North Bay Woman

10 NORTH BAY WOMAN | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 By Leslie Harlib It has never been easier or more fun to throw a party at home. Whether you are hosting a special event such as a Father's Day or 4th of July gathering, a cozy dinner party for your favorite group of six friends or even a shower or wedding, the range of choices for making it a memorable occasion, are at an all-time high. "The Internet has made it possible for people to go online and see a ton of product. Some people are getting confused by it but for most, this is an advantage," says Jane Walter, co-owner and founder of Summerhouse Gallery furniture and antique store in Mill Valley. "You can look at hundreds of trends, colors, styles, and then go to the stores to actually see what works for you and fits with your taste, once you get ideas." Sites like www.houzz.com and shelter magazines such as Sunset, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest and scores more, offer plenty of information on how to entertain. Web sites including www.serenaan- dlily.com or www.surlatable.com may feature in-house blogs, live-chat and talk-to-a-designer features, which help point potential customers towards trends in colors, shapes, fabrics and more. In talking to a number of retailers in Marin County, from independent designers to corporate associates, the consensus was that this summer, natural is bigger than ever. Mixing found objects or nature's bounty — metal, wood, stone, shell — with vibrant colors, antiques, classical white pottery, cement, glossy lacquer (anything you can think of really) is very popular. "We are definitely returning to nature and incorporating it more into our lives," Walter continues. "In Marin County in particular, many people shop farmers markets. We are interested in knowing where food comes from, and eating well and living healthy. That translates into our homes for entertaining there. Where are our things made? Are they organic? Customers want to know that, right down to 'Where is the cotton napkin coming from?' It's also an easy living thing. People are wanting to entertain in an easy way, without a lot of fuss." Jean Larette, a Greenbrae-based interior designer and owner/ Above: Larette Designs in Greenbrae loves mixing the natural with the sleek creating outdoor "rooms". – Photo provided by Larette Designs. Below: Serena and Lily offer the popular outdoor portable bar cars, the Riviera Bar Console is shown below. – Photo provided by Serena and Lily. ENTERTAINING High tech helps put the art in your party

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