How to Plan Intimate Backyard Gatherings

It’s time to make the most out of the last few gorgeous summer months! We’re already over halfway through July, which means the warmth of the sun will soon slowly start to dissipate and will be replaced by shorter days and cooler nights.

All our blog posts are intended to give you unique insight into the mind of a luxury event planner with experience planning a wide variety of events, and this post is no different. COVID restrictions might be more relaxed, but the pandemic has prompted an awakening among people who have realized that it’s still possible to have a meaningful, luxurious celebration without the need for hundreds of people. What a successful celebration looks like has shifted, and we’re here to show you how to throw an intimate backyard gathering that will still make it into the memory books.

What We Love About a Backyard Celebration

A backyard celebration, whether on your veranda or in your garden, is fast becoming one of our favorite kinds of get-togethers. Some of the many reasons why we love this type of gathering are:

• Fewer people means you have an opportunity to spend more meaningful time with each of your guests.

• Setting the table for a smaller group allows you to play with individualized, mini portions for some of your courses and handmade decorative details.

• For casual events, you have an opportunity to add lawn games for guests to enjoy.

• Your backyard is personal to you and more intimate for you and your guests. The familiarity of your own space adds a certain sentimentality and ease to the event.

• You have more control over how the event runs and you’ll get to repurpose the expenses you would have had on a venue for your backyard event.

• You can use your own home decor for added personal touches, such as your own bistro lights, favorite decorative items, collected serving pieces, and even a mix of chairs.

Image by Charles Reagan

Setting the Scene

There is something ethereal and romantic about a gorgeous al-fresco setup. Summer gatherings at home with loved ones just hit different, you know? Be inspired by your surroundings to select florals and colors that complement the seasonal setting in your garden. If your yard is filled with mostly greenery, go all-out with a tonal and bold palette, from the balloon arch (if it’s a birthday, bridal, or baby shower) to the flower arrangements. Then, clearly allocate different sections of your identified outdoor space for different purposes — have a space for welcome bites, another for a gin/bubbly bar, and a larger area for your main table.

Image by Ben Porter Photography

Keeping Guests Engaged

A good host knows that one of the signatures of a memorable event is keeping guests engaged and amazed from the moment they arrive. Make an entrance with a statement sign or decor, whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or planning a micro-wedding. There’s nothing better than arriving at an event and having a glass of champagne placed in your hand, too (you know what they say about first impressions, and you can’t go wrong with a glass of crisp bubbles to set the tone)!

The interior of your home, if that’s your chosen entrance, should be dotted with decorations that lead guests to the main entertainment area. With a small gathering, you’re able to quickly greet your guests as they arrive and guide them to hors d'oeuvres, lawn games, and more drinks (a sure way to rack up hosting points). Many of our clients are currently including live cooking stations or chef demos outside at their dinner parties, both of which are great ways to enhance the guests’ culinary experience and bring added entertainment to your outdoor gathering.

Image by Dagnushka

Prepping for the Main Event

If you’re going to rent anything, rent a large table for your guests to dine on. A bare wooden table mimics the natural beauty of being outside and opens up hundreds of decorative opportunities. Choose to decorate with eye-catching floral arrangements and candles for an event that lingers from golden hour well into the starry-sky evening. Neutral or bright color palettes both work for enhancing those quintessential endless summer vibes while dining outdoors. Consider incorporating vibrant crockery matched with elegant crystal glassware (these are giving us Aperol Spritz energy!) and modern cutlery to create a fun yet luxurious outdoor dining experience for your guests.

Image #3 by Dagnushka

You don't have to settle for the conventional! Whether you're dreaming of a backyard barbeque or an intimate milestone celebration, it is possible to create a luxury event in the comfort of your own backyard, and we’re here to help you do that! We’re well-versed in bespoke events, no matter the size, and have had the pleasure of producing several stunning micro-events over the years. Get in touch with Cassie LaMere Events while the sun’s still out!

San Miguel de Allende: Where to Stay, What to Eat, & What to Do in the Top-Ranked Destination

There’s just something about San Miguel de Allende- Ask any of the Austin residents who spend much of their time between the two cities, and they’ll tell you about the charming architecture, vibrant culture, and familial community that sets it apart.

With a population comprised of a diverse mix of locals and ex-pats, visitors often find unexpected connections in the fascinating artists, designers, and professionals they encounter in SMA. It’s not uncommon for residents to open their homes to entertain friends, new and old. It’s a city small enough that you may find yourself making a new acquaintance one day and running into them the next while walking through the jardin, where your conversation will pick up as though you’ve known each other for ages.

Accessible via a two-hour flight from Houston or Dallas, San Miguel’s similar casual, easy living attracts many local Austinites for vacation getaways or pied-à-terre accommodations. One look at the lush landscapes synonymous with the town’s charm, and it’s no wonder the city has become a popular location for destination weddings or milestone events.

