Making the most of the sunshine and lazy, long weekends is the perfect time to host a casual pool party or backyard gathering. Style director Louise Hilsz offers some summer inspiration for creating a colourful soirée.
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Summer is perfect for a maximalist party, like enjoying the day poolside or throwing a backyard barbeque. Bright napkins and table runners, patterned floor pillows and blankets, great music, and tasty beverages are a place to start with planning. Opt for easy-to-grab finger food to complement the refreshing beverage selection. For our summer soirée, we partnered with Socialsmiths to elevate a perfect summer day to evening poolside.
Setting the table
A theme doesn't just set the tone for your party; it's a great starting point when designing the table's look. Inspired by that holiday vibe, don’t forget summery scented candles or lights. This is a great way to create a more laid-back pool party that can quickly go from day to night. Colourful tumblers help tie in the theme and ensure your table will be a centrepiece of your party. Don’t forget the easy-eating finger food and self-serve beverage station, including iced fruit-infused water.
Ecoya Sorbet Summer: Rosewater & Raspberry Madison Candle, $60. Gorman Mosaic Napkin Set 4, $49. Kate Mitchell Speckled tumbler, $68. Gorman Sour Straps Table Runner, $55.
Drinks
From the guest list to the menu, a selection of beverages helps cater to everyone’s taste. The Hunting Lodge's Seasonal selection of wine, including Albariño and Rosé, were both made to enjoy in the heat of summer. The Rosé (our editor’s favourite) is packed with fruity aromas, including strawberries and red cherries. Not to mention, its gorgeous blush colour complements our table style. The white wine that is gaining popularity locally - famous in Spain and Portugal is Albariño. Coined Riesling’s sexier cousin, this white is a brilliant alternative to a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris.
The grapes from this wine are Marlborough’s Awatere Valley finest, and you can expect aromas of peach, pineapple, capsicum and fresh herbs. Ready-mixed drinks (RTDs) take the stress out of needing Cabana boys and are easily chilled. The latest East Imperial London Dry and Pink Botanica Gin and Tonic Waters are blended in small batches and made here in New Zealand. One guest said: “They deliver the perfect balance of botanicals and fizz.” With no sweeteners or artificial ingredients, this is a party go-to for guests who love a G&T aperitif. Finally, Alba’s Mexican Tequila margarita needs no introduction. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering. This immediate thirst-quencher with real lime is perfectly paired with salty snacks like tortilla chips with spicy guacamole.
The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Albariño 2024 Marlborough, $29. The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Rosé 2023 Hawke's Bay, $29. New East Imperial Gin Tonic Water, 6pk, $22, Alba Original Sparkling Margarita 10pk, $39.
Poolside fun
Finally, in addition to the menu and drinks, ensure you are well-stocked with the essential sunscreen, colourful towels, and pool accessories for your guests. Then, all that is left to do is have a fabulous time.
Seafolly La Mer Bandeau Bikini Top - Aquatic Blue, $140. Missoni Beach Towel in Cecil, $450. Airyday Pear-lescent Body SPF50+ Dreamscreen, $39. Bottega Veneta 1322 002 Tortoise sunglasses, $825.
Celebrate a lazy weekend in style.