There’s a warm (sometimes, too warm) breeze in the air, the days stretch long into the evenings, and every landscape seems to burst with color—there’s simply no season quite like the summertime for a gathering. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch in the garden, a lobster boil on the coast, or simply an aperitivo on the stoop of your apartment building, this time of year naturally evokes a feeling of leisure and invites us to slow down, savoring each moment with our family and friends. Even the simplest, impromptu occasions feel special.
Vogue Editors’ Summer Hosting Essentials:
Naturally, our editors have hosting opinions (and an arsenal of favorite entertaining essentials to suggest). While some set the scene for their summer soirees with handmade ceramics, others turn to colorfully printed linens; still others swear that the key to pleasing a crowd lies not in fancy tableware, but rather, in the joys of a signature cocktail. No matter the approach, you’ll find a lot of summer dinner party inspiration in the below recommendations—from gingham tablecloths to fish-shaped carafes, here are the Vogue editor-approved pieces for outdoor entertaining.
The Flora-Focused Table
“I love a colorful summer tablescape with Lisa Corti blooms and small bright glass vases filled with chamomile or zinnias. I love to serve a big, hearty salad that can carry a meal, like the farro salad from Charlie Bird.” —Chloe Malle, head of editorial content
