Plan a Stylish City Picnic

Even apartment-dwellers can entertain outside. Pick up ideas for staging an on-trend Cast Shadows-style picnic in any small space, from balcony to patio to deck.

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August 29, 2017

By: Nancy Fire

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Photo By: Alison Gootee

Tell a Story

My favorite part of outdoor entertaining is creating a tablescape that tells a unique story. This Urban Picnic at my New York apartment is a blend of elements. I especially like the organic mix of natural materials and various finishes we used here, with textiles by Studio NYC and gold flatware by West Elm.

Upper West Side Picnic

Picnics aren't just for parks and other pastoral settings. Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you can't host a high-end picnic on a balcony or terrace. Take advantage of the light and green surroundings and echo those features in your tablescape. Set the scene for a Cast Shadows-themed urban picnic at your home with these ideas to get the look. Learn more about the Cast Shadows trend here.

Keep It Light

One of the characteristic features of the Cast Shadows trend is a sense of natural lightness flooding into rooms through windows or bounced around a tablescape with plenty of glass elements, both opaque and transparent, as seen here.

Think Vertical

Plants and flowers add color, texture, and style to any tablescape.

Pattern Mix

My textile collection, Studio NYC, evokes a naturally-inspired yet urban vibe that allows me to mix and match patterns like Current and Riverbed, shown here on the napkins and seat cushions that are as at home in the country as they are in this home in the city.

Let Nature Lead the Way

Incorporate plants, flowers or vessels filled with fruit like oranges, apples, limes or pomegranates in varying heights and containers to provide a natural yet unexpected centerpiece.

Metallics Add Shine and Interest

By all means, mix metals. Copper salt and pepper shakers are a traditional touch made glam when paired with this modern brass candelabra.

This champagne bucket by Tina Frey adds style and another interesting texture to this tablescape.

Blend Elements for Interest

A mix of resin, glass, wood, and metal truly define this natural-meets-urban style. The salt dish is by Dinosaur Designs and the gold flatware is from West Elm.

Plan a Stylish City Picnic

Related To:

Shop This Look

Tell a Story

Upper West Side Picnic

Keep It Light

Think Vertical

Pattern Mix

Let Nature Lead the Way

Metallics Add Shine and Interest

Blend Elements for Interest

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