ADORE
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SUMMER 2017
21
O
utdoor entertaining lends itself naturally to a
relaxed aesthetic that conjures up memories of
unhurried summer evenings with family and
friends. In a lush, private Uptown garden, Jeanette and
Doug Slakey entertain in just that way. Cocktails while
kids swim, laid back family gatherings and intimate
dinner parties under the moonlight – the Slakeys have
a tried and true approach that makes backyard sipping
and dining as welcoming and relaxed as they are. "Keep
it simple and seasonal," explains Jeanette. "We use our
outdoor dining room and lounge areas all year round
as a true extension of our house; we practically live out
here. So it is very easy to flow with the seasons, changing
accent colors with flowering annuals and decorating the
tables to greet any occasion."
A classic blue and white color scheme – built around
Jeanette's vast collection of ceramics – infuses the porch
and patio with a fresh, crisp vibe that pairs nicely with
endless color combinations. All of the outdoor furniture
is mismatched in a good way, painted the same clean color
– Benjamin Moore's Bone White – and upholstered in