We love any excuse for a girls’ day, and when we saw this fabulous boho-bash from the team at Sterling Social, we were ready to host our own. Of course, with Sterling Social behind the wheel, it’s no surprise that this event is 100% swoon-worthy. Founded by Angela Tormey Margolis and Erin Sprinkel, the firm has over 14 years of experience and a keen ability to transform events into full-blown experiences. Whether it’s a red-carpet event, a romantic oceanfront wedding, or a private at-home brunch… no detail falls to the wayside and every affair is one to remember.

Inspired by the neutral, eclectic vibe of Calypso St. Barth Maison and the playful edge of Stone Cold Fox, the duo created a dreamy backyard bash with bohemian details galore. (Think a custom mimosa bar, Moroccan-inspired seating, and bright blooms spilling everywhere.) Angela and Erin gave us all the details on the event itself, their tricks for avoiding day-of disasters, and what you can do to make your next event as memorable as this one:

First off, we’d love to know more about Sterling Social!
We launched Sterling Social in 2010 and are celebrating 5 years of business this coming November! Prior to starting our company, we both had a vast background producing events for high-profile luxury brands and lifestyle publications. At Sterling Social we specialize in full-service event production and design consulting. You’ll find us producing anything – from a red carpet entertainment event to an elegant wedding or intimate dinner party. Working with a range of clients and design aesthetics, we are constantly inspired and challenged to create new, one-of-a-kind experiences. For us, entertaining is a lifestyle in itself!

This gorgeous event seems to encompass that experience! What was the occasion?
A fabulous group of ladies (all former USC Song Girls) wanted to get together on a Saturday afternoon to catch up and enjoy some much needed girl time… just because! Many of them also brought their adorable children and it was a special day to toast life’s beautiful chapters… from getting married to having babies! We are constantly inspired by fashion and interiors when coming up with event concepts and stylized environments, so this was the perfect opportunity to create something residentially-inspired and fashion savvy. Although we would be bringing in all of the elements, we wanted this at-home celebration to feel cozy and intimate, thus the concept for an outdoor Boho Lunch came to life!

Who did you partner with to bring everything together?
We had an incredible group of creatives help bring our event vision to life. Our client gave us artistic freedom (dream scenario!) to design and style the day. This was an opportunity to think outside the box, be inspired and get playful with some of our favorite people to collaborate with in the industry. JL Designs worked her floral magic and incorporated natural elements such as geodes into the decor. Pitbulls & Posies is a design genius and worked with unique textures and materials to create everything from invites to place cards, along with calligraphy from Anne Robin. Found Rentals provided all of the gorgeous furniture and soft good elements that transformed our event setting. Borrowed Blu handpicked the tabletop elements such as china, cut crystal and gold flatware. The incredibly talented Kristen of Chris & Kristen Photography captured the day with such a beautiful, artistic approach.

Talk about a dream team! Now, we always say that great design lies in the details. What are your favorite, noteworthy details from this event?
The unique details of the printed materials were so special and made for great conversation pieces. Each piece was handcrafted with beautiful materials. For example, the napkin rings were actually vegan leather cuffs with guest’s initials laser cut into bone plexiglass charms. After finding their place setting, guests could wear these as a cuff accessory to take home as a favor! All the details on the low, cozy tablescapes made you want to touch and feel every piece. Also, each guest had personalized cut crystal glassware at the champagne bar, utilizing the same personalized charms as the place settings. This was not only a personal touch, but guests didn’t have to worry about mixing up their glasses!

So incredible! We’re almost certain that many of our readers would love to recreate something like this in their own backyard. Any tips?
A beverage station is always fun and interactive. In this case we created a “Bubbles & Berries” theme to spice up the standard mimosa. We offered various juice and puree mixers along with berry garnishes in our color palette. Also, who says dining needs to be traditional?! Pull a coffee table or two outside, lay down a number of throws and pillows and break out the china. Mix and match patterns of china and glassware for an eclectic look – and remember, these pieces don’t just have to be saved for special occasions!

One thing we always struggle with is those dreaded “day-of disasters.” This event seems picture-perfect… did anything negative pop up and how did you deal?
Weather! The cloud cover made it a little chilly initially for an outdoor fete, but luckily sunshine started to peek through just as guests were sitting down to eat. Our advice for outdoor entertaining is to always arrange for a back-up plan, whether you measure for tenting through a rental company or designate an open area indoors to move the event elements if needed.

Noted! What are other ways we could make an at-home event look like a professional soiree?
It’s all about taking one foundational concept and carrying it consistently through all the details. From the design of a paper invitation or digital evite, to the tabletop and small personalized details, pick a color palette and style direction to carry throughout. Tying together these details with not go unnoticed and are sure to make your guests think there is a professional helping behind the scenes! Also, do not stress about decking out your entire home, just focus on a particular area and spend time making that space inviting so guests will spend the most time in that area.

Thanks ladies! This party will surely inspire many to host their own bohemian backyard bash. For our readers, we tapped Angela and Erin for their top tips – whether it’s hosting the perfect party or entertaining outdoors. As you click through the slideshow, you’ll find their expertise alongside their recipes for success!

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:
Floral Design: JL Design
Printed Materials & Custom Fabrication: Pitbulls & Posies
Calligraphy: Anne Robin 
Tabletop Elements: Borrowed Blu
Furnishings: Found Rentals
Napkins:La Tavola Linens