Outdoor Entertaining + Garden Flowers
Outdoor entertaining is my favorite! I’m joining a group of bloggers hosted by Melaine of My Sweet Savannah to share our ideas for outdoor tables.
We have lived in California and Arizona and I loved that the outdoor entertaining season was a bit longer. Living in Connecticut makes you appreciate the outdoor days even more because the season starts around Memorial Day and ends around Labor Day. I’m always managing to squeeze in way more than that, but the one thing you need is a Plan B. Because rain happens. A lot.
What I love most about entertaining outdoors is that right away you know it’s most likely going to be casual. And casual and relaxed is really the only way I entertain. The one thing I’m not relaxed about is the planning. I make lists for everything. I start with the guest list because that can lead to different types of dietary requirements. Then I make my grocery lists and shop for items that can be purchased ahead of time. I make a list for day of shopping. The lists continue to what needs to be done around the house down to what I’ll be wearing on the day of the party. Everything is prepped ahead of time so that everyone has a good time.
I plan out the table and try to use garden flowers. If it’s April or May I’ll use lilacs or peonies. Mid summer I pretty much use hydrangeas because they grow abundantly around here. I would also use garden roses if I had a rose garden like Janet. Come late September, October it’s all about Dahlias. I’ve also used fresh herbs in late summer like here. Garden flowers seem to fit the relaxed vibe I’m always striving for. My favorite vessel for flowers are jars that I’ve saved. I remove the labels and send them through the dishwasher a few times.
I’m using table linens from Serena & Lily. The Tropez Runner is floral on one side and then reverses to chambray. The Carrillo Chambray Napkins are super soft and have tiny pom poms around the edge making them a little feminine. I set up our picnic table and on each seat I added a throw just in case someone gets cold. I always use white dishes from my collection of Apilco from Williams Sonoma.
This bar cart from Serena & Lily is one of the most versatile pieces to own. It keeps everything organized and looking pretty.
So that’s my simple table for outdoor entertaining. Let’s go see what these bloggers came up with for their outdoor tablescape!
Absolutely stunning! Love every single detail. xxxxx
Wowza. This is beautiful. Love the dark table and the bright pink flowers. And that cart…oh my golly, it’s fabulous. I’d love to sit there chatting the day away!
This is so lovely… you have the best taste!
Annie this is gorgeous! You have amazing style!!
Your table is amazing! I love the easy breeziness of it all. And your photos? SERIOUSLY. I am pulling up a chair!
Happy day friend!
karianne
Hi Annie! I’m dying over your barcart…when I was setting up I kept thinking how do I not have an outdoor barcart…it’s so fab…the whole thing and of course I love your pops of pink!! Gorgeous Girl!!!!!!
annie your attention to detail is stunning. i adore all your choices. and your garden with the black barn (i know it’s a garage but barn sounds better) is the perfect backdrop. i want to copy it all. also, my roses thank you for the shout out. they all need deadheaded already! xo janet
As always, beautiful, Annie!!! I keep looking for peonies here in CA at Trader Joes…can’t wait for their arrival!