The August issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles has a terrific article about elegant entertaining à la Phoebe Howard (pictured above). The magazine photographed a cocktail party hosted by Howard and held at her Atlanta pied à terre. Honoring a new employee, the all female bash is an excellent example of how to entertain and still be as cool as the avocado-cucumber soup that was served.
First, I like the fact that the guests all attended the party in their best summertime frocks. Granted, they were being photographed for a magazine, but isn't it nice to see an event where people make an effort to look nice?
An accomplished hostess, Howard knows that simple but tasty food is the way to go. (Remember the advice of Gene Hovis: always serve something simple and straight-forward.) Guests enjoyed a menu of parmesan-pimento cheese hors d'oeuvres, avocado-cucumber soup, Tuna Niçoise, and lemon sorbet and lemon cookies for dessert. Oh, and Watermelon martinis were served too. Nothing like a good cocktail to get the fun and frivolity started.
To Howard, entertaining is an important part of being in the decorating business. It's a "very important business skill, where attention to detail is paramount." So true, and it's nice to see people keeping the art of gracious entertaining alive.
(For more images of Howard's Atlanta apartment, visit the House Beautiful website)
An elegant Summertime tablesetting
The Tuna Nicoise looks all the better amidst topiaries planted in silver buckets.
Avocado-Cucumber Soup anyone?
(All images from the August issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles; Erica George Dines photographer; text by Kate Abney and produced by Rachel Cardina)
Beautiful. Phoebe looks great and I love the lily of the valley on the silver tray! A must copy for future.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - this makes me want to plan a party. I remember an issue of Southern Accents a couple of years ago. In one of their show houses I kept coming across all this wonderful stuff. Every time I flipped to check the source I came across "Mrs. Howard." Her shop must be a delight as well.
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful! I wish people would come to my parties as elegantly attired! We need to have a big blogger bash and everyone come in their Sunday finest -how fabulous would THAT be!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Howard is my favorite store, and Phoebe Howard seems like a lovely woman!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post. The presentation of the cucumber soup is fantastic. Everthing looks so cool and elegant.
ReplyDeleteI like the banquette she has for her dining table and summer frocks are the greatest aren't they? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNice frocks, nice home, nice party!
ReplyDeleteWhere do I send the thank you note?
Lovely posting!! Gosh!! -- I am so jealous of those gorgeous, elegant and cool-as-a-cucumber Southern gals! What a beautiful party -- and yummy food ideas too! Love the idea for watermelon martinis! Thanks for sharing! sigh sigh sigh .....
ReplyDeleteJan at a very hot-and-parched Rosemary Cottage where the temperature in Dallas will reach 104 today!
I think it's nice to see food presented in a lovely way... and not a flip-flop in sight! Glad you all enjoyed these photos as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and elegant cocktail party! I love the way Phoebe Howard utilizes a refined, traditional aesthetic while keeping it all, in her own words, "light as a meringue." So true that design and entertaining go hand in hand and that a detail oriented approach to both is crucial for a beautiful end result. Thank you for such an entertaining post, so refreshing to see well-dressed guests sans flips-flops... I am feeling inspired to host an event and serve avocado-cucumber soup and watermelon martinis!
ReplyDeleteLove the first photo... all the colours... the layout... oh so LOVELY! Definite Peak of Chic!
ReplyDeleteThe flower arrangement on the table is gorgeous! Actually, everything looks pretty good!
ReplyDeleteHoward is right " entertaining is part of decorating business" I would have loved to be part of this party
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