S PAC E
GET TOGETHER
Backyard parties are back. Landscape Details has tips for the festivities. BY GABRIELLE ECHEVARRIETA
lighting and entry lighting for the guests’ arrival. Throughout lockdown, many longingly Then, plan the menu and the table setting. reflected back on the days of carefree summer We love local flowers and local desserts and gatherings enjoyed with a lively crowd. A year frequent the farm stands in our area.” spent in isolation may have made your partyAs for cuisine, the couple often fire up planning skills rusty, but expert guidance from the grill to whip up steaks and local fish. the founder of Landscape Details can help Homegrown veggies from their garden, make your next backyard bash special. including peppers, squash, peas and “Summer is the most beautiful time of the Michael and tomatoes, are charred to perfection and year, and after being apart for so long, it Dwyer Derrig served alongside light, colorful salads dressed seems like there’s more to celebrate,” says with farm-fresh corn. They often look to Ina Garten for Michael Derrig, landscape architect and owner of East recipes, citing her new cookbook Modern Comfort Food as Hampton’s Landscape Details. “We’re more aware of how inspiration. A fun signature cocktail, including a mocktail much we value each other, and treasure this place.” He option, are a perfect finishing touch to get the party going, and his wife, Dwyer, garden party connoisseurs, are thrilled along with a backdrop of Brazilian tunes guaranteed to get to be hosts once again at their home in East Hampton. people on their feet. Fresh air, wide-open spaces and a twinkling night sky The couple’s summers spent out East are filled give a gathering an extra touch of summer magic. A wellwith sunrises at the ocean and sunsets at the bay, manicured yard and festive lighting can set the stage for accompanied by their friends, adult children and their everlasting memories with loved ones. Dwyer sets the mood dogs. “It’s the most beautiful place on Earth,” says Michael. with colorful flowers and place settings, bamboo flatware “When you can be with the people you love most and and candles to give the tables a cozy, intimate feel. “First, share all the things you love, well then you count your make sure all the outdoor spaces have been properly blessings.” landscapedetails.com maintained,” Dwyer advises, “then start to plan seating, 62
Courtesy of Michael Derrig
Elegant place settings and local flowers create a celebratory ambience.
