Entertain Like A Designer This Summer

by Corcoran McEnearney

Photo courtesy of Lorla Studio

Entertain Like a Designer This Summer

Summertime is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to brush up on those outdoor entertaining skills. Here to help are three area designers, who weigh in with useful hosting tips and creative solutions that will serve you well all season long.

Photo courtesy of Laura Hur, Lorla Studio

Work with What You Have, and Keep it Simple

Don’t stress if your al fresco entertaining space is on the smaller side. “You don’t need a large dining table and space to entertain outside, and the more you take advantage of what you have the better,” says Laura Hur, the founder of Lorla Studio in Kensington. There’s no need to go overly formal when hosting guests outdoors, either, she adds. “You can entertain with easy finger foods, eliminating the need for a dining table and making clean-up a breeze.”

Bring the Inside Out

Draw inspiration from your indoor space when setting the scene for your outdoor gathering. “Bring the inside out: think pillows, lighting, planters, and linen napkins, and have fun with all of the great melamine plates and glasses that are on the market today,” Hur says.

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Photos courtesy of Sara Raak, SKG Designs

Sara Raak, the founder of SKG Designs in Alexandria, expresses similar views. “I always consider our outdoor entertaining spaces an extension of our home,” she says. “I set the table as I would indoors with the only difference being melamine plates decorated in bright colors or patterns, instead of breakable plates, disposable flatware in golds or silvers that could easily pass for the real thing, plastic reusable glasses, and seasonal centerpieces featuring garden flowers and greens.”

Prioritize Comfort

Ensure that your friends have plenty of room to spread out and lounge outdoors. “Comfort is key for any summer gathering, so I create seating areas for lounging, eating, and conversations with the grill master,” Raak says. She recommends taking to Facebook Marketplace, neighborhood forums, and Buy Nothing Facebook pages in search of inexpensive (or even free!) furnishings.

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Photos courtesy of Sallie Lord, Grey Hunt Interiors

Offer Umbrellas

“When entertaining in the summer, it’s always nice to give your guests the pleasure of basking in the sun or lounging in the shade,” says Sallie Lord, the founder of Grey Hunt Interiors in Chantilly. A tent or umbrella is always a great option, she notes.

Don’t Forget Citronella Candles

No one wants to be bitten by bugs while enjoying a meal outside, and that’s where citronella candles come into play. “I place citronella candles around all the seating areas,” Raak says. “They have come a long way and can be found with beautiful designs.”

Sarah Lyon Headshot

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9