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How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party with top picks from Crate and Barrel

August 24, 2015
End-of-summer entertaining

Ahh, end of summer. Such a beautiful, warm, (maybe even bittersweet) time of year. If you ask us, it’s the perfect time to host a party outside to celebrate the season in a festive way. Made all the more effortless when you register for the right entertaining pieces on your Gift Registry. In our ongoing series with Crate and Barrel, we styled this late summer gathering to share some of the top registry items in their catalog. Take note brides-to-be! You’re guaranteed to want to add these to your own Gift Registry.

End-of-summer entertaining

The perfect, versatile wine glass. A must have for an adult party. The classic Orgeon line of glassware is lovely for any occasion. Be sure to register for at least 12 so you’ll have enough for gatherings large and small in the years to come.

End-of-summer florals

Owning one large glass vase like the Evelyn makes a big statement when filled with a gorgeous, wild arrangement.

lemon thyme spritzer

Barware is a no-brainer too and the Crescent High Ball glass makes a perfect vessel for a fizzy cocktail, a non-boozy drink, or even a beer. We poured a sweet, tart, lemon-thyme spritzer.

cheese plate How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party

A good cheese board can be a meal in itself. Make it extra special and extra beautiful by serving it on a slate platter with these Taz Cheese Tools.

How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party

We’ve found that when selecting dinnerware, flatware, and linens for your Gift Registry, classic goes a long way. Yes there are AMAZING options out there right now (hello, Harper Rose Gold flatware), but simple, lovely pieces are so incredibly functional, no matter what the occasion. The organic lines of the Marin collection work perfectly in the backyard and at a formal holiday dinner. These light Helena linen napkins only get better with each use. (And they are best when wrinkled. Bonus!) And a heavy weight stainless flatware like the Couture line feels perfect in your hand every time you pick it up.

How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party

We love adding a thoughtful detail, like a sprig of olive branch, to each place setting.

How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party

These woven Crepe placemats from Chilewich are refined enough for a party, but even better for every day use. You can wash them in the sink and leave them in the dish rack to dry!

How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party

How much do you want to jump into this picture right now?

End-of-summer entertaining

Love the casual elegance of these registry essentials all together. It can be sooo hard to visualize how each piece you add to your registry will look with the others you’ve chosen.

End-of-summer entertaining End-of-summer backyard party

Don’t forget to add a bit of flickery lighting when the sun goes down. These Direction Tea Light Votives make all the difference for an evening meal.

summer florals

Have to take a moment to give a special shout out to the ladies of Brown Paper Design and The Plant Library. The flowers were insane!

How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party End-of-summer backyard party How to throw an end-of-summer backyard party summer fruit buckle

Finally, love a piece of cookware that can double as a serving dish. We made this simple summer cake, baked it in the Cream 5.5 qt Le Creuset French Oven, and popped it on the table once it cooled. If there was ever a registry essential, this would be it!

summer fruit buckle

Always yes to a rustic, homemade dessert.

We’ll make this super easy for the engaged ladies out there. Create your Gift Registry with Crate and Barrel here. Then follow the links below to build a classic tableware collection you’ll use for every party you host in the years following your wedding. Ready? Go!

Most popular Crate and Barrel registry picks Marin Dinnerware / Couture Flatware / Oregon Big White Wine Glasses / Crescent High Ball Glasses / Helena Vanilla Napkins / Crepe Placemats / Slate Cheese Board / Taz Cheese Tools / Evelyn Vase / Direction Glass Tea Light Holders

For three effortless recipes for a summer dinner party and why we love them, pop over to the Crate and Barrel blog too!

You can see even more images from this beautiful shoot in our inspiration gallery, right here. And if you’re looking for more registry inspiration, be sure to click through our past posts with Crate and Barrel here.

Concept & styling: 100 Layer Cake / Photography: Mary Costa / Flowers: Brown Paper Design / Plants: The Plant Library / Calligraphy: Kenzie of Details, Darling

* This post is sponsored by Crate and Barrel. They provided 100 Layer Cake with the products listed within this post! Big thanks to Crate and Barrel, and a big thanks to you for supporting the brands that keep 100 Layer Cake sharing beautiful inspiration!