The Art of Planning a Memorable Summer Soirée
There’s choreography to planning a memorable summer gathering. For me it's not just a celebration. It’s a feeling! The love you pour in and the energy you create in your home will always spill into the mood of a celebration. Sun-drenched linen, the vignette of clinking glasses and the possibility of spilling it all outdoors on a balmy evening. There is no greater feeling of being exactly where you want to be, with all your favourite people.
The best soirées are the ones that feel effortless where you can switch off, relax and escape. There's afew key ingredients of course but the big secret to hosting is planning the format and flow in advance so you can enjoy alongside your guests. It’s not about grand design, unless of course that’s your style. It’s always about thoughtful, intentional details. An atmosphere that feels elevated yet relaxed. Where beauty meets ease and the focus is less on impressing your guests, more about making them feel at home…in your home.
The setting
The venue sets the tone for how you want your guests to feel. Think about space and light and how you would like the day or evening to flow from reception to dinner and drinks. A beautiful setting doesn’t need to be extravagant — it needs to feel inviting. It's a change of scenery for guests so they can come , catch up and retreat.
The colour palette
Soft pastels feel instinctive this time of year but there's fresh contemporary ways of curating summer shades so they feel exciting. Play with soft neutrals and build in earthy or sunset hues like terracotta and amber. I love to echo these colors through my linen, tableware , florals, and even signature drinks being served. Little details that might go unnoticed but I promise you the cohesion creates visual symmetry and harmony that your guests will feel.The details
Mix natural textures like linen, rattan, and ceramics with elegant accents such as etched glassware or flutes with a champagne rim. Low, lush florals spilling across the table keep things grounded and organic. Handwritten place cards or tiny keepsakes are the easiest way to personalise a setting and make your guests feel special. A little thought that goes a long way.The menu
Luxury and simplicity go hand and hand in the right pair. Think fresh, seasonal local ingredients that can be shared and enjoyed around the table. A spread shared family-style feels so much more intimate than a formal three course. For drinks, craft one signature cocktail , something light, botanical and fun, to tie in with the season.The atmosphere
There's a full house but no one in the room. Music should feel like a memory for the right reason. Keep it upbeat and lively in the background. The foreground should be full of stories and laughter where guests don't have to move around to conversate with each other. Bright lights are the surest way to send guests home. Dim the main switch and layer your favourite scented candle in and outdoors. Hurricane vases and lanterns are also a lovely, cost effective way of elevating a setting.
