Stylish Outdoor Entertaining: Garden Party Tips from Ryan Fortini

Ryan Fortini, former Smith & Hawken photo stylist, co-owns Fortini Home Garden Design in San Luis Obispo with his wife Marisa and mother Anne. His approach to effortless outdoor parties:

• Furnish simply—always looks right, makes entertaining easy.
• Choose a theme matching your garden's style (his Mediterranean influence extends to the menu).
• Control the color palette—shades of green keep focus on food and guests.
• Use garden-sourced centerpieces—olive and citrus branches down the table instead of a runner.

Then invite guests and pour champagne.

INFO: Fortini Home Garden Design, 3021 S. Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA; 805/542-0500. Tue–Sat 10–5.