Send Off Summer With Inspiration From This Outdoor Social Event

New York-based event designer David Stark soaked up the last moments of the season with an all-out summer-inspired theme for this private backyard birthday celebration.

Ashton Pike

September 21, 2020

NEW YORK—Since the pause button has been pressed on large-scale live events, planners have turned to smaller social events to curb their appetite for creativity. While springtime boasted socially distant graduation parties, summertime has brought virtual wedding ceremonies and intimate outdoor gatherings—much like the one recently produced by event designer David Stark of New York-based David Stark Design and Production.

Dreamed up for a birthday celebration among 13 close friends and family members, the summer farmer's market-inspired afternoon came together lakeside at a private residence in Sagaponack, N.Y., and featured a cocktail hour, three-course meal, musical entertainment, and, of course, plenty of event design inspiration. After all, according to Stark, "No matter the scale, treat each event as if it’s the most special you’ll ever do."

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VENDORS: David Stark Design and Production (event design and production) | Olivier Cheng Catering & Events (catering) | Party Rental Ltd. (rentals) | Elan Artists (entertainment) | Susie Montagna (photography)

Stark centered the private event's design around a local farmer's market bounty, with baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables, and blooming sunflowers to boot.

Photo: Susie Montagna

Bartenders donned masks for safety and spent the afternoon slinging summertime cocktails (think watermelon palomas and rose sangria) for the event's 13 guests. "Safety was of tantamount importance," noted Stark. "All staff wore masks, from set-up through the event to the strike."

Photo: Susie Montagna

"From a guest perspective, this was a tight-knit group who had podded together. Still, at the dining table, we gave extra room for each guest," said Stark. "The table was wider than what we might do pre-COVID in order to social distance across the table, and we definitely provided more room between each place setting."

Photo: Susie Montagna

The event's menu was cleverly displayed from a nearby tree. Guests dined on a three-course meal from Olivier Cheng Catering & Events. To start, guests were served end-of-summer chilled corn soup with sage and duck prosciutto crisp. The main course consisted of two entrees: pan-seared black sea bass with chickpea fries, braised summer vegetables, and a red pepper sauce; and truffle burrata paired with heirloom tomato salad, balsamic gel, and basil emulsion. And for dessert, the Olivier Cheng team brought out a medley of red-wine peach, white peach, earl-grey cream, and amaretto cookie crunch; and a double-chocolate ice-cream sandwich.

Photo: Susie Montagna

Stark outfitted each table setting with a clever vegetable-inspired paper place card as a nod to the farmer's market theme.

Photo: Susie Montagna

Even among family and friends, it was important to Stark that sanitization measures be taken—but with flair, of course. "We had several stations with hand sanitizer for guests and staff care, where "Spread Joy, Not Germs!” signs were placed."

Photo: Susie Montagna

Farmer's market-inspired florals and decor took over the outdoor dining table that was reminiscent of an upscale picnic. Vibrant centerpieces were made up of signature summertime blooms—including sunflowers, gerbera daisies, carnations, and more—which were intermingled with red and yellow peppers for added color and creativity. Small baskets filled with fresh fruits and vegetables dotted the table, adding to the farmer's-market feel..

Photo: Susie Montagna