entertaining :: citrus summer dinner party

In Seattle sometimes spring just seems to miss us and we breeze into summery weather. Winter seemed to last especially long this year, and one morning we woke up and every tree on our street had burst vibrant leaves and blossoms! This Memorial Day weekend we have plans to take some longs walks, visit the zoo, and spend plenty of time in our garden just relaxing and savoring the abundance of roses and trees abloom in our neighborhood. Add in a few family and friend gatherings, and you have the fixings for a refreshing May weekend before the hustle and bustle of summer sets in.

Some of our favorite effortless entertaining styles come to life in the summertime, when simple fresh flowers pair so well with checked table cloths, terra cotta feels refreshing, and inspiring garden cocktails are a mainstay.

Here are a few of our fresh ideas for creating a citrus-inspired summery tabletop:

Create a neutral base: a simple white or checked table cloth will create the perfect breezy anchor for pops of color
Use an assortment of blooms and greenery: when we create for our clients (and for ourselves), we generally have a rule of thumb to use at least 7 elements in a centerpiece to create a layered look. You can even snip from your own back yard!
Incorporate citrus: lemons, oranges, and kumkuats can add that effortless Italian Al Fresco feeling to a table. Use in your centerpiece, stacked high in simple white bowls, and in your cocktails as a garnish!
Carry through: use the same elements and colors through your welcome cocktails, into your table top designs, and even with your desserts. Carrying colors and flavors throughout a gathering can really bring home your ambiance.