Today’s post celebrates that magical time of year where the weather is just right and we can’t help but dine in the fresh air with our favorite bottle of wine. Welcome to the world of outdoor entertaining! Taking our inspiration from Anthropologie’s new outdoor collection, the beautifully crafted al fresco parties of Eyeswoon‘s Athena Calderone, and the “no-fuss chic” entertaining style of wellness and lifestyle expert Camille Styles, we share a few essential tips for easy outdoor entertaining. Pull up a patio chair, feel the refreshing breeze, and settle in for some serious design goodness. [photo via Eyeswoon]

Set a Beautiful Table

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You don’t need expensive furniture to set an inviting table. Even the simplest of structures can double as a dining table for outdoor events. Giving your table a special touch or two can involve anything from setting out your best plates to finding some beautifully designed paper napkins to liven up a low-maintenance. This gorgeous Cinco de Mayo party from Camille Styles featured a range of interesting additions, from the scalloped tin plates to the lovely lanterns that spanned the length of the table:

Don’t be afraid to add some interesting elements to your outdoor dining area. Below we see the backyard of Sarah Sherman Samuel, which includes wicker cobra chairs, string lights and a lovely mirror that serves as a design-fabulous focal point. See more at Camille Styles.

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Your outdoor dining space doesn’t have to be a formal table. A coffee table (or a string of low tables lined up to accommodate a big group) can be an equally alluring and functional dining space for your spring fete. Pull up some outdoor seating, or some blankets and floor cushions, and you’re set. See more on this deliciously designed backyard spring dinner party at Camille Styles:

Use Fresh Ingredients

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If you’re dining outdoors surrounded by natural greenery, why not serve up some equally fresh ingredients?! Spring is a time when gardens flourish and the smell of herbs wafts in from the outdoors. Is there anything more delicious than a plate of fresh food? Even something as simple as ice cream topped with mint can make your gathering an unforgettable one. Especially if served in beautiful stainless steel bowls from Anthropologie!

Family-style dining takes center stage in this backyard spring dinner party by Camille Styles. With a menu that included Mint Tzatziki with Endive, Romaine, & Sugar Snaps, an abundance of fresh flavors took center stage:

Serving up the freshest of ingredients doesn’t mean spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Even sliced fruit on beautiful dishware (like this canape plate from Anthropologie) can be party-perfect:

 

Bring the Indoors Outside

When setting up for your outdoor party, don’t hesitate to bring the indoors outside! Borrow a few items from your home to spruce up your party space. Below we see Anthropologie’s Woven Bistro Indoor/Outdoor Bar Cart, decked out with a selection of bar essentials:

Snagging a few items from inside may involve moving that indoor/outdoor pillow from the covered patio to the yard, or grabbing a few side tables from the living room so your guests have a place to stash drink glasses while visiting outside.

Don’t hesitate to be spontaneous and enjoy the outdoor “room” you create by borrowing pieces from your home!

Create Conversation Areas

While eating may be a large part of your outdoor entertaining effort, there are plenty of great conversations to be had in your outdoor space. Make it easy for guests to lounge and visit by showcasing your outdoor seating. [Emily Isabella Parker Sofa from Anthropologie]

You can even create impromptu conversation areas by arranging pairs or clusters of chairs around the yard. These Woven Stripes Bistro Chairs from Anthropologie introduce a fresh palette of crisp tones:

If you’re short on outdoor seating, don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful lawn. Pull up a blanket. Or not! Learn more about this chic gathering designed by Athena Calderone at Eyeswoon:

Last but not least, you can create a resting spot for your guests with the help of an inviting hammock. Don’t forget the pillow for an extra comfy touch! An instant outdoor haven is born… [Canyon Fringe Hammock from Anthropologie]

Incorporate Natural Elements

We end with a reminder to revel in natural elements as you plan your party decor. After all, you’re outdoors! Cut some fresh roses from your garden for an instant centerpiece, or let a few potted plants be the focal points of your table. We’re smitten with this table runner of lavender featured at Eyeswoon:

Even if your greenery of choice isn’t from the yard, it will look extra enticing surrounded by the natural beauty of your outdoor space. How gorgeous is the textural centerpiece below?! Learn more about this beachy event on the Cote d’Azur at Eyeswoon:

We at Decoist wish you and yours a delightful outdoor dining season. Cheers!

You’re reading 5 Essentials for Outdoor Entertaining, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Good Haus

The Good Haus celebrates the intersection between design and performance – and seeks to be an example of a “good house”. The house is the family home of principals Mela Breen and David Good (designer and builder) – and playfully gets it’s moniker from Dave’s last name. So what is our idea of a good house? In this case it is one that is pushing the possibilities of a site specific design while holding itself accountable to reaching the highest level of energy efficiency. Our good house is one that embodies our beliefs about resiliency, efficiency, health and comfort, beauty and playfulness. The DNA for the Good Haus is established by the site, a steep and rocky hillside that spills down onto a small neighboring foothill meadow. A limited buildable footprint, season drainage concerns, and an inviting flat outcrop of granite drove the initial design. Two intersecting geometric volumes were conceived, each reaching out to connect the building to the landscape, each intersecting the other and providing counter balance. The main first floor volume is a long south facing rectangle that stretches and anchors in the granite. A deep west facing porch protects the house from overheating, bridges a rocky drainage and links the open floor plan to the landscape with a large outdoor living space. The second floor volume runs perpendicular to the main living space and cantilevers to create a covered north entry, while a balcony on the south side cantilevers towards the oak canopy – creating a sense that the master bedroom is in a tree house. The exterior material pallet is in keeping with our love for the handmade modern. Cedar siding from trees grown on Mela’s childhood property and milled by her father is mixed with standing seam metal roofing that turns downing to clad the walls as a way to articulate the building form. Because the topography falls roughly 12’ over the relatively narrow width of the house, and the granite spine to the west hinted at what might lay below the soils (giant boulders and bedrock), we opted to build the first floor primarily on a steel pier and beam structure with a metal pan deck. This allows the building to float above the rocky drainage. The complexity of the design, with its cantilevers and steel deck foundation, require a heightened attention to the air sealing and insulation details. The super insulated, air-tight building envelope is wrapped in exterior Rockwool insulation, all the connections between interior and exterior structural members are meticulously detailed to avoid thermal bridges, and triple pane European windows and doors are used to maximize light, comfort, and performance. A CO2 heat pump water heater provides the most efficient domestic hot water delivery. Balanced heat recovery ventilation offers high indoor air quality and uniform temperature distribution. Indoor climate control is provided by super efficient ductless mini splits. A 6.5 kw roof mounted photovoltaic system is installed to offset the home’s energy usage (including the charging of an electric car) – creating a zero net energy building.