Peek into a Vibrant Backyard Summer Soiree

The smell of fried chicken filled the air in the backyard of Ron and Debbie Johnson’s home last summer as guests mingled throughout the flowers. The weather was perfect and the decor and food were just as expected: perfectly executed. This power couple is known for their impeccably decorated home and their cottage-style shop in Springfield, The Thicket (1856 E. Cinderella St., Springfield, MO, 417-823-8600). Their superpower is entertaining, so when friends get an invite to one of their parties (sometimes last minute), it’s no surprise that everyone shows up. “I’m not sure how we got so lucky, but after days and weeks of almost unbearable temperatures and high humidity, we landed on a perfect Saturday evening to host a group of very special friends,” says Ron.

The Johnsons like to keep the food casual when entertaining, and using disposable plates, napkins and utensils helps keep things simple and provides easy cleanup. The couple favors a classic menu too, especially when hosting in their backyard. Fried chicken, fresh biscuits and classic barbecue sides were arranged outside, encouraging casual grazing and plenty of second trips. Ron embraces anything that simplifies an event because it makes everything more enjoyable for the hosts. For dessert the couple served a cake and cookies with rosy colored flowers and gooey butter cookies, all from Beth’s Bake Shoppe (1645 W. Republic Rd., Unit D, Springfield, MO, 417-866-5533). The cake and cookies were displayed on a two-tiered cake stand along with the rest of the spread, creating a summery vignette.

Keeping the menu simple allowed for the couple to spend more time creating beautiful centerpieces and preparing their outdoor space. White chairs and tablecloths made the perfect backdrop for wild and colorful floral arrangements made with locally sourced flowers and even flowers from their own backyard. Tall stems of copper penny added texture and movement to arrangements and vibrant zinnias and marigolds added punchy hues. The couple also added chocolate Queen Anne’s lace and creamy lisianthus. Rattan details wrapped the arrangement’s vessels and fresh salal leaves wrapped around glass votive holders were secured with twine. Ron also added personal details. “This seemed like a great opportunity to use a collection of vintage miniature bird vases and bird figurines,” says Ron. “Manufactured in the 1940s and 1950s, these small vases combined with a wide variety of garden flowers worked perfectly to accentuate a summer mood.” 

As guests mingled and the sun set, large hanging lanterns lit up the yard, creating the perfect summer night backdrop. “Most people prefer to spend time outside, especially during the summer,” says Ron. “Being outside stimulates all five of our senses and it just seems like it’s human nature to feel happier and more relaxed outside.”