Picnics & Parties - Fun on the Fly

Along the riverbanks of western Wyoming, Country Living Contributor and fly-fishing enthusiast Lela Rose showcases the art of a reel-good time.

- LELA ROSE

"MY DAD TAUGHT ME TO FLY-FISH when I was young, but I have never been very good," says designer Lela Rose (lelarose.com). Fortunately, Lela has since perfected a sport of another sort-party-throwing and she recently put her well-honed skills on full display along a picturesque riverbank in Wyoming. "I just love being out here in nature, listening to the babbling brooks and rivers and the birds," she says. In between casting lines, party guests took to canvas camp stools (byerofmaine.com) around a rustic table set with a custom-sewn blue-and-white floral runner (kathrynireland.com), nature-inspired embellishments, and light summer fare, including avocado dip and ham-cantaloupe bites. In true Lela fashion, the designer came dressed in a vintage fly-fishing vest. "I've added fly ties over the years for color and fun," she says. "Not necessarily to fish with, but...maybe!"

Riverside Revelry

HOW TO SET UP YOUR OWN FISHIN' HOLE

Decorate with Driftwood.

"I always look to the outdoors for styling ideas," says Lela. "You never have to worry about colors not working-if they come from nature, they are always gorgeous together." To make these driftwood-wrapped candle holders (far left), use a polyurethane glue (such as Gorilla Glue) to attach 3- to 5-inch-long pieces of driftwood to glass votives. Once dry, wrap votives with twine.

Raise a Glass to Willie.

The on-theme Whiskey River cocktail gets its name from an old Willie Nelson song. "Sometimes whiskey can sound dark and heavy, but this cocktail has a real 'spring' to it! Cardamom simple syrup adds sophistication, while a mix of citrus juices makes it refreshing," says Lela.

Cater to the Crowd.