Longing for an Indian summer, or simply not ready to let go of those sunny season vibes just yet? A late summer soiree can be an ideal way to keep the season alive a little longer.

And a new book by bestselling interiors author Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring - Decorate For A Party - will provide all the inspiration you need for setting the scene.

Exotic prints and spicy tones, along with a warm mix of textures and tables dressed with pretty blooms are all perfect for the job - but Becker and Shewring's gorgeously illustrated settings prove there are endless possibilities, and something to suit all moods.

The stylists and lifestyle bloggers (Becker runs decor8blog.com, while Shewring is the talent behind the A Creative Mint blog) explore a wide palette of decorating themes and styles, with detailed tips to help you get the look.

With a colour code of denim blue, peach and sand, alongside shibori (Japanese dyeing technique) designs and simple woven patterns, complemented by elements such as hand-dyed cotton, leather twine and garden roses, these are ideas you'll probably want to keep long after your guests have gone home.

DOWN TO DETAILS

So the invitations have been sent, but you're wondering where to begin with the decor? Becker and Shewring advise making a specific chair a focus for photo opportunities in the room (great for sharing on social media!).

Opt for something akin to what you might find in a stylish holiday villa or boutique hotel with some wow factor, they suggest (they feature a gorgeous fan-back peacock style chair in the book), along with "creating an assortment of cushions around low tables, which makes a wonderful alternative to a formal setting".

When planning a dinner party, for a fresh and modern take and hint of drama, the designers are fans of a bold palette, with bright fuchsia, matt black, shiny gold and a mix of greens. "From outside on the patio to inside the dining room, we wanted to keep the colours consistent, and just a few leaves in an assortment of vases can brighten up the hallway."

Little creative touches, such as using lush green leaves as place cards, with names written on them in gold, can be striking.

TWEAK THOSE TEXTILES

Along with using flora and ferns to add some green garnish to your entertaining space, throws, rugs and cushions can be changed to suit the season and easily be dressed up or down. Think wooden beads with linen, and woven threads with silk.

"We all want to keep summer going as long as possible, and a good way to do this is to bring the outside in, perhaps with house plants, such as a beautiful fiddle leaf fig tree or palm," says Helen Cordy, founder of UK-based lifestyle and homeware store Wood/Grey.

"Another way to prolong the summer feeling is by adding pops of colour to an otherwise neutral interior. Vibrant, intricate cushions that remind you of faraway places enhance the feeling of wanderlust."

SAND STORM

By filling your home with warm tones, perhaps combining copper, putty shades and salmon pinks, you can wind down the bright and bold hues of high summer and still channel a beach vibe when the temperature really drops.

"This time of year is all about subtle changes. Opt for warmer yet still colourful tones, such as peach, dark blush, mustard yellow and ochre to disguise the transition," says Jenny Hurren, creative director at Out There Interiors.

"I love to combine a selection of textures to hint at the changes ahead, too. Use a woven or knitted wall hanging, or a soft and delicate blanket to create a few features, and make the most of warm evenings with low sun and brighter days."

Paintings that express happy memories of faraway places, and even a themed lampshade inspired by Egyptian temples, plus wall tiles can all lend an artisan feel.

"The trend for texture and pattern continues to feature in the design world and, when used carefully, patterned tiles can really enhance a space and bring that extra bit of warmth and luxury that colour alone sometimes cannot achieve," says Karen Brimacombe, business development manager at Reed Harris.

"Bring a Mediterranean touch to the home with our glazed ceramic Creta Deco wall tiles, which are perfect for creating a decorative splashback or feature wall. They have a distinctive, majolica design with a matt finish, for a creative look in a modern or country home."

INTO INDIGO

Indigo, which channels blue and soft violet, creates a cool, comfortable space, especially when mixed with wicker, light oak and driftwood.

Combining Moroccan, Persian, Indian and Chinese influences, the new Fusion autumn/winter range from John Lewis features monochrome block prints in shades of blue, alongside earthy colours and flicks of saffron and paprika.

"These Fusion pieces are great accents for keeping the summer feeling," says Pip Prinsloo, design manager for John Lewis Home. "The colour scheme allows you to be bright and bold with light blues, golds and yellow, yet can be toned down with creams and wooden textures once autumn/winter has arrived.

"Scandinavian designs ensure a cool, finishing touch. The soft texture and pattern of the rugs add a pop of colour, and a pouffe offers a casual look for seating or dining that is more associated with summer."

SUNDOWNERS

Nothing says summer like a cheeky cocktail, and you can make Happy Hour that more special by having all the bar essentials for building a long drink on display.

If you're stumped on how to lay out a basic bar cart, in their book, Becker and Shewring have a checklist of 14 items to make it a breeze. "A help yourself drinks set-up and little dishes set out before dinner on the table for guests to pick at helps create a relaxed mood," they note.

Don't forget "a small bouquet of flowers, a stem of something green, like a palm leaf or a protea flower", they add.