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Summer is for Entertaining!

Phillip Thomas, Bonhams Skinner’s Designer in Residence, and Founder of Phillip Thomas Inc., speaks on summer entertaining with pieces from our upcoming European Décor and Design online auction.

“Summer is for entertaining!

I love any reason to throw a get together whether it is cozy fall cocktails, a festive holiday dinner in the winter, or a spring brunch when everyone is relieved to see the earth waking up and the flowers burst open to bring us color again but SUMMER, summer is my favorite!

Pictured: Phillip Thomas, Bonhams Skinner’s Designer in Residence,
and Founder of Phillip Thomas Inc. Photo Credit: Doug Young

My family gathers at our Bellport home throughout the year. It is always beautiful but like any seaside town, it just comes alive in the warmer months!  I find summer entertaining is much more fun than other seasons. The weather lends itself to impromptu plans and we absolutely take advantage of that!

Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Bowl, England, c. 1920
(Lot 1112, Estimate: $800-1,200)

My motto for entertaining has always been to ‘use the good stuff’. Why store the silver away for that formal dinner you host once a year? I encourage you to make an ordinary night extraordinary! I have been known to drag the table from the dining room and place it right in the garden, cut an exorbitant armful of fresh flowers from whatever is in bloom and pop them in a beautiful vase in the center of the table and even scatter about a fun collection from our shelves among it all for a unique conversation starter!  Light a few more candles than you think you need, pour a delicious wine, and turn up a fabulous playlist.  You could serve a hotdog on your best china in this setting and it would seem gourmet!

Gorham Decor Pattern Sterling Silver Flatware Set, mid-20th century
(Lot 1031, Estimate: $1,000-1,500)

Be creative, be spontaneous and most of all, have fun! Summer seems so short, we may as well celebrate!”

Pair of Wedgwood Tricolor Jasper Dip Diceware Vases and Covers, late 19th century
(Lot 1109, Estimate: $1,000-2,000)

BROWSE LOTS


Consider reading:
Art in Your Home

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