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"   \u00A9An Invitation to the Garden by Michael Devine, Rizzoli New York, 2014.  For most hosts, setting the perfect table for a gathering of friends and family is a joy; though doing so outdoors can make even the most seasoned hosts worry just a bit. Enter tastemaker and textile designer, Michael Devine, with his new book, An Invitation To The Garden: Seasonal Entertaining Outdoors, where he uses his upstate New York garden as the setting for elegant luncheons, lantern-lit cocktail parties and chic dinners all-year round. Sharing beautiful tablescapes and delicious menus from several of his get-togethers throughout the year, Devine offers guidance and inspiration for hosting outdoor events in every season. Here, we look at some of Devine&amp;#039;s most inspired tips for al fresco dining and hosting:   \u00A9An Invitation to the Garden by Michael Devine, Rizzoli New York, 2014.  Create a space in your garden that can be transformed: &amp;quot;Whenever I can, I throw parties inside the cozy bagatelle, an old garden shed that has been transformed into a whimsical dining space. Using my printed fabrics, creative centerpieces, the dinnerware I&amp;#039;ve collected, and other accents to set the Mise-en-sc\u00E8ne, I can tailor my outdoor entertaining to any occasion.&amp;quot;   \u00A9An Invitation to the Garden by Michael Devine, Rizzoli New York, 2014.  Keep it Simple: &amp;quot;When I entertain I lean on the classics,&amp;quot; says Devine &amp;quot;Menus should not be too complicated; they should be delicious and presented with flair.&amp;quot;    \u00A9An Invitation to the Garden by Michael Devine, Rizzoli New York, 2014.  Have things done early. Earlier than you think: &amp;quot;Setting the table is always easier if it is pre-planned to the last detail the day before or the morning of a party.&amp;quot; advises Devine. Don&amp;#039;t be afraid to call in help: &amp;quot;Renting chairs, tables, and dinnerware is a great option if you don&amp;#039;t have what you need on hand. It&amp;#039;s much more reasonable than buying numerous items and having to find storage for things you may only use once, if ever, again.&amp;quot; Be aware of how your space looks and feels at night: &amp;quot;When planning the garden I always make sure that there are enough white or light-colored flowers interspersed through the space,&amp;quot; explains Devine. &amp;quot;They stand out better in the dark with only moonlight and the glow of the lanterns.&amp;quot;    \u00A9An Invitation to the Garden by Michael Devine, Rizzoli New York, 2014.  Reflect the time of year in your table setting: In the spring, freshly bloomed lilacs inspire a brunch filled with purple hues. In the fall, &amp;quot;Colorful kale makes a great centerpiece,&amp;quot; says Devine. For a September lunch he created &amp;quot;a harvest dinner mood for the table by echoing the vegetables that were in the garden in either ceramic or topiary form.&amp;quot; "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/a742/tips-for-outdoor-entertaining-all-year-round/>