Behind the Veil

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Behind the Veil
From A to Z: The Summer Event Trends Taking Over the Season

From A to Z: The Summer Event Trends Taking Over the Season

Your seasonal cheat sheet to the coolest, coziest, and most covetable event and entertaining vibes making waves this summer.

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100 Layer Cake
Jun 11, 2025
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Behind the Veil
Behind the Veil
From A to Z: The Summer Event Trends Taking Over the Season
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There’s something magical about summer events—the way light lingers, the soft hum of cicadas, and the scent of fresh blooms in the air. This season, event vibes are all about blending effortless charm with meaningful moments, curated details with a personal touch, and yes, that subtle dash of luxe that makes guests say, “Wow.”

To keep you inspired, here’s our A-to-Z guide to the event details actually crushing it this summer. Consider this your party planning alphabet… little ways to elevate your event, plus you know you can always find the perfect pros (handpicked by me) to help make it all happen.

Got weddings or summer soirées on the calendar? Don’t miss our most-loved guest dresses for every kind of celebration too.

A – Aperitivo Hour Because every great party starts with a perfectly chilled spritz or a glass of something bubbly, and plenty of snacks in silver dishes or nestled in coupes.

Tiberi Club / Camille Callen

B – Butter Molds

We reported on the butter trend last year, but it’s still as popular as ever. Artisanal butter shaped into charming molds—flowers, objects, or swans—that add a delightful, unexpected touch to your wedding brunch or dinner tables. Bonus if you serve it on silver or doilies!

C – Citrus Decor

Whether in cocktails, desserts, or table arrangements, a hit of lemon or orange brightens everything up.

Kristin Piteo Photo / Oh Maria Flores

D – Dinner Party Vibes
Small guest count, long candlelit tables, incredible food. The energy is more intimate gathering than grand production, and it’s never been chicer.

E – Estate Weddings
Old-world venues with modern flair. Think overgrown gardens, sculptural hedges, and gravel paths paired with current fashion and florals.

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F – Floral Installations
Oversized, artful arrangements that act as show-stopping backdrops and mood makers—wild and whimsical, not stiff and stuffy.

Laice Bollen and La Dichosa

G – Grissini
Delicate sourdough grissini, hand-twisted into shapes—equal parts snack and sculptural centerpiece. These crunchy, artisanal breadsticks bring elegance and old-world charm to appetizer spreads or bread baskets, perfect for weddings with a refined, European feel.

Celine Rousseau / Kathrin Koschizki

H – High-Low Hosting
Because great taste isn’t about what you spend — it’s about how you style it. Set thrifted candlesticks next to handmade ceramics, get store-bought cake and dress it up with edible flowers, or paper napkins layered over heirloom linens. Put fast food burgers and fries on your china. High-low hosting is the art of mixing humble pieces with elevated moments, and knowing that a thoughtful detail always outshines a pricey one. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about making each corner more charming.

I – Ice Cube Art
The secret to an elevated party? It might just be in your freezer. Drop edible flowers, herbs, or citrus slices into spherical ice cube molds for an easy detail that feels luxe. From delicate single cubes to sculptural blocks, pretty ice adds instant charm.

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J – Jello Shots, But Make It Art
Not the neon college kind—these are grown-up, chic, and ready for their close-up. Think rosé with edible flowers, limoncello in vintage teaspoons, or coffee liqueur with a dollop of cream. Made in mini molds or served in delicate glassware, these nostalgic treats get a sophisticated makeover that’s equal parts playful and pretty. Bonus: they’re inexpensive, make-ahead, and guaranteed to spark joy.

Alice Malaret

K – Keepsake Menus
Menus and bar signs printed on linen, handmade paper, or embroidered napkins—meant to be taken home and treasured, not tossed.

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