Home Virginia Farmhouse Summer Party By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 10, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Patricia Lyons Dogs, kids, and even goats are welcome at Caroline Verschoor's Virginia farmhouse whenever she throws a party. For her, it's not about making everything perfect; it's about living in the moment with her family and friends 01 of 12 Casual Outdoor Entertaining Photo: Patricia Lyons A tire swing and rustic benches are hallmarks of Caroline Verschoor's loose and lovely entertaining style. 02 of 12 Neutral Decor Photo: Patricia Lyons All manner of textures—from slate and ironstone to bentwood and rattan—add interest to the neutral table setting. 03 of 12 Crafty Centerpiece Patricia Lyons Glass jars, candles, and an umbrella stand transform a sculptural branch into a showstopping centerpiece. 04 of 12 Place Card Party Favors Photo: Patricia Lyons Simple galvanized metal pots with baby lettuces do double duty, serving as place cards and party favors. 05 of 12 Kids' Table Photo: Patricia Lyons The coolest kids' table ever uses tree stumps as fairy tale-like seating. 06 of 12 Whimsical Details Photo: Patricia Lyons Paper pinwheels add whimsy to the kids' table—and give children something to play with before dinner. 07 of 12 Dish Labels Photo: Patricia Lyons Verschoor tucks dish labels into a pitcher filled with summer flowers. 08 of 12 Outdoor Indoor Sideboard Photo: Patricia Lyons This pretty tableau allows guests to serve themselves while keeping clutter off the dining table. Indoor pieces like this wooden sideboard bring polish to an outdoor buffet. 09 of 12 Butterfly Nets Photo: Patricia Lyons Informal touches, like this basketful of old-fashioned butterfly nets, help put guests at ease. 10 of 12 Laid-Back Atmosphere Photo: Patricia Lyons Pups in repose. 11 of 12 A Quiet Place Photo: Patricia Lyons Lit by lanterns threaded through the trees, this bench offers guests a place to slip away if they like. 12 of 12 S'mores Station Photo: Patricia Lyons A three-tiered stand finds a new life as a s'mores station. Verschoor says animals, like Tibby the goat, "add to the ambience." Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit