When the going gets tough, the tough get a pretty upgrade. That’s right, for the consummate host, the only antidote to the summer doldrums is a healthy dose of style. It may be too hot to entertain al fresco, but the savviest hosts know how to bring summer’s color palette indoors, where the cocktails stay cold, and the guests don’t break a sweat. Sure, New Orleans may not be in its most glamorous season, but with a few transportive touches, you can conjure a world all your own. A lovely little oasis of fantasy and delightful escapism. Here are a few tips to entertain and transcend reality:
- Bring Out the Beautiful Linens
It’s not the holiday season, but that’s no reason to leave your finest linens tucked away. Elevate your table with pieces that feel special yet effortless. Marquet carries D’Ascoli linens that strike the right balance between luxury and ease. Aux Belles Choses offers antique European table linens that evoke the dreamy vibes of Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
- Add Something One of a Kind
Sprinkle in unique pieces to add to your table setting. Aux Belles Choses and As You Like It Silver Shop carry antique silver holloware and serving pieces. There’s something about a pop of silver at even the most casual of affairs that smartens up your tablescape. A handwritten place card also feels thoughtful and personal.
- Line Your Table with Flowers from a Cooler Climate
Avoid decorate with too many local plants, flowers can be a reminder of the weather you’re actively trying to escape. Opting for a transportive arrangement can really set the mood. Kim Starr Wise still has “drop dead gorgeous” peonies in stock which can be filled in with local foliage. You can add your own personal flair to it by foraging in your own backyard but let the star of the show be the florals from a cooler climate.
- Create a Soundtrack
If you’re fantasizing of sipping limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, why not make Italy come to you via music? This Spotify playlist is so transportive it will have you checking for a tan line. For a slower, rainy day in Paris vibe, try this one. Music can take you wherever you want to go.
Sale & Event Picks
Ongoing: Shoe Sale, The Next
Ongoing: Summer Sale, Pilot/Powell
Now- July 3: Every in-store purchase enters your name to win $250 gift card, Ballin’s
July 13 (8 a.m. – 11 a.m.): Mini Sale, Side Haul
Niniane Tablecloth, Marquet, Daffodil Napkin Rings, Judy, Marigold Linen Apron, Sotre, Glass Candlesticks, Sotre, Sconset Dinnerware, Maisonette, Citrus Stripe Napkin, Lekha
