Enjoying the Dog Days of Summer

We recently caught up with Amy Hoban at her Venice Beach bungalow. She is the Creative Director of the home goods purveyor Parachute.

Amy's music tastes vary, but for a dinner party she likes a mix of emerging artists and old classics. Etta James to start, then some Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, and of course, Bowie.

Amy believes a few essentials are needed for a great dinner party: a signature cocktail and great table linens.

The table should include greens like silver dollar eucalyptus and small clover flowers. Cut them down so they don't over power the table and people can see and talk to each other.

An Aperol spritz to start and then great chilled white wine with the meal makes for a relaxed but elegant vibe.

The evening's menu has a Mediterranean influence: healthy and tasty. A huge pasta fan, Amy likes to incorporate something fun with grilled vegetables.

“Summer dinner parties should include an intoxicating mix of style and substance.”

And before the night ends, there's a bowl of berries - the last of the season - and some wine out on the patio.