of fresh local cheeses, almonds, olives, red grapes, homemade preserves and crackers is a perfect complement to a refreshing summer wine like La Crema Pinot Gris. And for an easy, delicious main dish, try a light vegetarian pasta (linguine, grape tomatoes, shredded spinach, olive oil, and spices) served in a pretty bowl.

(Bowl, handmade. Similar style: Le Creuset Serving Bowl, $44.95, Sur La Table; Slate Cheese Serving Board, $44.95, Williams-Sonoma)

How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine

The biggest entertaining lesson that I've learned over the years is to always make an effort to get party preparations done early on.  This allows me to spend quality time hanging out with guests (and time to start spontaneous dance parties) during the event itself.

How to Host A Perfect Summer Soiree with Bubby & Bean and Lucky Magazine

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, 'And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.'  I’m pretty sure the same can be said for outdoor dinner parties.  I hope that this guide to throwing a summer soiree provides some inspiration for those of you thinking about hosting some fun backyard gatherings of your own in the upcoming months. Happy summer friends!

P.S. La Crema will be hosting a fun 'Pair and Win' contest where you can win $200, starting on May 28th.  Just click here to get the deets.

 
This post was sponsored by La Crema and Lucky Magazine.


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19 comments:

  1. Love this tablescape (and dress)! Such a perfect color theme for an outdoor summer dinner.

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  2. Looks like a delicious dinner party! I love the pop of colour in your dress.

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  3. Love the top photo of you! There is nothing like a casual summer get together with good friends - love your fun table setting with the pops of colour here and there :) The pasta dish and the salad look delicious!

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  4. This is such an awesome guide with great tips! Plus, I love your dress, and the pasta looks amazing.
    What would you add to this setting for some summer night time lighting? Lots of summer get togethers extend into the evening hours, and I'd love some inspiration on some different ways to light it up. =0)

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    Replies
    1. Subtle lighting is best - paper lanterns, strung white lights, and candles. :)

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  5. Beautiful photos and love your style! The food looks delicious.

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  6. beautiful spread and photos - such a great post.

    grace
    http://herumbrella.com

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  7. All that food is making me hungry. :) I think it's time for lunch! Great photos. xo, Mary

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  8. Throwing a party this Sunday, so your post is perfectly timed. :)
    xox
    giedre
    www.walkingdotphotography.com

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  9. Beautiful party and such great tips!!! This totally makes me want to host party this summer. :-)

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  10. Ahhhh what a cool collaboration! I love your outfit and the styling of the party is impeccable!

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  11. itz really nyc seeing your blog for the first time...wud u like us to follow each other???

    http://tcompah.blogspot.com/

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  12. i really like the napkin displays, so pretty.

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  13. Thanks so much for the sweet comments you guys! It was so much fun putting this all together and a great experience working with Lucky. xo, m

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  14. OMG the dress is gorgeous! I think summer is the perfect reason to celebrate- especially now, before the heat gets to be too much!

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  15. what an awesome feature!! i'm so excited for you :) everything looks so delicious and seasonal.

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  16. What a charming summer party you put together, Melissa! For me, summer entertaining is all about keeping things casual and low-key, because you aren't really entertaining if you're stuck in the kitchen instead of spending time with guests! Love your dress, too :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  17. this looks like the absolute perfect summer get together. the food looks delicious! love your blog!!!

    xo ronnie

    freelyronnie.blogspot.com

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  18. melissa, what lovely looking photos! the food looks so yummy. i adore pasta salad. congrats on your lucky magazine piece. :) you look very pretty, as always. i like your dress and the yellow belt too.

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