Summer Entertaining

My entertaining style is…
Casual chic, understated but formal in a way.  I love fine china and crystal and use it every day. I am a stickler for linen napkins.  You will never dine at my house using a paper napkin.  Setting a formal table is part of the fun of entertaining.

My top table-setting tips for a summer gathering…
I use candles more than flowers as in summer, we dine outdoors on the patio unless it's raining.  Flowers are everywhere on the patio in pots, so I try to add ambiance with light.

And when it comes to centerpieces and/or flowers…
I don't like a lot of color, white is best, always.

My menu of choice for a summer party…
Nothing heavy in summer, chicken, fish, salads and I always have Gelato for dessert as I hate to make dessert.

And cocktail of choice…
White wine, Sauvingon Blanc is my favorite wine.

I get guests comfortable by…
Creating a relaxing setting, light music and wine when they arrive.

My signature party look…
I prefer dresses due to comfort but I'd love to be able to pull off this look....

Most memorable party I ever threw…
Years ago I worked for a large law firm in Washington, D.C.  I was responsible for doing a lot of entertaining, with large budgets, I should add. The firm asked me to put together a party for the incoming Canadian Ambassador, who was associated with the law firm.  Luckily the President did not attend, but he was invited (as I was told the Secret Service and their dogs would come in and rampage the place before the party).  I had to call the State Department about protocol - how to put the American and Canadian flags in the arrangements the correct way, for example.  Everything was so specific.  It was great fun the guest list was impressive. I was in my late 20's at the time and looking back I realized then that I had no fear of failure.  Guess it was a good attribute to have at the time. I planned many functions and loved working with the caterers, the florists.  I learned a lot about entertaining at a very young age.