Throw a Southern-Style Summer Party

Finding the perfect tablecloth can be a challenge without breaking the bank, so why not head to a local fabric store to find a beautiful pattern at an affordable price? Here, pale pink linen is cut right from the bolt, then topped with a piece of sheer lace that matches gauzy, white curtains.

If you don't own a set of heirloom china, a party is the perfect excuse to start a collection; the more mismatched the better! Each place setting includes a dinner plate, a salad plate and a saucer, plus a cherry-filled teacup featuring a flag of each guest's name. Silver flatware, a vintage handkerchief and a delicate champagne coupe top off the look.

The last element of the table design is the floral centerpiece. Any abundant combination of pink and white blossoms will fit perfectly with this theme. Thanks to Ash from The Byrd Collective, this table is filled with stunning peonies, orange blossoms and gardenias.

When throwing a Southern-style party, a cocktail that incorporates that quintessential Down South beverage, sweet tea, is essential. The signature Savannah fizz cocktail combines simple syrup, sweet tea vodka and champagne with fresh blackberries and mint. Just make sure you make enough for seconds ... and thirds. Get the recipe >>

Nothing says "summer in the South" like juicy watermelon, and a big, fresh slice is the perfect way to offset a menu full of decadent sweets. Find a fresh watermelon a few days before the party, then slice, cover and refrigerate the day before.

This thrifted bronze bar cart creates the perfect spot to display the party's dessert buffet.

A Southern-style party calls for a certain set of lovable and traditional treats. Fitting menu items include individually-sized portions of fresh fruit tartlets, banana pudding, lemon meringue pie and pecan pie. Get the recipes for our Savannah dessert menu here:
Banana Pudding Parfaits
Lemon Meringue Tartlets
Pecan Pie Tartlets

A simple way to incorporate Southern elegance to your buffet is with vintage handkerchiefs. Since the handkerchiefs are small, place one on top of the other, then pull the center through a silver napkin ring. The different combinations of detailed floral prints and embroidery look beautiful grouped together.