Mary Brueske loves to play with height using various candleholders including a metal arch lantern and a set of antique brass candle holders. Houseplants (real and faux) also add interest to the table. Photos: Chris Emeott
It’s the perfect time to deck out your patio (and wardrobe).
When Mary Brueske plans a backyard fête, her gatherings follow one important rule: “When [guests] come over, I want them to feel special,” she says. For Brueske, this means cloth napkins (an extra touch she says is making a comeback), greenery and candles. For an outdoor event, she’ll mix in LED candles. “They flicker like a real candle, but they can go all night long without the fire worry.” On top of that, she adds lots of texture. “I love rattans and naturals,” Brueske says. And, her pièce de résistance: “Whatever the meal is, put a sprig of that herb on their napkin or a flower from the table arrangements,” she says.
Embrace the ease of the season with a summer dress like the washed denim button down shirt dress by Bluivy ($69) or a tan, mixed-media striped-skirt midi dress by Blu Pepper ($59). Adding a belt similar to the brown, braided vegan leather FAME belt ($20) instantly elevates the look.
Over her almost three decade-long career as an interior designer, Brueske has had plenty of time to refine her décor palette, and her tastes reflect a timeless approach. “I like classic, modern, clean lines,” she says, and this appetite is readily apparent at her Osseo shop, Bisque Boutique. “The overall aesthetic of my boutique is pretty neutral,” she says, while also noting the occasional pop of black and green. “Usually, even the colors are a neutral base … so that they are classic. When [customers] buy something, it’ll last; it’ll stand the test of time,” she says.
Mary Brueske sets the scene by layering natural textures such as woven fringe boho placemats, linen dinner napkins and a jute table runner (page 16), accented by a tasseled strand of wood beads.
On the heels of attending a summer décor and lifestyle market in Atlanta, Brueske has also gleaned some insight on what trends the upcoming season holds. Naturals and neutrals were warmed with rich swirls of cream. “On the other end of it, I would go to another showroom, and everything is color, just beautiful colors,” she says. Pastels are vibrant rather than soft, and Brueske notes that bright gold is out right now. “It has to be subdued, antique gold,” she says.
As we enter the season of outdoor dining, Brueske paints a vision for a bucolic backyard setting. “You have the trees, the grass, you have all the outside elements, and I would definitely work with those because they could be in addition to what you’re doing,” she says. Trees offer shade, and branches can serve as the framework for string lights; flowerbeds create a picturesque backdrop while also providing bouquets for your table. If fresh florals aren’t on hand, Brueske recommends investing in high-end faux greenery. “You can preserve them; you can use them in [other] areas of your house; put them on your porch when you’re done with your dinner party,” she says.
Play with layers with the white, cotton eyelet tank top by Wishlist ($62) paired with a high rise, wide leg jean from Lovervet by Vervet ($79).
When planning for an outdoor gathering, it’s important to keep in mind that the elements might make unwelcome guest appearances. “For outdoors, you can do rattan [elements] because it’s going to be heavy enough not to blow in the wind,” Brueske says. “I would do away with anything too light and flimsy.” Different metal and ceramic elements can serve as an anchor as well as a centerpiece. Layered tablecloths and runners add stability to structure. “Plus, it’s beautiful to layer the different fabrics,” she says. On the note of layered textiles, Brueske also recommends a rug, especially on stable surfaces. “If you are on a patio, definitely I would use a rug—a large one. It anchors the space and adds so much,” she says.
Plan ahead for chilly summer evenings with the sage green, boat neck crop sweater by Wishlist ($55) (left); or Keep it classic with the white, scalloped, lace cap sleeve top by Staccato ($45) and the tan ruffled eyelet maxi skirt by Bluivy ($75) (right).
As far as entertaining don’ts, Brueske recommends considering how the guests are going to move around the space. “Don’t have it cluttered with so much stuff that people can’t move or they’re afraid to bump into something,” she says. “Keep it clear and open.”
Trend Traveler
Kimarr Gerard’s default summertime staple is as simple as it is elegant: a mid-length dress. “You don’t have to think,” Gerard says. “Just throw it on, and go.” This sentiment encapsulates the ethos of Gerard’s Trend Traveler Boutique, which supplies clothing collections for brick and mortar stores, including Bisque Boutique. “Trend Traveler has always been classic, chic, high-quality items; things that are easy for women to just grab and go and feel confident and comfortable in their day-to-day life,” Gerard says.
Bisque Boutique
Instagram: @bisque_boutique_
Trend Traveler
Instagram: @trend_traveler_boutique
