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" In his new book, Flair: Exquisite Invitations, Lush Flowers, and Gorgeous Table Settings (Rizzoli, $30), decorator Joe Nye demystifies every aspect of entertaining, from sending out invitations to setting the table. And he makes even the fanciest gathering seem effortless and fun. With Memorial Day fast approaching, ELLE DECOR asks him for advice on how to host a successful\u2014and easy\u2014open-air party.  Why do you think so many people are nervous about entertaining?   People become paralyzed because they can&amp;#039;t get the centerpiece right, or they think they can&amp;#039;t serve a simple meal. But it doesn&amp;#039;t have to be perfect. I grew up in a house of five brothers and sisters and two very busy parents. Yet there was never a paper napkin in our house\u2014ever. It doesn&amp;#039;t take a lot of work to iron and wash linen napkins, or place carnations from the grocery store into a cachepot.   What&amp;#039;s your entertaining philosophy?   Do it simply, have a good time, and get a recipe or a routine down and keep repeating it. No one is going to remember if you served meatloaf at the last party. And if they do, who cares?     Blue and yellow are a perfect color combo for a summer luncheon on a porch. Cheap and cheery button mums in ceramic urns serve as centerpieces; and a single Fuji mum in a tea cup at each place setting welcomes each guest.     What are your top tips for an outdoor party?   \u2022 Think about the time of day and the time of year. Don&amp;#039;t schedule an outdoor luncheon on an August afternoon. Have people over in the late afternoon or early evening on hot days.   \u2022 Offer plenty of comfortable seating. Unless it&amp;#039;s a cocktail party where all your guests are standing, it&amp;#039;s important that everyone can sit in a comfy chair. The fabulous bamboo folding chairs from William-Wayne &amp;amp;amp; Co. are stylish and sturdy.   \u2022 My favorite type of meal is a buffet, especially for a large group. It&amp;#039;s perfect for an outdoor party, and you don&amp;#039;t have to plate the food inside and carry it out.   \u2022 Place plants like red geraniums into simple terra-cotta pots. Add some moss, so you can&amp;#039;t see the soil, and line them down the center of the table for a colorful centerpiece.   \u2022 A theme drink like sangria or gin mixed with limeade is fun and helps set the tone. Consider having a fully stocked bar, if you can. Most people drink wine these days, but it&amp;#039;s always nice to offer more.   \u2022 Freeze mint leaves, lemon wedges, or strawberries in ice cubes for a refreshing way to chill your cocktails or sparkling water.   \u2022 Everybody loves a picnic, so serve picnic fare\u2014fried chicken, potato salad, grilled vegetables, or pasta salads that are fresh and cold.   \u2022 Use cloth napkins, and have plenty on hand for guests. It makes more sense environmentally, and you can buy them inexpensively at Williams-Sonoma. Or opt for high-quality paper napkins. Never buy thin paper or plastic plates.   \u2022 Don&amp;#039;t be afraid to mix a $2 goblet with your grandmother&amp;#039;s fancy china if they look right together.   \u2022 If you&amp;#039;re entertaining on a terrace or by a pool, make sure to provide plastic wineglasses, so they won&amp;#039;t break if dropped.   \u2022 Anything straw, rattan, or wicker brings a casual feel to the table. Crate &amp;amp;amp; Barrel makes the best rattan place mats in the world.     For a Mexican theme lunch, perfect for Cinco de Mayo, vivid striped placemats and inexpensive ceramic bowls create a festive mood. Bunches of brightly colored supermarket flowers enliven the table.     More great advice from Flair:   \u2022 Great hosts usually blend hands-on work with a few well-chosen shortcuts and quick fixes.   \u2022 The most powerful arrangement is often one in which common flowers have been used in an unexpected way. (Nye suggests placing masses of a single flower in unusual containers, such as a soup tureen, mint julep cups, wicker baskets, or an ice bucket.)   \u2022 Stationery stores are wonderful sources of inspiration for invitations.   \u2022 Tray meals\u2014where guests pick up a tray with their place setting on it\u2014are a nice, organized option for when you won&amp;#039;t be seating guests at tables or for outdoor meals.   \u2022 Don&amp;#039;t forget your powder room. Fresh flowers, a scented candle, and proper guest towels signify that it has been specially prepared for the gathering, a thoughtful attention to detail bound to be appreciated.  \u2014Interview by Helen Yun Discover more in Entertaining + Travel   \u2022 A Stylist&amp;#039;s Entertaining Secrets \u2022 How Fashion Star Anna Sui Entertains   \u2022 Daniel Boulud&amp;#039;s Sensational Spring Dishes "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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