Poolside Luncheon

Setting the Scene

The summer entertaining season is perfect for getting together with friends and family while enjoying    a wonderful   meal and the beauty of nature.  There is something so appealing about eating outdoors.  Whether your "outdoors" is poolside, the park or a simple backyard, the lure of outside is hard to resist

 

An outdoor luncheon can be sophisticated or casual, but the mood is always relaxed and the pace is often a little bit slower.  It’s a perfect scenario for getting together with girlfriends, new and old, while spending a seemingly endless summer afternoon catching up on girl talk and laughter


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Tabletop

Our beautiful tabletop is inspired by the seaside.   If you are not near the shore, a pool or lakeside let your tabletop take your guests there.  

Think of your table as a work of art.  We selected a colorful summer palette of dinnerware in hues of tangerine, raspberry and melon.  We combined these with linens in a variety of textures and fabrics to create a dramatic look.

A few extra touches include bamboo handled flatware and small gift boxes for each quest filled with candy or mints and finished with a delicate pink ribbon and small sea shell on top.

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Décor
 

Attention to the little details makes a big difference.  Guests may not notice every thing you’ve done, but they will realize they’re experiencing something special when sitting down to this beautiful table.

We chose a glass pedestal bowl and filled with seashells, sand and coral for the centerpiece.  You don't need to spend a ton of money to make this beautiful centerpiece – all of the items are available at craft and many department stores.


 

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Mood

Let the ambiance of the outdoors set the mood and let it take your guests far away from their daily routines.  Be creative but keep it simple so you are able to enjoy your party just as much as your guests will.  Remember the key is simple and affordable – pick and choose which ideas are right for you!



 


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Favors
   

Books are a favorite gift to give.  Wrap each with a pretty bow, place in a small basket nearby and they become another element of your décor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

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Element of Fun

We asked each “girlfriend” to bring a favorite book to exchange.  It could be something they already own or something interesting and new they just picked up.  <more >

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poolside_Intro_table

Location   

Consider the comfort of your guests when selecting the location – if the weather allows, pick a sunny spot  yet with plenty of shade nearby in case the temperature heats way up. 

Getting the food outdoors is often the hardest part of outdoor entertaining.  Keep the menu simple and plan ahead to eliminate multiple trips indoors.  Let your guests help transporting food to the outdoor table – they will feel involved and you will appreciate the help.