CUSTOM COLORS
Dransfield & Ross has a chic selection of tabletop items. With an on-site workroom and a color card of 40 wonderful linens, custom tablecloths and napkins are a snap. My favorite linens for summer entertaining: Wave napkins with a contrasting ruffled edge. Available at Lynnens, 278 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, (203) 629-3659, and Pimlico, 7 Elm St., New Canaan, (203) 972-8166, and to the trade at Dransfield and Ross, Ltd., 54 West 21st St., NYC, (212) 741-7278, dransfieldandross.com.
TUTTO ITALIANO
Founding partners Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich and others have created the perfect one-stop shop for an alfresco dinner party—everything from freshly ground espresso to signature candy-colored plastic tabletop items from Guzzini. I love the pretty product groupings and wonderful Italian packaging. For a memorable event, try specialty items like Gusto Italiano ginger ale or DeCarlo green olives. Buon gusto! Eataly, 200 5th Ave., NYC, (212) 229-2560, eatalyny.com.
POWERFUL PRESENCE
If you can’t get to Europe to find just the right decorative object for your outdoor space, go to Marvin Gardens. Owner Amabel Chan handpicks vintage garden ornaments and architectural elements, then artfully arranges them in her shop. From an oversized clamshell to use as an ice bucket to a large garden sculpture for a focal point on a patio, all of her pieces have a big personality. Marvin Gardens, 713 Danbury Rd., Wilton, (203) 544-2020, marvingardensusa.com.
CULTIVATED NATURE
Pergola has a great selection of beautifully potted delicate ferns and trained topiaries, as well as unique home items like candles, hurricanes, botanical books and vintage outdoor furniture. I enjoy the seasonal earthy and artful combinations and seeing what’s new on the gorgeous patio overlooking New Preston Falls. The basket-weave ceramic pots planted with myrtle topiaries and the boxwood balls in aged mossy planters are perfect for finishing off an outdoor table. You can also bring your own planters in and have something special created. Pergola, 7 East Shore Rd., New Preston, (860) 868-4769, pergolahome.com.
VINTAGE MODERN
My favorite thing about going to Trovare Home is being surprised by the new items owner Pamela Frisoli has found and how she’s paired them with store staples. I always feel like I’ve stepped into a Slim Aarons photo. This is the spot to find a brightly colored faux crocodile ice bucket, a graphic navy and white patterned plastic tray, or vintage turquoise and gold tumbler glasses. Her edited selection and chic eye is refreshing—it’s easy to find that one colorful item that becomes the topic of conversation at your next patio cocktail party. Trovare Home, 245 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, (203) 869-5512, trovareathome.com.