Poolside Perfection

UP THE INTIMACY OF A LARGE GARDEN GET-TOGETHER WITH A FEW THOUGHTFUL DETAILS.

When the time is right and all is safe, you won’t have second thoughts about throwing a party. Sure, you’ve had friends over to wine and dine—maybe you’ve even had a large gathering. But undoubtedly you did so with careful considerations. Trust us, the day is approaching when all you think about is showing your guests a good time.

In A Home for All Seasons, the second book penned by interior designer and fashionista Danielle Rollins, you’ll discover the Atlanta- and Palm Beach-based author’s secrets and advice for throwing an unbelievable and unforgettable get-together, whether it’s a festive Easter brunch in the backyard or a heart-warming Thanksgiving feast in the dining room. Her insightful words paired with meticulously curated imagery will surely inspire you to start planning your next celebration.

While creating a flawless poolside party, seen on the pages here, Rollins focused on a garden motif. The festivities, after all, were held on well-manicured green grass and surrounded by the yard’s lush landscaping. From flatware to floral arrangements, vibrant spring hues popped from every detail and were meant to set a comfortable, less formal vibe—in her eyes, the perfect ambience for a backyard gathering.

Position a bowl of seasonal fruits in between two identical autumnal floral arrangements for a wow-worthy centerpiece. Blue monogrammed linens and bold china add another unexpected pop of personality to your tablescape.

This page: A thoughtful table size can make a large gathering more intimate. “More people with less table between them” can foster conversation and interaction, says designer and entertaining expert Danielle Rollins, who sets the stage using cozy Chiavari ballroom chairs and narrow folding camper tables covered by a white linen tablecloth and a printed damask underskirt. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Dinner is served on Mottahedeh’s Tobacco Leaf china, a pattern that explodes with shades of pink, purple, blue, green and rust. Rollins provides a final flourish with taper candles in etched-crystal hurricane lamps. Lilac water glasses and emerald-tone flatware play up the jewel tones of the garden motif.

This page: The pool provides a natural divider in the garden, creating different zones for a party. Guests can lounge and soak up the sun on one side of the pool before trekking to the opposite end when dinner hits the table. Opposite page: Floral arrangements—made of fresh-cut dahlias, mums, peonies, tulips and hydrangeas—capture the essence of all seasons and echo the hues found on the china.