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Leslie Lehr Living - Refined Organized Style

Refined Organized Style

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Elegant Outdoor Dinner Party

Fall in Phoenix is my favorite time of year because it marks outdoor entertaining season! This year Todd and I were thrilled to honor autumn by hosting a sunset soirée.  This elegant outdoor dinner party was extra special because it fell on our 23rd wedding anniversary.  

My goal for an well organized dinner party is to enjoy the evening with my guests. Planning ahead eliminates the last minute stress entertaining can cause. I hope my few tips help you to achieve a successful and carefree alfresco dinner.

Once the temperature drops here in the desert, I love to plan alfresco dinner parties. By planning ahead, I eliminate the stress of hosting a dinner party.

Once the invitations are sent, I take inventory of my serving essentials. I determine if I need to restock my supply of monogrammed cocktail napkins. I always use white paper napkins with the family monogram. Over the years,  I have changed the style and font color, however I am loyal to the simplicity of my monogrammed  napkins. I reduce the clutter of excess holiday and birthday napkins by using my traditional monogram for each event.

Gray and gold marbled paper placemats and banner place cards from Hester and Cook  add a touch of elegance to the table setting.  My friend Julia used a gold pen to personalize the banners.

 

Hues of white and blue flowers with a pop of gold took center stage.  I typically ordered my flowers three weeks in advance.  These beautiful bouquets are from my friend Jennifer Grant Petals.

My party planning routine calls for hair, makeup, and wardrobe to begin two hours before the party. Allowing an hour prior to the party to execute the final details. This includes icing down the drinks, organizing the bar, and finalizing the appetizers.

Once set up is done it’s time to open up the wine and pop the bubbly.

My goal for an well organized dinner party is to enjoy the evening with my guests.
Pop the champagne and unwind with wine.

Better Together, the perfect cake topper to celebrate our wedding anniversary with great friends.  Lemon cake topped with fresh blueberries from LGO Bake Shop.

Cheers to an elegant outdoor dinner party.

 

Sunset soirée.

The benefit of organized entertaining is the opportunity for the hosts to enjoy the celebration with their friends and family. A well planned outdoor elegant dinner party provides a stress free event.  Always remember an organized host is a happy host!

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