In this most sensual of seasons, pamper your guests with stellar music and gourmet goodies from some of Canada's hottest talents.
Pagination
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Who doesn't adore the summer? Tossing aside mukluks for marine-blue espadrilles, sun-starved Canadians are at their most sociable and sexy when the mercury's rising. At the beach, in the park or sitting outside on a restaurant patio in the chicest Jackie Os, there's something about the touch of sun on skin that lavishes joie de vivre on all. Suddenly, everyone's in the mood to mingle-just in time for ELLE's special party guide.
As music is the food of love, we've chosen three top Canadian musicians as our party muses: Kingston, Ont., singer Sarah Harmer for a laid-back boho picnic; Montréal-born classical pianist Lucille Chung for an alternative tea party; and Toronto-born R&B singer Deborah Cox for an elegant poolside punch party. "It's at this time of year that I feel most creative and inspired to write," says Cox. "I love the warm, balmy breeze of summer and the fact that I can spend quality time doing fun things outdoors. After hibernating over the winter months, just being able to put on cute shorts and flip-flops and head to the beach is the ultimate."
Summer is a great time to party alfresco. "It's a casual time of year, and it's much easier to host a crowd outdoors," says Vancouver-based party planner Heather Baker (www.amaryllisevents.com</a>).
"In summertime, the smallest things can set off the best parties," adds event planner Shawna Almeida, from Ottawa (www.hautething.com</a>). "An abundance of fresh mint and sweet strawberries is enough inspiration to throw an impromptu cocktail bash."
Yoko Ono once said "Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance." It's a season for love, laughter and sensual treats-and for creating warm memories to hold onto during the winter months. "My best memory of a summer party is a cottage get-together I had with friends by a lake in Haliburton," remembers Toronto-based event planner Cynthia Martyn (www.cynthiamartyn.com</a>). "As the sun set, we enjoyed gingered lemonade spritzers and spicy Cajun-style crab cakes around the bonfire. A summer party can provide a mini-vacation for your guests - this one did just that."
