FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: VINTAGE PALM SPRINGS

Camille Styles here, and I must confess I'm having a bit of a Palm Springs moment...

This spring, I can't seem to get enough of the punchy retro flair that defines the desert locale, so I created this inspiration board in shades of grass green, lemon and tangerine for a mid-century look that pops! So how to turn this fantasy into a fête? Just take an entertaining lesson from designer Trina Turk, and throw a cheerful poolside barbecue complete with grapefruit-campari cocktails & tangerine sherbet!

Set a sunny table with geometric prints - these embroidered linens are from the designer's own line. A bright bunch of yellow & orange pincushion proteas are an unexpectedly chic centerpiece.

The best way to keep a dinner party fun? Keep the menu simple, and use a quirky collection of unexpected serving pieces. Here, chocolate-almond cookies are nestled in vintage glass bowls next to scoops of tangerine sorbet. Check out all the recipes (like arugula + lentil salad with goat cheese) right here.

Isn't this house to-die-for? Thanks to its resemblance to a luxury liner, it's nicknamed the "Ship of the Desert..." and obviously these partyin' guests aren't looking to jump ship any time soon!

*images: {row 1} coasters, lanterns, succulents {row 2} bicycle waiter, table number {row 3} pool chairs, cocktails, yellow centerpiece, palm trees {row 4} citrus compote, acapulco chairs, linen napkins. all party images by coral von zumwalt for martha stewart living.