July: Backyard Party
Friday, July 13, 2007 at 10:18PM It's just about that time of year when retailers decide they've had enough of summer and they're ready to bring in the fall... Not so fast! There's plenty of life left in summer, especially out here on the west coast where we'll be warm well into October! Time to stock up on supplies for fun, festive, outdoor entertaining...and maybe even with some things on sale!
Entertaining outside may call for plastic and paper, but the truly sophisticated host will insist on glassware. But this doesn't mean that your outdoor glassware shouldn't be sturdy and party-proof. Pottery Barn's Twist Glassware comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes for every type of long and cool libation. Mix up a big batch of something in the stylish pitcher to keep things flowing!
Twist Glassware - $22.99 - $45 at Pottery Barn
To keep the drinks chilled, reach for this copper stand-alone ice bucket. Keep the table clear for all of the delicious food and candlelight... A handy shelf down below keeps garnishes, napkins, and glassware close by.
Freeport Freestanding Beverage Stand - $219 at Smith and Hawken
Create instant twilight atmosphere with this beautiful Hanging Lantern Frame. Use the Napa Lanterns, or mix and match with a group from your own collection. Of course candles on the table are key, but a little bit hanging from above helps to keep the mood magical on a warm summer night.
Hanging Lantern Frame - $99 and Napa Lanterns $19 - $79 at Pottery Barn
Catch the breeze with these traditional Mexican fiesta banners - the ornate cutwork creates an airy mood that will dress up any area. Perfect for showers or engagement parties...or if you just like crisp whites!
Traditional Mexican Celebration Banner - $12 per strand at PlumParty.com
Candlelight is the most important part of outdoor entertaining, so keep things illuminated in every weather with hurricanes. The candles last longer and the glass catches all the light. These generous proportions would even allow for some quirky vase-fillers around the pillar. Try flower petals, seashells, sand, pebbles, or beads.
Pewter-Rimmed Hurricanes - $165 each at Williams-Sonoma Home
Just like the glassware, you want to keep your dinner ware "real" - that is, not plastic or paper. The caveat to this rule is melamine, especially the stylish plates designed by French Bull. Dress up your table with some graphic color - mix and match sets for variation and add some platters for pizzazy presentations.
French Bull melamine plates & platters - $18 - $45 at PlumParty.com
Fun parties play games...everyone seems to enjoy themselves much more when they're enjoying a cocktail while monitoring play. A bocce set for home will keep the friendly competition rolling through the evening, and will keep things lively on the lawn!
Bocce Ball Set - $49 at Smith and Hawken
There's certain music that always evokes summertime, and while I couldn't decide on just one album, I chose three of my summertime faves. Of course once the Buena Vista Social Club starts playing, I already feel the heat in the air. To keep the balmy beach feeling alive, I like to go with some bossa nova, but remix it with some classic crooners on Bossa Novaville. To round off the mix, go back to classic Motown with Motown Classics Gold - all the tunes you know the words to...
And where are you having this fabulous party? How about under your gazebo? Nothing creates the romantic mood better than a little bit of tented seating outdoors. Add your candles, beautiful wicker chairs, good friends, and voila...you won't ever want the summer to end!
Chesapeake Gazebo - $3999 at Pottery Barn (furniture sold separately)
Finally, a little local favorite. The It's It! is a famous San Francisco treat that I always crave at this time of year...and no wonder! It's delicious oatmeal cookies sandwich creamy vanilla ice cream, and then the entire thing is dipped in chocolate. A treat dating back to the days of Playland at the Beach, this sandwich had such a notoriety that no one knew what to call it, so that's what they called it: It's IT! And nothing says summertime like an ice cream sandwich...
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