"I love having company," declares Stiles
Colwill, a decorator who resides with Jonathan Gargiulo at Halcyon Farm, a
122-acre horse farm outside of Baltimore that has been in Colwill's
family for some 60 years. "Stiles' parents entertained a great
deal here, and the fun has never stopped," says Gargiulo, a partner
in the New York antiques firm John Rosselli.
Among Colwill and Gargiulo's greatest pleasures
is putting together informal meals for the cadre of friends they've
come to consider family. On this occasion, the couple invited a group of
longtime pals for a relaxed dinner in the garden, taking every measure to
foster an elegant midsummer's evening of lively company and delicious
food in a beautiful outdoor setting.
"We were inspired by the garden," says
Colwill, explaining the pink and green color scheme. Tablecloths and
toppers were made from bright cotton prints. "Custom linens are a
worthwhile splurge," says Gargiulo. "They're special and
you'll use them again and again." The guests were instructed to
wear something pink, a sartorial challenge, says Colwill, to get everyone
into the party spirit.
Setup began on the morning of the dinner. "We're lucky to have a wonderful team," says Gargiulo of
the farm's indispensable staff. Ruth Edwards, who runs the house,
helped select tableware. "It never bothers me to mix and
match," says Colwill, referring to the stylish combination of antique
china, ancestral silver, mismatched glasses, and contemporary chargers.
In addition to hurricane lamps and votive candles, garden-themed Staffordshire
figures and miniature garden implements that the couple has collected over
the years further enlivened the tabletops. "If you've got it,
use it," Colwill says.
