Summer entertaining is an art—balancing beauty, comfort, and personality. Vogue tapped ten top entertainers, designers, and creatives to share their dream dinner party setups, revealing how they craft tablescapes that are both stylish and welcoming. Here are their insights and inspirations.
- CeCe Barfield – Elegant Simplicity with Romantic Flair
Setting: Crisp white linens, silver cups, low votives, and locally sourced flowers.
Design Tip: Create a skyline effect by varying the heights of flowers and candles, ensuring guests can converse easily.
Signature Dish: Poached salmon with dill sauce.
Hosting Insight: Silver cups are shatterproof and chic, making them ideal for outdoor entertaining.
Location: Bath County, Virginia.
- Rebecca Gardner – Eclectic and Playful
Vibe: A casual atmosphere with vibrant colors and textures.
Design Tip: Mix wild prints on the table, napkins, chair cushions, and even goodie bags to create a festive mood.
Signature Meal: Southern fried chicken, tomato pie, cornbread muffins, and a Carvel cake with chocolate sauce and fresh berries.
Hosting Insight: A gracious host is calm, makes thoughtful introductions, and offers cocktails and compliments with enthusiasm.
Location: Outdoor settings, embracing the summer spirit.
- Brenna Gilbert – Casual Elegance
Approach: Mixing and matching beloved pieces for a relaxed yet stylish table.
Design Tip: Incorporate fragrant herbs like rosemary or lavender to deter bugs and add a sensory element.
Signature Dish: A fresh peach salad with burrata and mint.
Hosting Insight: Keep gatherings short, fun, and heartfelt to maintain energy and engagement.
Location: Lake Como, Italy.
- Robin Standefer & Stephen Alesch – Nature-Inspired Layers
Style: Drawing inspiration from gardens with layered greenery and natural tones.
Design Tip: Use foliage to create rhythm and organic structure, avoiding rigid symmetry.
Signature Meal: Seasonal dishes that reflect the bounty of the garden.
Hosting Insight: Embrace the natural beauty of the surroundings to enhance the dining experience.
Location: Various locations, focusing on natural settings.
- Daniel Soares – Edible Décor and Sculptural Dining
Concept: Centerpieces that include edible elements, blurring the line between décor and meal.
Design Tip: Arrange food in sculptural ways to create a visual and culinary experience.
Signature Dish: Artfully presented dishes that serve as both food and décor.
Hosting Insight: Encourage guests to interact with the table setting, making the dining experience more engaging.
Location: Various locations, with a focus on creative dining concepts.
- Annabelle Moehlmann – French Seaside Vibe in the Hamptons
Ambiance: Tangerine dahlias, white cosmos, seashells, and mint accents evoke summer by the sea.
Design Tip: Use soft pastels, layered prints, and scattered small tumblers for a festive, fresh look.
Mood Tip: Curate a playlist that matches the table’s vibe for relaxed energy.
Signature Meal: Light, fresh dishes that reflect the coastal theme.
Location: The Hamptons, New York.
- Clare de Boer – Clean Practicality Meets Seasonal Thought
Style: Woven placemats, white dinnerware, durable napkins, and silver accents.
Design Tip: Incorporate seasonal greens or produce as a centerpiece, keeping the arrangement simple and fresh.
Signature Meal: Dishes that are both beautiful and durable, suitable for outdoor dining.
Hosting Insight: Avoid design elements that obstruct conversation or service; prioritize functionality.
Location: Various locations, focusing on practicality and seasonality.
- DeVonn Francis – Bold Heritage & Dramatic Contrast
Design: Moody and festive, blending Flemish-style still life influences with vibrant Jamaican colors.
Design Tip: Use dried grasses, dark desserts, and sculptural arrangements to create a dramatic effect.
Host Style: Family-style serving with spontaneous energy and artful boldness.
Signature Meal: Dishes that reflect a fusion of cultural influences.
Location: Various locations, embracing bold contrasts and heritage.
- Romilly Newman – Romantic Decay & Candlelight Drama
Mood: Candles deliberately left to drip and deteriorate, creating a lived-in romantic ambiance.
Design Tip: Embrace softness and imperfection to deepen emotional resonance through the evening.
Signature Meal: Dishes that complement the romantic and dramatic setting.
Hosting Insight: Allow the ambiance to evolve naturally, enhancing the dining experience.
Location: Various locations, focusing on romantic settings.
- Other Tastemakers – Diverse Styles and Approaches
Other contributors offer equally refined takes—from combining height variation to mixing unexpected objects, reinforcing the power of individuality and thoughtful execution in every setting.
Common Threads & Expert Takeaways
Vary ta
ble heights with candles, blooms, and centerpieces—avoid blocking face-to-face conversations.
Mix vintage and modern pieces to craft a layered, personal aesthetic.
Use edible or natural décor—flowers, fruit, herbs, or dishes arranged in sculptural ways.
Host relaxed yet intentional—offer hospitality confidently, stay calm, and let conversation flow.
Seasonal ingredients and ambiance matter most as the foundation—from food to music to lighting.
Final Thought
Whether your style leans refined minimalism or playfully eclectic, these tastemakers show that summer entertaining is about setting scenes that reflect your personality, hospitality, and seasonal joy. The best table is one balanced between beauty and ease—a space where guests eat, converse, and remember the mood long after the dishes are cleared.
