Guest Picks: Host a Late-Summer Soiree

Here we are, almost through summer, and what better way to enjoy these last lazy, mild nights than dining al fresco? Invite your friends; invite your family. Decorate with accents of wood, glass and brass paired with rope and woven details, and you can host a casually elegant summer soiree that conjures up beach nostalgia to celebrate the season. — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up

Matte Gold Serving Utensils - $28Reminiscent of brass ship hardware, these matte gold serving utensils will add subtle glamour to your tabletop.


Oxford Turned Wood Candleholders - $29.50These wooden candlesticks have classic elegance. Bring them outdoors and set them among nautical elements to add height and just the right amount of sophistication to your table.


Braided Sea Grass Placemat - $24Instead of using linen placemats on the table, set the stage with these sea grass ones. They’re easy to clean, and they add natural texture.


2-Inch Manila Rope - $3.37Using this rope as a decorative element will take your table from ordinary to cool. Coil it around serving pieces and let it climb up table legs.


Turquoise Splash Napkins, Set of 6 - $148Formal napkins are unnecessary. These watercolor-like ones are great for catching drips from ice-cold, sweaty drinks.


Aeranthos x Stricta Hybrid - $5.50Add air plants to your table setting instead of a formal flower arrangement. Their silhouettes will add a new texture to the setting, and they’ll last long beyond dinner.


Cobalt Blue Wine Bottles by Through the Window Pane - $4Rich cobalt blue is so refreshing on a table in the summer. Use these gorgeous wine bottles to serve water.


Hammered Party Bucket - $80Get a table that’s large enough so you can set this hammered brass party bucket right amid the place settings. Its beautiful warmth and reflective surface will enhance the evening’s glow.


Tasmin Chinoiserie Bar Cart - $795A good summer soiree must have a flow of tasty drinks. No one should have to leave the action to run to the kitchen, so a bar cart is totally necessary.


Mrs Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook - $14.99Keep this handy cocktail book close at hand for mixing the best drinks.


Whirl PlatterThis Whirl platter evokes the pattern of waves and the texture of driftwood. Either way you look at it, the soft mix of colors is a lovely addition to a dinner party.


2-Piece Acacia Stacking Platter Set - $39.95Add height to the table and make your bites more accessible to guests with a tiered platter.


Gemma Plate - $3.95Elements of glass add a layer of elegance to a table setting, and this patterned plate has that extra pizzazz.


Toulouse White Plate - $29.95Layer this plate under a glass salad plate, and its pattern and texture won’t be missed.


Nob Hill Chairs, Antique White, Set of 2 - $420These white painted café chairs have classic lines and are casual enough for a relaxed evening outdoors. I’d pair them with a natural wood table.Buy


Old Pine Farm Table With Clear Finish - $999An extra-large table to fit everyone on the guest list and an array of food is so important. Even better if it’s made with rustic or reclaimed materials.


Giant Clamshell - $175Set something over ice in this giant clamshell, or place an arrangement of air plants in it.


Blue Sea Glass Hurricane Candleholder - $9.99Get all three of these sea glass hurricanes; they’ll flicker and glow wonderfully amongst the mixed wood and brass elements.


Wood Calabash Salad Bowl - $74.95Salads in the summer are my favorite entrées, and they’re staples at any meal. And a salad served from a giant wooden bowl? Too good.


Woven Shell Chip and Dip Bowl - $34.50Subtle whimsical elements inspired by the sea are fun in small doses. This chip and dip plate hits just the right notes without being cheesy.


Rope Outdoor Drinkware, Colored, Set of 4 - $22Mixed glasses with rope detailing in various tones of blue and complementary amber are that final detail for a beautifully set summer-soiree table.

Next: 16 Ways to Shake Up Your Summer Bar

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