ENTERTAIN
THE ANNUAL SERPENTINE summer party officially marks the start of the social season – and does it in style with dessert tables and rosé on tap. Here’s how the fashion set pull off a garden party with aplomb…
SEEK OUT SEASONAL FLOWERS
‘If I’m entertaining outside, I keep flowers very simple and the vases sturdy so they don’t blow over. My new range of swirly vases are heavy enough for the table and when they are in season, I fill them with lots of peonies in bright colours, as well as sweet peas, garden roses, lots of nasturtium and Tomentosum geranium leaf for foliage.’
GO FOR CLASSIC COCKTAILS – WITH A TWIST
‘I love entertaining at home, to catch up with friends. I style the table with bright tablecloths, flowers, candles, layered plates and glassware. I am in charge of cocktails and love making a twist on the classic Hugo Spritz – Della Vite Prosecco DOCG [created by Poppy and her sisters Cara and Chloe] with a splash of vodka, some elderflower liqueur, mint and lime makes a perfect summer blend. This summer the cocktail is available on the terrace at Wild By Tart in Belgravia, who we’ve partnered with, transporting guests to Italy.’
USE LIGHTING TO CREATE ZONES
‘The trick to summer entertaining is to make it all look, feel and taste exciting, effortless and inviting! I turn on fairy lights and portable lamps, light candles, and make as many “areas” as possible so guests can drift in and out of groups – mingle and meld is my style and the more the merrier!’
HAVE ROSÉ ON TAP!
Nothing says summer like a glass of chilled rosé, and at this year’s Serpentine summer party Whispering Angel will be elegantly poured from three litre Jeroboam bottles. ‘The 2023 vintage features vibrant summer berries, a smooth and creamy structure, a refreshing and moreish quality, and a hint of rose petal,’ says Kelly.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO MOVE THE PARTY INDOORS
‘For a recent dinner, I decided against going alfresco so I didn’t have to panic about the weather. Instead, I made the inside of my home feel romantic by swagging my block printed floral fabrics across the ceiling, and on the table, a colour palette of cerise, tangerine and lemon. I dressed the space with flowers in large vintage jugs and candlelight. I also switched on the garden’s festoon lights.’
TRY A DESSERT TABLE
Last year, the most Instagrammed shot from the Serpentine Summer Party was Skye’s dessert table, a spread of about 10 puddings of different heights and styles that looked and felt luxurious. It’s back for 2024 – and easy to pull off at home. ‘Done well, desserts are an impactful way of creating atmosphere and a conversation point. I think it shows you’ve taken
