Spring Entertaining Guide 2026

We are enjoying a splendid Spring, transitioning from the rainy season to sunny mornings and longer days, where nature is flourishing with optimism and hope. From early morning tea on the terrace, to arranging weekend afternoon porch drinks, it's all about living well out of doors. This is time to gather with friends, enjoying new lighter recipes with abundant, fresh from the garden produce. Lunch al fresco is planned, set with crisp linens and favorite tableware. What better inspiration do you need to discuss plans and aspirations for all that is to come in the warmer months ahead?

I'll share a few ideas and favorite sources that make for some rather stylish moments and easy entertaining. It's a wonderful start to good gatherings at home, follow me out into the garden...

Spring Clean ~ A good dusting off is always the first on the list. Tend to the landscaping, whether the small pots that could use replanting or the raised beds that need tilling and sowing for vegetable and herb plantings. Decks, patios and garden seating need a clean - I prefer a solid power washing - so all the surfaces are refreshed and ready for outdoor upholstery. With surfaces that feel new again, consider adding a few outdoor areas rugs to delineate the ' outdoor rooms ' and provide a well dressed appeal. If your outdoor cushions look a little worse for wear after a long winter, consider replacing or give a thorough laundering. Just remove the covers and soak in tubs with a vinegar / water solution that removes any mildew and mustiness before a warm cycle wash and air drying to prevent shrinkage.

Outdoor Rooms ~ If you are fortunate to have a garden or, as I do, live in the beautiful Napa Valley and have plenty of outdoor space, utilize it as much as possible. Creating outdoor rooms or areas for different types of seating and activities extends your home and garden into a place of multi sensory experiences and connection with nature. Perhaps move the outdoor dining table from the patio and set up a fabric covered pergola or extra large umbrella on the back lawn to create a shaded space and focal point. Add solar powered lighting fixtures or string lights for evening atmosphere. Place a rattan bar cart to serve stylishly and easily. Once the scene is set with a fresh tablecloth and lovely tableware, having a twilight dinner soon feels like a staycation. With bare feet on fresh grass, it's just so very relaxing. Add an evocative playlist and send out the invitations!

Outdoor tableware is better than ever with great options now available that are resilient and non-breakable. But nothing says luxury more than using a few good pieces in combination for a layered tablescape that makes your guests feel so welcome and invites lingering over the table.

One of my favorite collections is by Mrs. Alice, a truly British company that defines wit and well-priced sophistication with tableware and home accessories in delightful florals, perfectly matching sets and many color combinations. Celebrating timeless elegance and the joy of the unexpected, Alice's inspiration comes from her love of fashion, family, and magic of the English countryside. It's also a great source for cordless table lighting that adds great ambience to your dining time or corners of the home that need a bit of a lift. There are so many fun and interchangeable shade choices! Be sure and also check out Alice's new podcast " Everyone Loves My Mother " which is desperately stylish and very cheeky indeed. It's a hilarious family affair!

Should you need a little help with your Spring refresh, Chipps Interiors is now pleased to offer

'A Designer for the Day'  package. It's great value - like going to design day camp - and a wonderful way to start the new season off as truly organized, refreshed and well styled.

Please inquire for more info and to schedule!

Spring Recipe and Wine Pairing~

Nothing says Spring like asparagus season. Here's a favorite recipe that is easy to prepare.

Risotto is deliciously combined with fresh asparagus, peas and a dash of shaved parmesan. It's so fragrant and light, making for a very elegant lunch. Pair with Schramsburg Vineyards Brut Rose Sparkling Wine to treat yourselves and your favorite people. Life is too short not to celebrate the every day moments. For a perfectly sweet citrus finish, serve a lovely lemon sorbet in their own lemon cups with a sprig of mint. Happiness!

Lemony Spring Risotto with Asparagus & Peas

Method:

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch spears on a bias

• Flaked sea salt

• 2 quarts stock (chicken, veggie or Parmesan broth)

• 6 Tbsp butter, divided (can use salted or unsalted)

• 3/4 cup diced yellow onion

• 2 cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice

• 1/2 cup white wine

• 1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Juice from 1 lemon

• 1 Tbsp lemon zest, from ~2 lemons (plus more for garnish)

• 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Pea shoots for garnish

METHOD

1. Bring a medium pot of water up to a boil. Once boiling, add a couple tablespoons of kosher salt and the sliced asparagus. Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a little bite. Transfer to an ice bath immediately to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Bring the stock up to a simmer in a large pot on the back burner. Turn off the heat and put the lid on to keep the stock warm.

3. Meanwhile, heat a large saute pan over medium-low heat and add 4 Tbsp of the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the onion and a pinch of kosher salt and cook until the onion is soft but not brown, 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the rice to the softened onions. Stir to coat the rice with the butter and cook for a couple of minutes until the rice has turned opaque. You don’t want to brown the rice, so turn down the heat, if necessary.

5. Add the wine and stir. Once the rice has absorbed the wine, add a ladle-full (about 1 cup) of the warm stock. Stir every couple of minutes. The heat should be medium-low at this point. You want the liquid to be gently simmering. Once the majority of the stock has been absorbed by the rice, add another ladle-full of stock. *A little patience required, here but well worth the effort!

6. Continue this process – adding a ladle of stock, stirring often but not constantly, and waiting for the rice to almost completely absorb each addition of stock before adding the next. Do this until all of the warm stock has been added and absorbed and the rice is cooked to al dente (has a little bit of a bite to it) and is of creamy consistency. . This will take 20-30 minutes.

7. Turn off the heat and stir in the reserved blanched asparagus, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining 2 Tbsp butter, defrosted peas, lemon juice and zest. Add flaked salt and freshly ground pepper

8. Serve topped with more lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese and pea shoots.