With so many familiar faces in San Miguel, we asked a few to share their go-to recommendations for discovering everything from the best al pastor tacos, to handcrafted objet d’art and sipping tequila. Judging by their lists, it is clear this top-ranked travel destination delivers on a memorable respite south of Austin, TX.

Where to Sip, Dine and Savor:

Venture to the corner of Insurgentes and Hidalgo any night of the week and you’ll notice a line forming around 8PM. Jump in the queue to secure your spot for what is unanimously known as the best taco truck in the city, which opens to a fanfare nightly from patrons eager to devour their al pastor and lengua tacos. If you’re lucky enough to find an open barstool, pull up a seat and enjoy your plate with a front row view of the rapid-fire assembly line at work.

While cross-referencing recommendation lists, a pattern appeared: each tastemaker consulted ranked Chef Donnie Masterton’s establishments high on their list. His formidable influence on San Miguel’s culinary landscape is exemplified by his portfolio of restaurants that blanket the city. The visionary behind the standout cuisine at The Restaurant and Fatima, just to name a few, Donnie reinvented what it means to dine in San Miguel. His passion for the culture and love of his craft is evident in both the range of flavor profiles and culinary experiences he curates. We did a tour of his establishments and can confirm they’re all worthy of top billing on your itinerary!

Regulars know there’s a breadth of options that are available to enjoy while dining in the city. When you’re in the mood for something different, stop by La Parada, a Peruvian restaurant led by Chef Alexandra Gutt, whose personality is as dynamic as her dishes. Jump-start your meal with a signature Pisco Sour cocktail and a ceviche, then dive into their menu of lively, fresh fare.

A rite of passage as an adult is learning that tequila can be sipped leisurely, as opposed to the salt, shot, lime routine made popular during spring break trips south of the border. Enter Casa Dragones’ intimate, six seat tasting room and their crown jewel, Joven- a premium, all-natural sipping tequila. Every detail of the Casa Dragones experience at the Doce 18 Concept House is designed with purposeful intent. Once you step inside the private space, your eye will wander from the obsidian volcanic stone walls adorned with rows of aesthetically pleasing bottles, to the seductive sipping glasses embellished with pepita-inspired etchings.

The knowledgeable docent will guide you through a tasting experience, showcasing the complexity of the notes that express themselves on your palette, thanks to their eight to ten-year aging process. To cap off your bespoke experience, the on-site calligrapher will personalize the brand’s signature etched crystal bottle with a moniker of your choice. The tequila is housed in a vessel so beautiful; it will double as a décoratif on your bar cart.

Where to Soak in the View:

A pro-tip when visiting San Miguel: always look up. The al fresco lifestyle of the city revolves around its numerous rooftop patios, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets and vivacious nightlife perched atop one of the city’s architectural darlings. Here, some of our favorites for dinner or cocktails with a view:

Luna Bar at the Rosewood Hotel- 360-degree views of the city and the iconic Parroquia make this location a must-visit during golden hour. You’ll capture the sites thanks to unobstructed photo-ops of the colorful sunsets and terrain, while enjoying the sounds of live music on the rooftop.

Fatima at Casa Blanca 7- After a visit to this rooftop restaurant and bar at the Casa Blanca 7 Hotel, you’ll be left saying, “We’ll always have San Miguel.” Highlights include Chef Donnie Masterton’s delectable Mediterranean cuisine, coupled with some of the best views overlooking the city’s historic cathedrals.

Bekeb- Perched atop Casa Hoyos is Bekeb, whose boho chic vibes and scenic skyline make for a memorable gathering place. Design aficionados will appreciate the thoughtful details on display throughout the entire hotel and cocktail bar, including lounge-worthy chaises that beckon you to linger with margarita in hand.

Additional boutique hotels that offer fantastic views and libations include Terraza Bar Olivia at Casa No Name and Antonia Bistro at El Palomar Hotel.

Where to Shop:

Returning home with talismans from your travels is a must. Here, some local favorites:

Eclectica- Discover objets d’art that showcase a melding of genres and global craftsmanship at Eclectica. As a bonus, the owner Eras is a fabulous tour guide!

Casamidy- Husband and wife duo Jorge Almada and Anne-Marie Midy apply their refined eye and minimalist aesthetic to combine contemporary design with traditional artisan methods- the result is furnishings to covet.

Rachel Horn Interiors- For uber-chic pieces handcrafted in SMA, stop by this showroom from one of our favorite design doyennes. Her jet-set lifestyle brings together inspiration from an amalgamation of cultures and makes for décor and interior design projects that wow.

Doce 18 Concept House- Stroll through masterfully edited vignettes from designers and artists, while enjoying unique hospitality experiences featuring local food and libations, all under one roof.

