Photograph by Kevin A. Roberts; Styling by Kathy Curotto
Curvy and Stacked chairs, $125 each. Twigs & MOSS, 7715 Clayton, 314-454-0447. Marlen coasters, $8 each; Torrenta bowl, $16; Elka bowl, $14; and Bellina Blooms bowl, $18. Anthropologie, 1155 Saint Louis Galleria, 314-727-7419. Threshold Kennet ceramic salad plate, $3.99. Target, multiple locations, 800-440-0680, target.com. Connoisseur stemless glasses, $5.99 each. Cost Plus World Market, multiple locations. Dots multi dinner napkins, $19.95 for a set of four, and Bellamy carafe, $29.95. Crate & Barrel, 1 The Boulevard, 314-725-6380.
Everything’s better outside: Dining alfresco, swimming in a lake, reading in a hammock…another form of recreation we won’t specify… Even parties are easier, because whoever mastered the universe started the decorating for you, with grand shade trees, a thick carpet of lawn, and the fragrance and color of whatever’s blooming. But how do you create a focal point or two, define the boundaries so that the happy buzz of conversation doesn’t scatter and diffuse, make sure your guests stay comfortable, and arrange food and drink in a way that’s elegant but not unwieldy?
First, urges Tony Montano of Buds Floral & Event Design, consider the elements. If it’s too cold, rent those tall heaters. (If it’s too hot, well, this is St. Louis.)
For a small party, up to eight people, you can do a sit-down dinner easily. For larger parties, limit seating so your guests have to mingle, not just find a comfy chair and plop down for the evening. Stand-up cocktail tables are good, Montano says, so people aren’t juggling plates and glasses.
Use a main station as the focal point, with several smaller stations wherever you want people to congregate. A bar on the far side of your outdoor “room” encourages people to move through the space. “People tend to get a drink and linger right there,” warns Meg Huber, owner of Garden Party and David.
For a small party, up to eight people, you can do a sit-down dinner easily. For larger parties, limit seating so your guests have to mingle, not just find a comfy chair and plop down for the evening.
Speaking of cocktails, a signature drink adds some style.
When your yard is in bloom, you don’t need to compete, but you’ll still want a centerpiece on the main table. “That’s probably enough,” Montano says. “You can do something small on the cocktail tables, but don’t overdo it.”
Light matters as much as it does indoors. Place candles or zinc lanterns of different sizes at strategic points. If possible, light your landscaping from the ground up. Make sure there’s sufficient light wherever people will be walking. And protect your guests from tiny vampires: “Citronella works, but if the smell bothers you, try sandalwood,” suggests Jenni Zolman of Forshaw.
For a quick patio makeover, add hanging plants and containers pre-planted with a mix of colors and trailing vines.
Avoid themes such as tiki torches, and allow color to tie the party together instead, Montano suggests. He once did blue hydrangeas and white peonies around a pool, then pale-pink linens and soft pinks and greens in the centerpieces.
Huber likes to mix and match. “Bring out everything you love. Cute tea towels in wild colors make great napkins. Tiered cake plates can serve your hors d’oeuvres.” Nature welcomes a miscellany. A few repeated colors, or menu items that emphasize herbs, create cohesion.
She keeps garden parties easy: “For a centerpiece, you can plunk a hanging basket into a urn, and you’re done. Or use pots and pots of lavender, rosemary, mint—herbs are always a trend.”
