25 Summer Hosting Hacks From Our Favorite Designers

“I always try to do as much as I can before the guests arrive," says Liu. "However, if you are entertaining outdoors, make sure to not bring out the plates too early as leaves, pollen, and other unpleasant things will settle on the table. I generally set the table without plates, but not too early in the day as to keep Mother Nature’s inevitable gifts at bay.”