Memorial Day is almost here and with it comes the unofficial kick off of summer. The season of lazy sunsets, light linen layers and bottles of rosé sweating in the heat? Color me excited. We all feel a renewed sense of spirit when the sun peaks out of darkness that is a New York City winter.

Just because the familiar feeling of joy has returned, doesn’t mean we need to harken back to the same old same old of summer entertaining. If you’re looking to mix up your hosting arsenal and your cocktail, check out our sun-soaked weekend ideas. Read on for inspiration, lovers. 

Country Calling

If extra is your middle name, grab your pals and hit the road for a fabulous trip upstate. Find the nearest and most picturesque field of flowers to stage an over the top al fresco dining experience. Pull out all the stops, starting with our The Good China paper plates for elegant yet disposable serving and In The Name of Decadence Scene for everything else. Let us set the scene with shimmery fringe, candlelight and even a dramatic bust. Saber the champagne, plate up the fried chicken and get ready to make some memories. Attire is anything but casual.

Picnic Party 

Enjoy the sunshine and good vibes with a classic picnic in the park. If you’re in the city, stop in at Feste and curate your on-the-go menu with our selection of pantry fare from Alimentari. Figs from Valencia, crackers from Puglia, tuna ventresca from Portugal. And don’t forget the wine. Pack it all up in a chic picnic basket pre-loaded with all of the serving essentials. Central Park will feel like the European countryside in no time.

BBQ It Up

Not into family friendly occasions? Fuck up your mother’s backyard BBQ and add some spice – literally. Spike your sweet tea and serve in colored tumblers that won’t break no matter how rowdy your crew gets. Serve the tried-and-true classics from the grill or go over the top with mountains of Ruffles and caviar. You make the rules. No kids allowed.

Talk Nauti To Me

No boat? No problem. Channel your inner prep school dropout and host a nauti nautical (get it?) soiree. Bring out blue and white everything, from classic striped cocktail napkins to blue crepe paper streamers. Build a tower – of the seafood and champagne varieties – and let your guests feast. More is more.  

Shop our full Festive Al Fresco edit here.

May 19, 2022 — Brenna Gilbert