SUMMERTIME CHI: PARTY TRENDS

That crispness in the air hints at the end of summer...and sweet summer ends as autumn starts at the moment of the September equinox, coming in hot September 23rd.

Let's set a see ya summer table, shall we?

First up, how to pop into fabulous fall looks as we slide into a brand new season?

Two words: amber glass.

Oh how we love this vintage look - which gained popularity as a chic new colored glass during the Civil War and The Depression. Extensively manufactured in the 19th century, and is still extremely popular as a collectible today, it is particularly useful for glass bottles and storage when your product is light sensitive.

The amber color absorbs harmful UV wavelengths, protecting the contents stored inside from light damage. For this reason, it is very popular for essential oils.

To play off the merge of summer and fall, we paired amber glass with blush pink glasses at each setting.

Down the table, we filled small glass bud vases with luscious Coral Charm Peony, which have the perfect blush amber palette within each bloom. How perfect is that?

Next up: flatware for each guest. How much do we love this matte blush and gold look from The Festive Frog? Yes please. We need.

And yes, thank you for asking, these darling gold chopsticks and vintage scallop china plates are also for rent. Divine!

Now, let's layer on the piece de resistance: party favors. Playing up the chopsticks, we filled mini take out boxes with a pink, gold and white candy mix to create the perfect sweet treat.

Once you fill the boxes, close the lid, and wrap each box with a coordinating marble paper band. (We printed these onto text weight, easy to wrap and adhere paper, then cut them to size.) Finish the favors with mini labels, printed or calligraphied with fun phrases or first names. Voila - c'est parfait.

Now, we have to share a peek at our favorite, ultimate, best party menu ever: a charcuterie table. And by table, we mean a display the size of the entire table.

Simply unroll a large parchment (or butcher paper) sheet down the length of the table, leaving the ends hanging down off the table several 6-10 inches.

Next, create a layered display of meats, cheeses, crackers, toasts, fruit and dips. A beautiful alternating design of each item, to mimic stripes down the table, with big pops of fruity color. This is the perfect gluten free pretty party menu.

We saw first hand during this summer soiree - guests go gaga for this gorgeous, dramatic display. And best of all it can be set well in advance, or as we say "set it and forget it", and it tastes as great as it looks.

The tans will fade but the memories will last forever...see ya summer. As always, you were incredible.

Venue DL Studio

Florals, Stationery A Perfect Event

Linen Windy City Linen

China, Glassware, Flatware The Festive Frog

Photography Gerber Scarpelli