Elaine Griffin’s Sea Island Garden Party

“I believe that Thomas Wolfe didn’t get it all quite right. You can go home again, and do it in style,” says Elaine Griffin, as she fans out a tablecloth over a weathered table and begins to smooth out the wrinkles. Never one to do things strictly by the book, the designer—who spent a number of years living in Paris and New York building a successful career creating sophisticated rooms and sharing decorating ideas in magazines and on television—has recently moved back to Brunswick, Georgia, the town where she was born and bred. Today she’s on nearby Sea Island, preparing for a party in the courtyard garden of the Georgian Room restaurant at The Cloister resort.

“The Cloister was where we always marked special occasions when I was growing up,” remembers Griffin. “It was magical then, and it still is—it just oozes Southern chic.”

When Griffin hatched a plan to host a stylish luncheon, she wanted to share the place that felt, well, like coming home. On the guest list is a mix of girlfriends who are visiting from Manhattan and a handful of hometown women Griffin has known since school days.

The iconic resort and its staff are known for an unerring eye for detail and a gracious approach to caring for guests’ every need, sensibilities that Griffin shares whether she’s decorating a house or a table. The party may be taking place outdoors, but this is no casual affair, and the designer has brought in a treasure trove of tableware from her own china cabinet and linen closet. “I want to honor what’s distinctive and beautiful about the venue, and also create a moment that says ‘me,’” she says. For this hostess, that means using lavish flowers in the bright, cheery colors she favors and combining them with a bold, tropical pattern that is as outgoing as her larger-than-life personality.

Although her friends are expected shortly, Griffin notices a napkin that looks a tad wilted at the last minute and insists on giving it a quick once-over with an iron. “Starched linens are just one way that Southerners say ‘I love you,’” she says with a laugh.

ELAINE’S ENTERTAINING TIPS

COLORFUL INSPIRATION

When hosting a party outdoors, I consider the environment and pick colors I think are flattering. As a lifelong Southern preppy, I turn to Lilly Pulitzer as my summer wardrobe staple. I’ve chosen a Lilly fabric for the tablecloth and opted to wear white instead of my usual patterned shift. After all, who wants to clash with her table linens?

FLORAL PHILOSOPHY

I never stick to one big centerpiece in the middle. I usually believe in “many, mini, and low” running the length of the table, but today it is “many and lush,” as nothing less than a tabletop garden feels right in this setting. I’ve asked Bryce Brock and Kelly Revels of The Vine to realize the vision—they’re floral geniuses!

TABLE TALK

Of course I choose the table that fits best in the space, but I prefer small, rectangular tables when possible. It’s a myth that round tables are easiest for conversation. Once you go beyond 48 inches, you’re shouting at those across from you.

EIGHT IS ENOUGH

I’m not sure why, but that ninth person usually means I don’t get any further than cocktail chitchat. I want to find out what’s really going on with my girlfriends and for guests to get to know one another.

PLEASE BE SEATED

I put care into who sits where. I consider who has shared interests and how people will mesh. I love place cards, and they’re a great way to add personality to the table. There are no shrinking violets in this crowd, so I’ve tied the place cards to big, showy peonies.

PARTING GIFTS

Even adults love party favors. They’re a fun way to cap off an event. Today I’m giving friends a little reminder of home: cocktail napkins by Dot and Army that celebrate Georgia’s nickname, the Peach State.