From shimmering chandeliers to floral flourishes, interior designer Katharine Pooley serves up some expert advice on how to add a sense of occasion to a garden party
If a special celebration such as a wedding, anniversary or significant birthday happens to coincide with a spell of glorious weather over the summer months, take the opportunity to entertain guests outdoors with a table styled to perfection and set against the backdrop of a garden in full bloom. Interior designer Katharine Pooley says, “Picking accent colours that will work well with the ‘borrowed view’ of the surrounding gardens is important in creating a coherent narrative. I love light blues, dusky pinks and soft purples, greens and whites in my flower borders, so I try to incorporate these tones in the table dressing too – classic English flowers like delphiniums and roses always work
beautifully.” Foliage works wonders as well. “Try placing the table under foliage-bedecked arches or pergolas and adding suspended crystal chandeliers for a truly magical effect,” Katharine adds. Of course, romantic lighting ideas can take an event seamlessly from daytime to dusk: “Candlelight and plenty of it, always looks beautiful and that warm glow makes everyone look all the more gorgeous. A mix of tealights and tapered dinner candles will work wonders among the table setting.”
A relaxed area for greeting guests with drinks and canapés is imperative. Katharine suggests plenty of comfortable seating and says, “Drinks should be offered when guests arrive, with trinket trays and bowls of nibbles laid on side tables and bite-size canapés should be served throughout. This means the host can easily navigate around the space to greet guests, ensure they’re taken care of and be at ease too.”
Elegant china and delicate glassware will add an air of finesse, and for large gatherings it may be prudent to hire rather than purchase tableware. Add a finishing touch with handwritten name cards (Katharine recommends Ruth Kaye Design) or monogrammed embroidered napkins. “Playful, personalised, napkins are also a wonderful keepsake for your guests to take home,” Katharine says, suggesting Initially London as a source.
When it comes to flowers, use them in abundance: “I say more is more. I love the smell of fresh flowers, and it
