'It was more than just the perfect ice breaker, it was magic' – stylist extraordinaire Steve Cordony on how to set the scene for a perfect summer garden party

The international stylist and author Steve Cordony knows how to throw a perfect party. He's hosted events all over the world, from New York dinners to New Zealand wineries, and he's hired for so much more than his tablescaping prowess.

It's because he's able to set a scene for any garden party idea, tell a story, and invite guests into a magical world they can't help but feel charmed by.

Be inspired by his theatrical approach to summer table decor ideas – go big, go bold, and go all out with a sense of abundance, joy, and a table fit for a feast.

Steve Cordony explains how to ensure a summer garden party gives its guests a good time

You've thrown more summer garden parties than most people have had dinners. What's the key to ensuring their success?

I once had lunch in Lake Como, Italy, where I made everyone take their shoes off as soon as they arrived. The moment they did that, and felt their feet on the grass, it was more than just the perfect icebreaker, it was magic!

The mood changes when you're at a lovely summer event, outdoors in good weather, it alters the whole personality of the event. People want to have a good time, they're ready for it. It's why a garden party, outdoor dining, or picnic always works so well.

What are the key ingredients for a perfect summer garden party?

It always starts with the story: what mood are you trying to evoke, and what journey do you want to take your guests on? This is what will inform the look, feel, and soundtrack of your event. If it’s a beautiful wildflower moment, I’ll find a willow tree and get us all to sit under there, building the color palette from that with pastels and neutral tones.

Think of your garden party like it's a movie, a theater piece transporting guests to another world. And also, remember to think about logistics. If the weather is tricky, might you need a marquee? Are you close to a bathroom and running water for the catering and drinks?

Let’s talk about your aesthetic style – what’s the look of this sort of event?

My go-to summer entertaining look is fresh white and green – a crisp white tablecloth, a green-rimmed dinnerware set, and cut crystal glassware, all laid out under a tree, with green and white flowers everywhere.

This palette just melds with the outdoors, it helps to fuse your table into the landscape. It all melds, outdoors is green, and when you can fuse the tablescape into the landscape as much as possible. I've also been inspired by other natural palettes.

I hosted one garden party where I wanted super tall grass in the height of summer and created a palette inspired by when it gets a bit scorched by the sun and turns into something like hay. As long as the colors are inspired by nature somehow, they'll work.

Are there any key decorative pieces that you’d always make sure to include?

If it’s dusk then outdoor candles or lanterns leading you down the path to the table are a must, but I'd use candles in the daytime, too. I'd always include fresh flowers and greenery, and some element of fruit and vegetables – as many elements you can bring from the surroundings and pick from trees or hedges because that fusion to the landscape is great.

I did a party in a winery in New Zealand recently and it was earthy and organic so I got some pebbles from the lake nearby.

Be creative with what you have surrounding you – nature is the biggest source of inspiration and all its textural details. You can bring them into the confines of the table, and they'll help inform your choices as to whether the tablecloth is linen or cotton or the table is left as just wood, whether the vases are rattan and relaxed or porcelain and more elegant.

Everything should always feel natural, your table should seem like it's living and breathing.

Obviously, you're an expert at tablescaping, but do you have any advice for novices?

The simplest tip when tablescaping is to use anything en masse – it instantly gives your table an edge when there is a sense of abundance and a feeling of feast. So instead of a bowl of lemons, strew them down the table. Why have one vase of flowers when you can have 20?

My aesthetic is a play on 'old meets new', I like European detailing meeting contemporary flair. In the back of my mind there is always a beautiful 17th or 18th-century still life reference, and those vignettes you see in old Dutch masters, of tumbling fruit and scattered flowers, can help guide your way.

How do you make sure that a tablescape adds to the vibe – and doesn’t get in the way of all the food and drinks?

You have to be practical, of course. But go big! There's an old rule that nothing should be taller than 10 inches, but you can always take things away from the table when people sit down, and that removal of decoration becomes the second act, the ushering in of eating, which is the next phase after mingling.

Nothing should be static, and if you want something really full on then have another table to the side which can take your overflow of decoration once it has come off the main table.

What sort of food do you like to serve, and how would you serve it?

My style is casual: shared plates, or even a buffet table off to the side. This invites a more laidback approach to the party, the success of which always comes down to the energy of the guests. If you create moments people need to get up for then it keeps the flow going.

And what's on the playlist?

You know, Spotify is a great resource, and there is a playlist for every mood. I'll decide what ambiance I want, type those words in, and see what comes up. It could be 'Italian Summer Vacation' or 'Smooth Jazz' or anything that sets a tone. Soul is my go-to, anything that feels relaxed.

And for a picnic, does your approach change much?

I love how whimsical picnics feel, they make you so happy. There is something so childlike about just sitting out on the grass. But my aesthetic stays the same, I'd still have white flowers everywhere, something soft like a daisy. Mix them with rugs, oversized pillows, drum tables, and chopping boards full of charcuterie. You can still create a magical moment whether it's under a tree, on the back terrace, or the beach with friends.

Steve Cordony recently published his book Moments at Home: Interior Inspiration for Every Room.

Shop this edit of Steve Cordony-inspired pieces for your next garden party

Steve says you can never have too much on a garden party table, as it creates theater on arrival and you can always remove it when guests come to sit down and need space to eat.

The palette he prefers is green and white, taking inspiration from the grass and flowers around the event. So start your party off in style with this shopping edit inspired by his approach.