Where to Stay:

To fully enjoy the charming architecture and lush scenery of SMA, “in the know” regulars recommend making a reservation at one of the exclusive locations featured in Premier San Miguel’s portfolio. Their house rental and concierge service offer access to spectacular local properties, including Casa Hyder, the ultimate well-appointed SMA accommodation, known for its eclectic décor and rich history. The property books up months in advance, but if you’re one of the privileged few guests who gets to walk through its doors, you’ll understand why. We’ve heard stories about the legendary, intimate salons the owner of the property hosts whenever she’s in town. When vacant, the renowned house and courtyard gardens are available to be reserved for private events and are an ideal backdrop for a memorable special occasion.

The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende- The Rosewood pulls out all the stops, pairing design elements indicative of SMA with their staff’s warm hospitality, making it easy to see why SMA has claimed a spot in travelers' hearts. Upon arrival, we were delighted to find a petite bottle of Clase Azul Tequila and fresh guacamole in our room- a gesture that set a welcoming tone that lasted throughout our entire stay. Across the board, locals and visitors know their Sunday brunch is not to miss. Arrive hungry and be prepared to enjoy an abundance of chef-attended stations, featuring local delicacies and even an Insta-worthy michelada.

Trend Report: Going 'Ham' for Gingham

As purveyors of all things fabulous, we feel we have a responsibility to always be on the lookout for trends, whether in the form of new fashion finds or unique tablescape ideas. Trends, of whichever variety, can form the basis of new inspiration for our specific niche of luxury event planning, and we love being given the opportunity to get creative with incorporating modern style movements into our client work. The gingham trend is one we’ve spotted as an up-and-coming aspect of fashion, events, and interior decor — quite fitting, actually, as it makes a timeless summer classic. Keep reading to see our favorite recent discoveries and why we’re going ‘ham’ for gingham.

The “Picnic Blanket Chic” Trend We Never Knew We Needed

If you know what a conventional red-and-white-checked picnic blanket looks like, you are already close to acquainting yourself with the gingham style and pattern. Originally, gingham comes from the Malayan word genggang, which translates as “striped” but, since this is a fabric with a 500-year-old history, its meaning has evolved. Gingham, now known as contrasting checks, is actually distinguished primarily for being a “dyed in the yarn” fabric, meaning the yarn is dyed before it is woven. We are thankful that the gingham trend has risen in popularity, giving us visualists so much to play with!

A 2021 report captured the essence of gingham in the most perfect way for us: “youthful optimism and nostalgia at the same time.” Is this not also an idyllic way to describe the feelings that come with summer? This year, the gingham trend is going beyond the picnic blanket and offering the hit of dopamine we all need in the form of vibrant fashion pieces, chic event ensembles, and nostalgic interior decor inspiration.

Left: LouLou Baker | Right: BBJ La Tavola Specialty Linen

Gingham Trends in Fashion, Events, and Interior Decor

When it comes to gingham, the visual opportunities are endless. In the world of fashion, it’s the striking effect of black-and-white checks on a midi skirt or cardigan paired with a bright neck scarf that makes strutting the streets in summer that much more enjoyable. In interior decor spaces, it’s the vintage-looking lamp bases that are the perfect mix of town and country. And in our favorite arena of all, it’s the subtle ruffled gingham tablecloth or decorative seat cushion paired with bold florals that strip an event of any unnecessary seriousness and replace it with an aura of lightness and playfulness.

Left: Over the Moon | Right: Harvey Nichols

A Spotlight on Gingham Products and Brands We’re Loving

Despite being considered a ‘graphic’ print, there are ways for gingham to be an ultra-fine addition to any outfit ensemble. Something like the Imogen dress from Over the Moon, flaunting stunning silk bows and sequins, paired with a sleek updo and statement earrings is far from what you would wear to a picnic on the lawns. Rather, it’s a flirty, yet elegant take on the gingham trend that’s suitable for the upcoming celebration season.

Gingham lends itself perfectly when looking to elevate a seemingly rustic interior. We had to stop scrolling on Instagram when we spotted one of Hotel Lulu’s rooms adorned almost ceiling-to-floor with gingham curtains and fabric. The distinctive pattern does not cause us to feel distracted but instead hypnotized in the very best way. Petite checks on the curtains paired with bolder ones on the hotel bed’s headboard, complemented by classic white linen and vintage decorative pieces, make this the perfect example of gingham done right.

And speaking finally to events where we bring our love of fashion and interior design together, gingham in event decoration and tablescapes adds an element of whimsy without being kitsch — to us, it checks all the boxes. Something like this baby blue, ruffled-edge gingham table cloth from the Born on Fifth for Antonio Melani collection is a serene backdrop to a lady's lunch or baby shower. Whether a traditional or contemporary event, gingham is a versatile print with an endless array of gorgeous outcomes.

Left: Hotel Lulu | Middle: Mark D. Sikes | Right: Condé Nast

Our Final Thoughts

Feeling inspired? We understand that one may not know where to begin with mixing colors and pattern play. Thankfully, our team is well-versed in taking a holistic approach to events that incorporates your vision. It’s all about balance — consider us the scales you need in ensuring your event has everything you want it to flaunt. Get in touch with our team and allow us to check-off your entertaining to do list by being a part of your event from start to finish.