Charlotte Rey and Duncan Campbell CREATIVE CONSULTANTS AND FOUNDERS OF CAMPBELL-REY DESIGN STUDIO, LONDON
“When you’ve decided on what you are inviting guests to – a standing dînatoire, aperitif, cocktail or lunch – you can start thinking about how to best decorate it. I would advise not to complicate things too much – beautiful Murano glass tumblers to serve both lemonade and wine are lovely and easy, French linens are beautiful in a garden, a small wrought-iron table to put drink glasses on is useful, large chargers with delicious dippy things on a serving table is easy if people are standing. Try to separate food and drinks tables for best flow in the space, and make sure canapés are always one-bite size if you serve them. Don’t be afraid to ask people to dress up, but also consider what is comfortable to wear given the setting. Black tie in sweltering heat is just silly. Drinks should be flowing and make sure you mix people up. What’s lovely about the outdoors is that it is naturally a bit more informal than being inside, it feels more playful and charming. Perhaps provide some lawn games like croquet, and create some seating areas with tents, safari chairs, blankets and large cushions for guests to recline.” – Charlotte Rey
“I have a striped awning in the wild meadow next to my house in the Cotswolds in the English countryside, which is set with a turquoise wrought-iron and bamboo dining setting for six guests. In the summer I often play around with Lisa Corti tablecloths in different colours, decorate with vintage crockery, our CampbellRey Murano glassware, large vases filled with flowers or smaller arrangements in bud vases, and on a warm summer evening with friends, it’s heaven. I love a good punch bowl, which I feel has sadly become very unfashionable. They’re very convivial and fun, and there’s a ton of great punch recipes out there.” – Duncan Campbell