entertaining :: summer gathering with flowers

Each change of the seasons means we have our new (temporary) favorite blooms. Come spring, it’s Lily of the Valley, tulips, and lilacs…late summer means dahlias aplenty. This time of the year when Ava and I visited our flower market we scooped up our favorite ruffled peonies, vines, anemones, garden roses, and the most charming sweet peas. Summer’s finest! She loves coming along with me and helping me and Nick and our team prep for our weddings – she gets creative and makes her own little arrangements, mixing petals and stems to make the perfect concoction.

Entertaining with flowers is not only fun and beautiful, but it can really enhance your tabletop when you create with blooms that tell the story of your wedding or party. Ava and I set out to create using cheerful summertime blooms for the loveliest afternoon lunch.

Some of our summer entertaining tips using flowers:

–Keep your centerpieces low and lush and try to avoid overly fragrant blooms (like Stargazer Lilies) that will attract bees
–Use small crystal teacups or tall highball glasses to host small posies to break up the table. Stagger a half dozen down the table but leave room for passing summer’s best dishes
–Use a big punch bowl to create the star centerpiece

–Welcome your guests with an entry table staged with sparkling water and bubbles – and let guests garnish with fresh citrus slices, berries, or herbs. Include ice cubes made with edible flowers (simple double boil water and use petals in a tray filled halfway. Freeze, then fill the rest of the tray with water).
-Add an edible flower to each champagne glass for an especially festive cocktail (topping with rosé is a favorite trick of ours)

…and how could we not include Ava’s masterpiece, unicorn straw and all?!
–Cinch napkins with vines you can find in your own garden or simple twine
–Accent each place setting with a thoughtful calligraphy tag and bunch of tiny flowers – even at the most casual of summery soirees, we love to greet our guests with a calligraphed place card for a special touch Flowers and styling: Valley & Company Events || Photography: Katie Parra Photography || Stationery: Momental Designs || Calligraphy tags: Libby Tipton