Hosting the perfect summer table
Dreamy tablescapes, seasonal florals, hazy golden evenings, hours spent laughing with loved ones: these are some things that are just the essence of summer. When the days start to get warmer and longer there’s nothing nicer than spending time with friends and family. Whether it’s a larger soirée or a more intimate gathering there are a few things that I use to enjoy effortless entertaining. Hosting is always one of my favourite things - whether it's creating the perfect tablescape or preparing delicious dishes; I love preparing all of the little details and making sure that my guests have a lovely time. These are some of my suggestions on how to create the perfect tablescape for your next gathering, must-know entertaining tips and ideas to plan a stress-free dinner party.
1. Buying local and fresh: getting flowers from the local farmers market and buying produce that are in season (this is usually cheaper than going to the supermarket or florist).
2. Seating plan: Having a seating plan is always nice and enables you to seat guests who will get on really well with each other, which guarantees a really nice evening. Creating place cards makes it really personal and bespoke, with charming cards with handwritten names on for each guest.
3. Sharing dishes - whether it’s mezze dishes, platters or charcuterie boards, this is always my preferred thing. One thing I loved at my family dinners was that we would always have mezze style dishes. It gives your guests such a variety of things to choose from. Creating a charcuterie board lets you create a combo of salty and sweet flavours with cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and crackers on a serving tray or large wooden board; it also works as a great starter.
4. Setting - Mixing textures, having a table cloth but adding a table runner elevates the mood. Use fabrics such as linen or gingham - the epitome of a summer tablescape. Ambience is key with low lighting and lots of candles - this will transform any dining table into something utterly magical. If you’re outdoors make sure you light some citronella candles to warn off the mosquitoes. Flowers complete and set the table environment. Instead of having one large bouquet of flowers, which can be a bit overwhelming, have lots of smaller vases dotted around the table. It’s a lot more relaxed and you’re not blocking the view of the person opposite you. Or if you want to have a bit more of a rustic feel, add some herb pots along with the flowers.
5. Summer salad - With hosting in summer it’s always a lot easier in terms of cooking as you can have lots of yummy salads. Keep the menu light and fresh, especially on those scorching days. An easy go to is simply preparing some heirloom tomatoes for a stunning, vibrant centerpiece. Top off with burrata, basil, a drizzle of oil and seasoning - it’s so easy and is always a refreshing favourite. If you need some inspiration here’s one of our favourite summer salads with peaches that we love to make.