  We demonstrate a variety of ordered patterns, including hexagonal structures
and chains, formed by colloidal particles (droplets) at the free surface of a
nematic liquid crystal (LC). The surface placement introduces a new type of
particle interaction as compared to particles entirely in the LC bulk. Namely,
director deformations caused by the particle lead to distortions of the
interface and thus to capillary attraction. The elastic-capillary coupling is
strong enough to remain relevant even at the micron scale when its
buoyancy-capillary counterpart becomes irrelevant.
