How to set a summer table in the garden

The season of outdoor dining has started and why not do it at home. As the weather is fine, I take every opportunity to go out for lunch and dinner. Eating in the garden is one of my daily pleasures. Enjoy alone or in company in the sun or in the shade, while a gentle breeze blows in... can you think of anything better?

Those of you who have known me for some time already know that I am a big fan of using all my decorative equipment in any situation, regardless of whether it is a classic family breakfast, a dinner for two or an impromptu get-together with friends who only came for an aperitif and ended up staying for lunch and whatever else comes up. Any excuse is a good one for me to play and experiment when it comes to setting the table. And why not dedicate time to it when we are not in a hurry?

Once you know how many people you are going to host, think about the type of table you are going to set, and that will be your blank canvas. The best summer table decorating tip I can give you is to be creative and flexible. So, if you don't have all the matching outdoor furniture or not enough chairs, don't get overwhelmed. You can add a bench or even combine the seating with indoor chairs. Limitations make us more original, so dare to use your imagination. I assure you that the result will be different and very personal. Look for harmony and find the charm in the combination of tones and materials.


Once this has been defined, my next point of interest is the tablecloth. I think it is a good idea to choose a plain tablecloth to give prominence to the rest of the elements, but it doesn't always have to be like this. Choosing a patterned tablecloth certainly livens up your table decoration, and, although it can be a little dizzying, if you choose the right tableware, the set will be magnificent. If you go for this style, make the most of the daylight hours of summer and choose a pattern in bright colours.


Another useful item that you can use to decorate your table is the placemat. If you have chosen a patterned tablecloth, I suggest a plain colour placemat to contrast with the colours of the linen. I have chosen the Calm cotton tablecloth in a neutral tone, which I want to highlight with round natural fiber placemats, some brown cotton napkins, and the enamel Botanic tableware.

Enamelware is a basic for this type of meals, also for picnics in the countryside, on the beach or at the swimming pool, because it is a very resistant material. It is made of steel, which helps to maintain the temperature of the food, which is very important for outdoor meals. As my table is based on simple textiles, my strong bet is on the botanical print of the plates. Its floral pattern and black border give it a very interesting vintage look. If you want to create a more cheerful set, you can even combine the different colours. I have kept the same material for the water jug, for example, but without the illustrations, and I have also added a terracotta fruit bowl.

Remember that prints are infallible for a summer dining table. Create your own style, whether it is more minimalist or ornate; mixing colour in a more uniform way or by contrasts; with discreet and varied motifs or maximalist ones. I have used marble plates to reinforce the natural style of the table.

As you can see, the tableware is the main element, so I don't want the glasses and stem glasses to overshadow the design. However, this does not mean that I choose the first ones I find, but those that do not detract from the decorative potential of the dishes and create a balanced style. I have therefore chosen transparent but embossed glassware.

Finally, I have created a colourful centrepiece with decorative bottles and a bouquet of dried flowers. You can also use candles and candle holders if it is a dinner party and, above all, surround yourself with good company.

Round woven palm leaf... Round woven palm leaf... 2
TABLECLOTHS

Round woven palm leaf placemat Nanawa white Ø35cm

OFELIA
30273001000005
€7.00
Round placemat made of woven palm leaves. Its natural finish is complemented by the white interwoven ribbon. Protect and decorate your table with this natural fibre placemat.
Stem glass Elder 200 ml Stem glass Elder 200 ml 2
STEM GLASSES

Stem glass Elder 200 ml

OFELIA
30256001000000
€8.00
Stem glass with double-width calyx design and embossed base with veined relief. Its original shape is complemented by its neutral tones. It can be combined with the other models of glasses and their colors to decorate your table with an interesting chromatic touch.
Set of 4 cotton cloth... Set of 4 cotton cloth... 2
TABLECLOTHS

Set of 4 cotton cloth napkins Calm

OFELIA
30267001000000
€16.75
Set of 4 napkins manufactured in cotton. Its simple design, available in a variety of colours, gives it a seasonless character. You can give an original touch to your table by mixing the different shades of colour and using a plain or printed tablecloth.
Terracotta footed plate... Terracotta footed plate... 2
ACCESSORIES

Terracotta footed plate Aguerre Ø26.5 cm

OFELIA
30257001000021
€46.00
Terracotta plate with support. The use of this material and its simple shape gives it a rustic and natural look. It can be used for baking, as a serving dish or as an original fruit bowl.
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