“Say barbecue and most people think red-and-white gingham tablecloths, Mason jars, and too much food,” say Jamie Geffen and Brian Worely of Los Angeles-based YourBash. But put your own spin on it while still keeping things simple, and you’ll step out of the traditional.
Centerpiece: “Take centerpieces to the next level by combining them with serving pieces. To create various heights for displaying food, mix Saltillo tiles with terra-cotta pots and planter bases.”
Linen: “The Saltillo serape table runner from La Tavola pulls in summer-perfect blues and greens, and simple ivory bandanas make a unique napkin.”
Settings: “Nothing says barbecue like blue enamel-speckled plates, and for a fun flair, provide camping cutlery.”
Bar: “Whip up a refreshing ‘Bullfrog’ summer slushy by blending frozen lemonade, ice, vodka, club soda, and mint. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint—and be ready for a brain freeze.”
Grill: “If you really want to go old-school, invest in the kamado-style Big Green Egg. A lump of oak and hickory charcoal produces incredible results.”
For long summer nights, refreshing beverages are a must. Danielle Couick at Magnolia Bluebird in Washington, D.C., suggests engaging guests with local breweries and craft beers. Many have interesting histories and more complex flavor profiles than wine or spirits.
Menu: “To accompany home-style brews, we love ‘man snacks,’ like pretzel and dip pairings, flavored pork rinds, cheeses, nuts, and bacon lollipops.”
Decor: “Use bottle labels as the inspiration for your color palette to arrange the ingredients found in beer—such as hops and barley—in bottles, steins, and pilsner vases.”
Bar: “Craft breweries often offer kegs of limited-edition, small-batch brews that you can serve at your event. You can even hire the brewmaster or local distributor to give mini lessons on flavors profiles and the brewing process.”
Known for his edgy concepts and 3-D designs, Garin Baura of Baura New York envisions a partially tented picnic inspired by the leafy, green-and-white 1970s pattern in fashion designer Thom Browne’s Black Fleece for Brooks Brothers Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
Stemware: “An eclectic variety of glasses in shades of green reinforce the color scheme.”
Tent: “A long marquee tent is draped in the patterned fabric both inside and out, with a long communal table outfitted in a custom linen of the same pattern.”
Menu: “Summer salads in greens and whites are placed in elevated tabletop displays for a family-style meal with custom-patterned luncheon napkins.”
Centerpiece: “Oversize elephant-ear leaves positioned on huge metal spikes act as a simple, visually dramatic canopy.”
