Entertaining Guide - A Modern Jazz Party

We're invited to the Jazz Party on Governor's Island this weekend - a party we've witnessed for a long time from afar.  It's a lovely affair, live music, dancers, and oodles of St. Germain.  I cannot wait.

Sadly, all you may not be in New York to join me for this gorgeous fete, so we urge you, dear reader to have a lawn party of your own!   Without further ado, here's the Gastronomista Guide to a Modern Jazz Party - with a bit of vintage flair, of course!

1.  I've always loved those round paper lamps hanging from lush green trees - geometric pinatas give a sense of play and whimsy - especially if you fill them with nips to reward your victorious pinata smashers!  $125

2.  Oysters in the summertime are divine - serve them on vintage oyster plates in the shape of...well, oysters! 

3.  St. Germain tipples in the summertime - one of my favorites is the Bohemian:

The Bohemian

1 oz Beefeater Gin
1 oz St. Germain
3/4 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1-2 dashes Peychauds Bitters

Shake and Strain into a cocktail coupe.  Garnish with an orange twist.  

4.   I'm in love with round vintage inspired sunnies this summer - especially this gorgeous pair by Illesteva.  $200

5.  Art Deco baubles give both a vintage and modern flare to any look.  Graphic fan earrings by Neon Sky are a total show stopper!  $38

6.  What's better on a summer day than a cold glass of champers?  Nothing, I say.  Keep it proper with Krug.  

7.  One designer who does 1920's inspired well, is Ms Miuccia Prada - there's usually a piece or two in every Miu Miu collection that has us swooning - lusting for those old hollywood looks but with a clean modern edge.  $4,260

8.  A party isn't a party without proper flutes - these flutes from Crate and Barrel are a nice style mix of new and old.  $13

9.  Keep cool in the summer heat with a Japanese Silk Fan.  Perfect for hiding your eyes behind whilst flirting with the gents.  $15

10.  If you need some of the strong stuff - pack a flask on your hip.  Engraved Flasks make wonderful keepsakes for generations to come.

11.  Playing cards are great for lawn parties - and even more chic with a glamorous set of gilded cards.  Kick ass at Gin like a royal!  $20

12.  For an extra vintage feel to your tunes, connect your iphone to a retro inspired Gramophone.  $249

13.  Spats were ubiquitous in the 1920s - for men.  Today they're found on men's and women's shoes, and we love them on this pair of Miu Miu pumps.  Perfect for dancing up a storm!  $675

14.  When on Governor's Island, one must have stylish wheels to take a loop.  The St. Germain Bicycle isn't available anymore, but we still lust after it, especially with that leather bottle holster.  Yes please.