Here Comes the Sun

From ensuring homes are suitably decorated by day to then hosting parties as night falls, donning the hat of domestic goddess is just like another day at the office for us. But the art of hosting a perfectly put-together event requires planning for anyone. And as the temperature begins to rise (thank goodness) and sunny days are in sight, we are giddy with excitement about a season of summer soirees ahead. With the trends of the season – florals, print mania, bright colours – this is the time to take your entertaining somewhere over the rainbow.

Whether you live in an inner-city pied-à-terre sans garden, a terrace with a courtyard or a country home with a spacious outdoor area, there are countless options for setting up your own summer party. To ensure your space has a sunny disposition think colour, flowers and printed textiles (2). Pink, yellow and white might not be the most obvious of combinations but actually make for a really vibrant and happy-inducing atmosphere.

Another way to make sure your occasion is bathed in beauty is to present the fare for the day in a fun and unexpected way (1, 5 and 7). One option is to collect jars to serve your refreshments in – glass cups will work too if you don’t have any spare jars – and shop for candy-striped straws for a playful yet almost retro spin. A welcomed side effect of this look is that your drinks and food will not only add to the setting, but it will show you’ve gone to that extra little bit of effort too.

When setting the table – be it for lunch, a garden party or dinner – always opt for a centrepiece to bring your event to life. Being summer it is a great opportunity to draw on the natural beauty and colour of fruit and flowers (3, 6 and 8). Not only do they make for a great seasonal accent, but whether you’re entertaining indoors or out, it’s a lovely way to bask in a touch of the great outdoors.

Lastly, as the weather is typically warmer over the coming months, it is a great time to take the opportunity to mix things up and serve chilled treats and refreshments which are usually reserved for little ones in a stylish way, of course (4). Impress your guests by setting up an ice-cream parlour-type table or drinks bar (9) complete with alternative options, self-serve instruments and labels to show what is on offer. Whatever colour scheme you choose or fruit you serve up, the message is clear this summer: have fun, be playful and make a statement!