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The Well-Kept Home GOOD L I V I NG
HAPPY TO HOST It’s summertime, and the entertaining is easy when you enlist a few clever strategies (and we don’t just mean making the guacamole ahead of time). Follow our guide to a stylish backyard party, and the only things you’ll have to worry about are keeping your own glass full and winning at croquet. PHOTOGRAPHS BY KATE MATHIS TEXT BY REBECCA DOLGIN
RAISE THE BAR
Update your cooler: An oversize resin Champagne bucket has all the practical appeal of a galvanized-steel one, but will look chic storing supplies in your kitchen, too.
The ideal drinks setup is streamlined, well stocked, and self-serve. Case in point: A batch of freshly squeezed lemonade will please practically everyone. Ice it down in a fourgallon stainless-steel dispenser and no one will get stuck manning the bar. Kids can help themselves; adults can punch theirs up with vodka and citrus and herb garnishes, which double as décor. Supplement with an easy-tosip aperitif (we like floral Lillet) and sparkling water, and you’ll have all the refreshments you need. As for quantities, here’s our rule of thumb: Plan two drinks per guest for the first hour, then one each per hour after that; one gallon equals 16 eight-ounce drinks. THE DETAILS Sansone Fusti dispenser and spigot, $147, gourmet italian.com. March Oaxacan glasses, $8 each, marchsf.com. Kinto Baum canisters, from $28 each, amazon.com. Tina Frey Champagne bucket, $380, shophorne.com. Restoration Hardware French Beam teak console, $1,995, restorationhardware.com.
