Pamela’s Top Five Tips for Decorating Your Deck for Summer Entertaining

The Summer season can be short here in New England, as such I make a point to do as much al fresco entertaining as possible.  Whether a dinner party or dance soiree (or both!), I make the most of my 650 square foot ocean view deck.  Of course any outdoor space can be transformed into an entertaining oasis ~ take it from me.

Culled from over 20 years of Interior Design experience and even longer as a party hostess, here are my Top Five Tips for Decorating Your Deck (or patio, or terrace…) for Posh Summer Entertaining!
 

Tip #1:   Let your imagination be your guide

You are certain to create an atmosphere that is uniquely ‘you’ when your imagination is your inspiration.  Whatever statement you want to make with your party, do it!

For example, this past weekend I hosted a fireworks viewing party.  With multiple displays along the coast, there is always plenty to see.  Here’s a peek of the  table I created for my gathering:

While red, white and blue would’ve have been a fun choice, I instead drew my inspiration from the gorgeous sunset colors that wash over my terrace each evening.  Slightly unexpected and totally Pamela!

 Tip #2:   Use candles!

After sunset you will want to see your friends along with your wonderful dinner and dessert. Who doesn’t look better in the romantic glow of candlelight?  I love to use a variety of candles:  some traditional wax tapers and a few LED votives that will not be blown out by the wind.  A variety of colors and heights also serves to add visual interest and flair.  Just as I advocate with indoor lighting, install dimmers on your outside lights as well.

Tip #3:    Incorporate fresh flowers

While you will likely have designed your outdoor space with a variety of container gardens, adding fresh cut flowers to your table is a must.  I love to have “petites” a la Winston Flowers. For these arrangements, I  combine blooms from grocery store mixed bouquets in petite glass votive holders.  For additional scent and texture, I always add an herb from my kitchen container garden ~basil and mint are favorites.   Heavenly!

Tip #4:   Bring the Inside, Out

While there are certainly situations where paper plates and disposable tablecloths are expedient, I prefer china plates and a linen tablecloth any day of the week.

J’adore linen ~ the more layers the better!  While it does add a hint of formality to a summer affair,  if your linens are full of color, I believe it keeps things more casual.

My cherished collection of MacKenzie-Childs plates is always a star when it comes to my outdoor tablescapes.   With their colorful, whimsical designs they never fail spark conversation.   I swear everything tastes so much better on these plates…

Whenever I design a tablescape, I have a color palette in mind.  I love to echo  colors from my interior, Poppy and Tangerine, as I’ve done here.  My philosophy is the more color the better, especially outside!

Tip #5:  Go vertical

Don’t forget to add ornamentation to the “walls” of your exterior Living or Dining Room.

Think about incorporating artwork (I really should think about hanging some of my paintings outdoors…), metal sculpture,  banners or garlands, mirrors to reflect a breathtaking view, and/or wall mounted candelabras to your outdoor walls.  Tall plantings (real or high quality artificial) add a great vertical element and give you a spot to hang paper lanterns or other festive party decorations.  Get creative with your choices and think outside the box. Of course don’t forget to bring precious items inside if rain is in the forecast.

Bonus Tip:  Relax & Enjoy!

The best hint for any kind of entertaining is to relax and enjoy your guests.   Be sure to have a grand time ~ if you smile and have fun, so will your company!

One way I like to set the tone for the evening is to kick of the festivities with a toast.  Here was mine from this past weekend:

 “God Bless America and you! Thank you for celebrating everything bright and beautiful about our country and our friendships. We are so privileged to live here and make our lives what we want them to be. I continue to count my blessings this magical year, you are all a part of my Wonderful Life”.

I hope you’ll be encouraged to incorporate some or all of these tips into your next outdoor Summer gathering!  Cheers!

 xo,

Pamela

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