##Suzanne's Top 10 Tips for Setting the Scene##
**1. Choose a subtle theme.** It will make party planning easier and bring cohesion to your decor and food choices.
**2. Select a colour scheme** to create a unified setting. Here, a muted green with hits of plum is used throughout.
**3. Add lushness with containers.** Strategically place them to soften the hard lines of your house’s architecture.
**4. Lighten up your space.** Hang lights in trees and set them on the ground to ensure a soothing ambient effect.
**5. Create individual seating.** Square cushions, easy to store off-season, can be placed on long benches to define spots.
**6. Rethink runners.** Instead of a vertical runner, use horizontal runners (ours are made from fabric remnants), which serve double-duty as placemats.
**7. Add a special touch** with a pretty, garden-themed party favour that guests can use.
**8. Maximize your space** with side tables. They create flow, offer a place to set drinks and provide spots to display decorative items and snacks.
**9. Keep the centrepiece low.** Skip a fussy floral centrepiece and place a few pots with low-growing plants along the table.
**10. Stock up on tea lights** to replenish lanterns throughout the evening. Fill up baskets of throws in case guests get chilly when the sun goes down.
**Planted with stonecrop, a plum-coloured potato vine adds contrast to the predominantly green palette.**
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