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How to Host the Perfect Summer Gathering in Your Own Backyard

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Food & Drink

How to Host the Perfect Summer Gathering in Your Own Backyard

June 6, 2023

Here at Jenni Kayne, we’re always in favor of a gathering even if just for gathering’s sake—and whether it’s shared memories or simply the warmth of the season, there’s something about summer that seems to so easily lend itself to celebration. Case in point: this recent backyard gathering at Jenni’s. Featuring easy summer recipes from Leanne Citrone, bespoke florals, and a general splendor unique to this season, it was a scene we’ll be dreaming about all summer long. To recreate it in your own backyard, keep reading.

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How to Host the Perfect Summer Gathering in Your Own Backyard

The Ambience

In an ode to the casual nature of summer, Jenni was intent on keeping things light, airy, and just a touch rustic. Her backyard provided a lush green backdrop to an equally idyllic scene—in which she opted for communal benches, unfussy table linens, and an impressive yet carefree display of colorful seasonal florals from Gemma Blooms. Not to mention—a few special guest appearances from her beloved rescues.

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The Table

In keeping with the al fresco theme, Jenni allowed the rest of the tabletop to remain intentionally minimal—evoking the classic nostalgia of a perfectly simple picnic. To follow suit, each place setting was equipped with classic and durable pieces from the Picnic Dinnerware Collection, with Frayed Linen Napkins tucked thoughtfully beneath each plate. In terms of drinkware, she leaned on a touch of seagrass for an additional air of seasonality. The result? A simple yet refined rendition of the backyard gatherings we all might have grown up with.

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The Menu

Because it wouldn’t be a true backyard gathering without an enticing spread of seasonal dishes, Jenni turned to friend and veritable entertaining expert, Leanne Citrone, for a crowd-pleasing menu that would draw from the spirit of the season. From her summer quiche recipe to a cake topped with fresh farmer’s market berries, each element felt celebratory, but, above all else, simple and delicious.

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Photos by Bliss Kaufman