There is an art to entertaining that whispers rather than shouts—an elegance that radiates from the soft clink of vintage porcelain, the gentle sway of chiffon in the garden breeze, the delicate sparkle of rosé in crystal stemware. Nowhere was this art more exquisitely embodied than in the sun-dappled gardens of Monaco, where Princess Grace elevated the garden party to a poetic celebration of beauty, refinement, and joy.

This season, we invite you to host your own garden soiree infused with the effortless charm and cinematic grace of Monaco. Whether for a sunlit luncheon or an early evening fête, here’s how to craft an experience that is both timeless and tenderly sophisticated.

The Setting: A Botanical Ballet

Transform your garden—or a verdant terrace—into a stage set for reverie. Layer your tables with natural linen in soft pastels or ivory, adorned with delicate embroidery or lace, reminiscent of the Côte d’Azur’s serene palette.

Floral arrangements should feel freshly gathered rather than overly sculpted. Think English roses, lily of the valley, peonies, and sprigs of jasmine—Grace’s favorite. Display them in cut-crystal vases or antique pitchers for a look that’s equal parts regal and romantic. Scatter petals along the table runner or float gardenias in shallow porcelain bowls to evoke an air of serene decadence.

The Table: Vintage Porcelain and Rosé Reveries

Let your tableware speak to old-world refinement with mismatched vintage porcelain—soft blues, blush tones, and gold-rimmed details are all at home here. Crystal coupe glasses or etched stemware add an heirloom glimmer, perfect for catching the golden hour light.

Pair the meal with a curated selection of rosé wines—perhaps a Provençal rosé with wild strawberry notes, or a sparkling rosé brut for toasts. Create a small tasting flight for guests with handwritten pairing cards that note the wine's origin and mood, à la Monaco’s discerning sommeliers.

To delight the palate: serve a menu inspired by Riviera simplicity. A starter of chilled melon soup with mint, followed by poached salmon with herbed crème fraîche, a salad of heirloom tomatoes and burrata, and a dessert of rosewater pavlova crowned with berries and edible flowers.

The Ambience: Soft Music and Scented Breezes

Music, like scent, is the invisible guest that lingers in memory. Curate a playlist of classical interludes, French jazz, or timeless movie scores that Princess Grace herself might have loved. Think Édith Piaf, Charles Trenet, or soft instrumental pieces that echo through the garden like a breeze.

As for scent, let nature be your muse. Enhance it with Grace de Monaco’s Promenade Sur Le Rocher diffused discreetly in shaded corners or delicately perfumed linen napkins to imbue the air with notes of bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood—elegant, ethereal, unforgettable.

The Attire: Garden Glamour, Effortlessly Graceful

As hostess, channel the spirit of Princess Grace with attire that moves like poetry. Opt for a flowing silk tea dress or a linen caftan cinched with a vintage brooch. Accessories should be understated—pearls, soft waves, perhaps a wide-brimmed hat or silk scarf à la Monégasque afternoons.

Encourage your guests to embrace the spirit of la dolce vita with a dress code that reads “Garden Glamour”—florals, linen suits, straw hats, and touches of pastel for a look that is playful yet poised.

As Princess Grace once said, “The idea of my life as a fairy tale is itself a fairy tale.” And yet, with the right scent in the air, music in the breeze, and a table set with love, your own garden soiree may feel just a little bit like one.