Designer Aerin Lauder Shares Her Top Spring Entertaining Tips

If you're already obsessed with beauty heiress Aerin Lauder's luxe lifestyle brand, then we have some great news. The designer (and granddaughter of Estée Lauder) just launched her first major collaboration with Williams Sonoma today. The AERIN X Williams Sonoma collection includes tons of her signature blue and white patterns and sophisticated florals displayed across dozens of items from tabletop (china, linens, and glassware) to lighting (think: flower-covered chandeliers). Her personal favorites include the gilded gold wall frames and ceramic birds, but we can't get enough of the bold blue glasses and gilded accents. All of the designs mix her feminine style with a casual laid-back vibe that we're totally digging. And since the season is finally upon us, we asked Aerin to let us in on some of her best spring entertaining ideas. Read on below, and keep scrolling to check out seven of our favorite pieces from the new line.

Since florals are such a big theme in your collection, how do you display flowers in your home?
My favorite flowers are peonies, roses, hydrangeas, orchids, and quince branches and my choice usually depends on the season, occasion, and placement of where the flowers will be displayed. Typically, I use one type of flower or color in each vase—my favorite colors are white, pink, red, and purple. Gold or textured white vases serve as a neutral that adds a festive accent and makes for a gr eat centerpiece, accent to a room, or gift. Estée always said "everything can be beautiful if you just take the time"—this especially rings true for me with fresh flowers.

What are some of your favorite dishes to serve at a spring get-together?
If we're entertaining outside, I love to grill steak or serve paella with a large fresh salad. And I always love to serve nuts and chips in beautiful bowls. It's an elegant, unexpected touch that I picked up from my grandmother.