This is a quick blog, dashed off between one cheerful to do after another as summer slips into its next-to-last week. But I couldn’t resist sharing these brightly colored and small decorated umbrellas which have given me countless opportunities to brighten up my al fresco summer activities (Etsy Indian parasols). Amusing as well, for they are accented with twinkling charms, tiny mirrors, and dangling capiz shells. Here, I’ve paired them with Icelandic poppies, whose soft pastel shades, lyrical twisting stems and crepe paper-like petals are unlike any other flower in the summer.

And, since the Parterre Bench was also conceived in a celebratory spirit — to honor the publication of my first coffee table book, Private Newport — I thought it was only fitting to pair the two for one party.

Then throw in an afternoon tea for the ladies or an evening cocktail party and the festive quotient starts moving skyward!

Photo Credit: Nick Mele Photography

Photo Credit: Nick Mele Photography

Photo Credit: Nick Mele Photography

Photo Credit: Nick Mele Photography

Even the tightly clipped yew columns in the Fountain Garden tout their cheerful umbrellas, awaiting the guests who will be descending the stone steps to stroll through the other gardens.

Photo Credit: Nick Mele Photography

I love this image as it so represents what we celebrate about Newport in the summer…happy colors, vibrant trappings and a spirit of bon vivant.

And I don’t limit these umbreallas use to the outdoors; they added fantasy to a dinner last summer (which I have to say was even a stretch for my creative incarnations)!

Happy Summer to you and yours…