Party on the Porch!

It's prime time for an alfresco soiree, and Nashville entertaining pro Mary Hollis Huddleston has all the tips and tricks for a fuss-free fall bash

- Mary Hollis Huddleston

THE MONIKER "hostess with the mostest" has been bestowed upon Southerners with a knack for creating memorable events, and Mary Hollis Huddleston is an ideal example. As the founder of the lifestyle site Mrs. Southern Social (mrssouthernsocial.com) and the elevated event-rental company Please Be Seated, the Nashville native (pictured at right) knows a thing or two about throwing a festive and stress-free party, thanks to her tasteful eye and tactful playbook. Her secret for breezy entertaining is making it simple, accessible, affordable, and most importantly-enjoyable. "Don't obsess over perfection; just have fun," Huddleston says. "The hosts set the tone, so if they aren't having a good time, no one will." Here, she serves up her foolproof recipe for a fall porch party with all the autumnal flair and none of the jitters. Showstopping heirlooms, golden-hued centerpieces, and order-ahead favorites make it an elegant and effortless celebration.

START WITH THE TABLE