Holidays on the Porch

Patio Party

Why we love it: A foliage-filled porch makes a wonderful setting for a holiday party. For a pleasing contrast to the greenery, fill a glass hurricane with seasonal fruits and a pillar candle.

What makes it work: Clay pots, leaf place mats, and bronze-handled flatware lend the textures of the garden to the table.

Steal this look: Tie a silver shovel with ribbon to create a garden-inspired napkin ring.

And make your own place mats. Arrange magnolia leaves on a piece of cardboard or canvas backing and glue them in place with a glue gun. (Flatten them under a stack of books.) To prevent leaves from curling, preserve them in a liquid glycerin solution (available in craft stores.)