'I want everything to feel beautiful and effortless' – designer Brigette Romanek on the easiest ways to create an elegant alfresco aperitvo hour

Brigette Romanek reinvented the modern Californian style. The designer's own home, and those she worked on for clients like Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce, are elegant yet relaxed, upscale yet they make your shoulders go down as soon as you walk into them They mix high-end materials like boucle and metallics with Spanish tiled floors and rustic wood tables. In short, they helped to inform the liveable luxe style so prevalent today.

'I believe with all my heart that we’re enhanced by our surroundings, and if I can bring beauty into people’s lives then that creates good feelings,' says Brigette, on the way she thinks about design, and how it can set the tone for a party.

'I now think about energy more than ever - I always want people to feel like they’ve been invited to a party.'

Key to her works' success is how easy it is to entertain. Because of the cocooning shapes and general smartness, her designs encourage you to sparkle, be funny, and be the best and most fun version of yourself. She knows how to throw a party, and there is nowhere better to be at aperitivo hour than on her terrace, sipping one of her citrusy herb spritzes.

Brigette Romanek exclusively shares how she hosts the perfect alfresco aperitvio hour

The idea of Golden Hour in LA is so evocative and magical. If you were to host an aperitvo hour outside at this time, what would it look like?

It would be all about soaking in that light. I'd set the scene with low, cozy seating, a few layered throws, vintage trays, and bowls scattered across the space. It’s laid-back but still thoughtful. There’s beauty in the mix and match, the natural textures, the way everything feels relaxed but still special.

Your aesthetic style is all about elevated relaxation, or liveable luxury. How do you carry this approach into an alfresco aperitivo hour?

The goal is simple: to craft a space that radiates warmth, beauty, and celebration – a setting for unforgettable drinks, laughter, and lasting memories.

I want everything to feel beautiful and effortless. That means soft textures, layered materials, and pieces that invite people to relax. It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating a space that holds you, where people feel good and stay a while.

What sort of colors might you gravitate towards?

I’m almost overwhelmed when it comes to colors right now. I’m drawn to warm, earthy tones like clay, olive, sand, and natural fabrics like linen or cotton. I love layering textures that have a bit of movement and personality.

I also adore yellows and rusts and pale greens with muted blues. I like to take a lavender and mix it with a little gray – there’s a softness here that is so easy to play around with.

What sort of drinks would you serve?

I love serving a seasonal spritz, something fresh with citrus or herbs, and a great bottle of wine. I always include a non-alcoholic option that still feels festive. Pitchers and carafes let people serve themselves, which keeps the vibe casual and welcoming. I’ll pour a few to start and let it evolve from there.

Would you include any extras little decorative flourishes?

If I do, it’s something fun and personal, maybe a beautiful stirrer or a handmade detail that adds a little charm. It’s those small touches that make things feel intimate and considered.

How would you serve food in a way that still encourages guests to be agile and move around?

For snacks, I’ll put out marinated olives, fruit, almonds, maybe some warm bread with a few dips. It’s light, easy, and keeps the energy flowing. I like to place small bites throughout the space on trays or side tables so people can move around, join different conversations, and stay engaged. It’s a roaming kind of evening.

Seating can be tricky when you want guests to mingle and not sit in the same place too long. How do you manage that?

Absolutely! I’d bring in a mix of pillows, poufs, stools, and maybe a bench, or some vintage chairs. The key is variety. It begins with a conversation about textures and colors, and finding the harmony between the two.

The pieces you choose need to create no conflict with each other, to flow. You can do this by looking at the space between them and the shapes in the air around your furniture.

By introducing gentle curves that complement each other, and spacing them apart so their outlines have room to breathe, it will all come together, creating natural gathering spots and making the space feel alive and welcoming.

What's always on your party playlist?

Music sets the tone. It should feel warm and full of rhythm, something that makes you smile. I’ve been absolutely loving SZA recently.

And would you layer in a scent?

I like adding just a hint by burning a little palo santo or lighting something earthy and grounding. It’s subtle, but it helps create a full experience Lighting is key though. I’d use candles, lanterns, string lights, and maybe even a small lamp if the setup allows. As the sun sets, the space should glow. That’s when it gets magical.

Final words of advice to make the party go well?

A fire pit always brings people together. There’s something so warm and timeless about it. Everyone ends up gathered around, talking deeper, staying longer. It anchors the evening in the best way.

How to dress your party inspired by Brigette Romanek's style

Brigette has always approached design with a keen interest in 'the vibes', using the positive energy her work creates as a way that she knows she has got it right. 'People always remember how they felt in a space more than how it looked,' she says. The same is true of a party. Guests will far longer be warmed by the memories of the ambiance than they will by how many different types of glassware or floral displays you used.

Brigette's advice here is to keep the aesthetic simple. To focus on natural colors and include only a few fun flourishes that amp up the feeling of a fiesta, like those cocktail stirrers or handmade details she mentioned. Shop these artfully curated pieces below to put just the right level of personality into your very golden aperitivo hour soiree.

Brigette's book, Liveable Luxe, is available here. See more of Romanek Design Studio here.