Can you believe it? Summer is just days away. And while we may still be experiencing June Gloom, I didn't let that get in the way of planning a celebration to welcome the season. The desire for gathering friends at a chic, but casual outdoor dinner party perfectly lined up with the launch of my partnership with Santa Margherita Wines. Not only do they have the most refreshing varietals for summer (ie. not a problem to work into my life and current summer plans!), they asked me to share my outdoor entertaining ideas with all of you! We have so many fun entertaining ideas coming this summer I cannot wait to share them all. But first, let's dig into the details of our kick off to Summer and how you can host your own.

When I think Summer, white immediately comes to mind. White decor, white flowing dresses, white wine... and white dogs? Not required, but a cute addition! White screams cool, easy and sophisticated. I knew it was the exact direction I wanted to take our dinner party. I decorated with a collection of white vases, white linens and pillows and served the Santa Margherita classic, Pinot Grigio. My florist and friend, Naomi of Beautiful Savage Flowers brought over bundles of white, wildflower inspired, blooms. We tucked them in moments before setting the table... I love easy arrangements that come together because of color!

We served fresh greens with fruit and small bites throughout the night all which paired perfectly with the white wine. After the food was served, the cozy and casual setting invited everyone to mingle, sip and continue the night as the sun went down.

I loved pairing all of our neutral decor with a rustic wood table to really ground the airiness of everything. And because I need some contrast in my life (and decor) I accented the neutrals with silver flatware and tumblers for water. 

We set the table in grass inviting guests to ditch their shoes and celebrate summer as it were meant to be, outside in nature... with wine of course;)

To finish off the table, lanterns and candles were bundled for soft natural light.

Hosting the first soiree of the summer was a blast and I can't wait to continue the fun. Stay tuned for all the fun ideas we have to celebrate summer outdoors! Santa Margherita is also hosting some pretty amazing giveaways to get you all set up for summer as well! Want to enter? Here are the details:

• Follow @SantaMargheritaUSA on Instagram and show us how you are enjoying a glass of SMA Wines by uploading a photo, tagging them and included #SMSUMMERCONTEST

• Enter weekly, Thursdays through Sundays only

• Prizes include:

  • Weekly Santa Margherita-inspired summer prize packs

  • (1) $2,500 backyard makeover Grand Prize

• No purchase Necessary to Enter or Win. Begins 6/15/17 at 12:00:01 p.m ET, ends 8/6/17 at 11:59:59 p.m ET. Open to 50 US & DC legal residents, 21+. Void where prohibited. For official rules visit www.santamargheritawines.com/contestrules. Sponsor: Santa Margherita USA Inc.

Images by Yvette Goltiao

Flowers by Beautiful Savage Flowers

Post in partnership with Santa Margherita