Summer Series #1
Lavinia Stewart-Brown - Stewart Brown Events, The Times Best Luxury Wedding Planners List 2025
Looking for summer dinner party inspiration, well look no further. We've opened our little black book of our favourite entertainers, tastemakers, and event planners and asked them to create their dream Summer dinner party - and impart their best hosting tips. You're welcome!
The UK’s most sought after luxury wedding planner, Lavinia know’s the importance of a well planned wedding tablescape and it’s storytelling powers. Responsible for planning dreamy weddings all across the UK and Europe, Lavinia’s tips are worth their weight in gold...
Her perfect table: “Dusk on a summer evening, sitting at a beautifully set table, candles flickering, with a bottle of Provence Rose chilling in a silver ice bucket, ready to drink!”
Go-to table styling trick: “Keep is simple and don't overcrowd a table. During the summer months, meals often include salads or side dishes, so it’s important to leave space for these. Think about the colours you are using, select 2 or 3 max and focus the table around them. If you’re using a beautifully coloured placemat, match this with the colour of your candles. Lastly introduce new colours within your flowers for contrast. “
Favourite meal to serve: “I do love a BBQ, especially when seafood is brought into the mix. Some lovely large tiger prawns or lobster with a butter and garlic sauce. Marinate lamb in spices and lemon, and serve on some colourful Mediterranean platters, alongside hot flat bread (straight off the BBQ), with a spinach and pomegranate salad. Pudding would be pavlova with raspberries or my homemade salted caramel brownies, if I am feeling extra naughty.”
Handy hosting advice: “Don't overwhelm yourself by inviting too many people. Think about who you are inviting, what you are going to cook and how you want the table to look before the actual day, so you can be fully present during the dinner. Set the table first and prepare the ingredients for cocktails earlier in the day to alleviate any last minute stress. Don’t forget lighting and music, as this will set the tone for the evening! “
Where she’s entertaining: “If I close my eyes, I’m setting a long table amongst the vines in an Italian vineyard in Tuscany, or a round table by the swimming pool at my home in Portugal. Either way, somewhere I can watch the sun setting."
Favourite Clio and Clover Piece: “I have been in love with their rattan placemats for years. I also love jazzing up my table with a coloured glossy candle and Clio and Clover do a gorgeous Antique Rose colour, which gives my table that extra 'pop'.”
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