Before it gets too hot to stay outside for long, consider throwing a sit-down dinner party al fresco with flair. The Siesta tablecloth comes in
three zesty striped patterns and is water repellent, mildew proof and soil releasing ($29 to $39). But here’s the clincher: Siesta tablecloths come with fastener strips to hold them in place and an opening for a table umbrella. This brightly colored butterfly and flower tablecloth is summery and celebratory. It comes in a red-and-blue vintage pattern that suggests an Eastern influence – and it’s so visually busy, stains will hardly be noticed (on sale for $40 to $55). Top it off with these coordinating braided placemats ($54); though they look like they were made from more substantial material, they are composed of tightly woven resilient plastic, making them easy to wipe clean. Add an elegant touch with these hand-sewn cotton napkins that can be monogrammed with a single cream initial and come in sand, wheat, spa blue, blue, red, green or celery (set of four $25). Serve garden-fresh salads or desserts on these stylish paisley-patterned plates ($60 for a set of four). If barbecue is on your menu, these red gingham steel plates have an enamel finish with a silver edge (on sale for $24 for a set of four). Or go green with these plates (pictured) of sustainable bamboo without dyes or bleaches and designed to biodegrade four to six months after disposal ($15 for a set of eight) along with matching utensils ($11 for a 24 pieces). Chips and dip would be well-served in this Gracious Goods set with ceramic containers in an antiqued metal holder embellished with scrolls ($215). Serving becomes an art form with unusual tools such as the brass fish lifter set, with a knife long enough and tongs sturdy enough to present even the most delicate grilled fish without flaking ($295), and the King & Queen salad server ($250), also made of hand-forged solid brass with copper inlays and silver plate. This condiment caddy ($39) is hand-woven of a sustainable forest vine and is perfect for transporting flatware, napkins and condiments. Imagine instructing your guests to please throw their trash in the decorative Margate trash can, which is crafted of heavy-duty, weather-resistant polyresin with a galvanized metal liner that lifts out for easy disposal ($240).




















