Summer Party, Pronto!

Let Them Eat Cake

By Wendye Katzman

Cake is great, but cake stands are fabulous. In a pinch, they double as a gorgeous centerpiece. Pile on summer fruits and tuck in some fresh greens from the yard. Be prepared when everyone asks who does your flowers.

SHOP NOW: Ballard Designs' Stands, from $19

Personal Touch

It’s the little touches that set you apart from the party pack. Monogrammed paper guest towels in your powder room will leave them thinking that you’ve been planning for months.

SHOP NOW: Ballard Designs' Personalized Guest Towels, $50 (set of 100)

Stamp Of Approval

We also love the idea of embossing our initials on everything from the invitations to the cocktail napkins.

SHOP NOW: Beau-coup Custom Embosser, $60

Bright Lights

Glowing paper lanterns are always sophisticated and create an instant party spirit. Choose crisp summer white or a mix of fun colors.

SHOP NOW: Pearl River Paper Lanterns, from $2 each

Tray Chic

Sometimes a single piece can set not only the theme for a stylish gathering, but be the reason to throw it together in the first place. This tray deserves a coming out party.

SHOP NOW: Z Gallerie Peacock Tray, $60

In The Fold

Keep a stash of stylish folding tables and chairs on hand that you can easily pop out to seat a crowd (and then quickly hide away). Extra tables always come in handy as makeshift bars and side servers.

SHOP NOW: Ballard Designs' Cafe Folding Tables, from $89, and Chairs, $129 (set of two)

Pull Up A Seat

Translation: "Toss out those ugly metal folding chairs." These chic black bamboo seats are pretty enough to use every day.

SHOP NOW: Ballard Designs' Bamboo Folding Chairs, $99 (set of two)

Flights Of Fancy

All you need are a few unique little pieces to add a festive feeling to any occasion, big or small.

SHOP NOW: Z Gallerie Bird Napkin Rings, $20 (set of four)