Parties
Outside Voice Alfresco entertaining is a required area of study for anyone hoping to earn a degree in South Florida soirees. Those needing a refresher course to ace this year’s final exam can reference this cheat sheet for an outstanding outdoor affair.
Krystal Zaskey Photography
By Liza Grant Smith
Fashion Plates When it comes to alfresco place settings, embrace the unbreakable spirit of durable tableware. Le Cadeaux offers melamine plates and serving pieces in patterns inspired by French and Italian pottery, as seen in the Benidorm collection (prices vary). These artistically convincing ceramic imposters are the perfect pieces to maintain your open-air fête’s sophisticated aura. Blue Provence, Palm Beach (561-6511491, blue provence.com)
Second Nature Feel Enlightened Evening entertaining is the perfect opportunity to have fun with lighting. In addition to varying shapes and heights of candleholders, consider hanging eyecatching lanterns from trees to define an outdoor party space. Gold Leaf Design Group’s textured filigree lanterns come in a set of three ($270) and will bathe guests in a bluishgreen radiance. Our Boat House, Boca Raton (561245-8192, ourboat house. com)
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Dispense
With Formalities Be sure to have ever-ready liquid refreshments available, particularly if the South Florida sun is blazing or the cocktails are flowing. This square beverage dispenser from Godinger ($125) is the perfect blend of style and substance, with a two-gallon capacity and a base that can wonder water be filled with fruit, flowers, seashells, or other pieces of Want to add pizzazz to your aqua? Try this recipe for decorative art. Neiman Marstrawberry-lemon water from cus, Boca Raton (561-417-5151, the blog Infused Waters. (infusedwaters.com) neimanmarcus.com)
Ingredients 3 gallons purified water 1 carton of strawberries, sliced 2 lemons, sliced
Add the strawberries and purified water into a beverage dispenser and let the strawberries soak for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge. An hour before the event, remove the strawberry slices and add the lemon slices, rind still on. Add ice 10 minutes before serving.
Answer nature’s call by incorporating organic components into your outdoor tablescape. Event planner Stefany Allongo of The Majestic Vision illustrated that concept eloquently with a styled shoot in Wellington that included flowers by Gerilyn Gianna Event and Floral Design. “Drawing inspiration from your surroundings is key when incorporating natural elements into your tablescape,” Allongo says. “In this case, we were at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, so we intertwined the elegance of the sport with the opulence of its history and used gold accents throughout. The color palette was bold enough to contrast the surrounding greenery while still feeling a part of the outdoors.” Palm Beach (305-301-2069, themajesticvision.com)