Eating outside is always a special occasion, because thanks to our British weather, it’s not something we get to do a lot of. But when the sun is out and the evenings are long, taking some extra care over your table setting can turn a simple meal into something really special.
Whether you love crisp white linens, bright florals or the soft luxury of neutrals, there is plenty of scope for personalising your design. If you are looking for decor tips for your new-build home, and a way to create a wow factor quickly, then starting with the garden table is an easy way to make a big difference.
Here are five summer table setting themes to inspire you.
Floral
Florals are having a big moment right now, and it is definitely a case of more is more. Clashing colours, different designs, and spreading the theme across your linens and your tableware gives this age-old look a modern edge. Think English Garden mixed with a bit of vintage Laura Ashley and you will be on the right track.
If you want to keep things a little more subtle though, you could start by adding some freshly cut flowers to your table. Keep the stems short so they don’t interfere with the view across the table. You could keep the tablecloth plain but accentuate the floral theme with some patterned napkins and cherry pick a few statement serving bowls. The Bordallo Pinheiro earthenware is the stuff of dreams as far as florals are concerned.
Monochrome
Modern, sophisticated, and just the right amount of cool, a monochrome theme never goes out of fashion. A crisp white tablecloth and a jet-black runner will set the scene perfectly, and you can then add some glamour with glass or silver candlesticks. Go for white roses in a glass vase to add some softness, and use simple white plates for a polished, classy look.
If you wanted to really set the theme you could carry it through into the food too. Black rice or squid ink pasta can bring some real wow factor.
Summer pastels
If monochrome isn’t your thing, then maybe summer pastels will appeal? Think sherbet-inspired, gentle ice cream tones like strawberry pink, pistachio green, and the soft lilac of blackcurrant. Pastels can be mixed and matched easily because they all go so well together, so try to bring in as many colours as you can. Pretty ribbons can make gorgeous and cost-effective napkin rings, and delicate daisies or ranunculus are the perfect floral decoration.
Choosing candy coloured candles can add to the look too. There is a plethora available on the high street in all the pastel shades. Then some decorative glasses or a large water jug can help finish it off perfectly.
Nautical
This is a style that never goes out of fashion because of its gorgeous simplicity. Nautical isn’t all boats and anchors (though you could include a few of those). Rather it’s based on blues and whites, big stripes and natural materials. Wooden chopping boards can suit this theme well, cotton napkins and cork place mats and coasters can look great too. And we love this shell-inspired bowl – there are a few similar available in high street shops at the moment. When it comes to lighting you could go for a lantern, and if you wanted to go full nautical you could also opt for a garden sail shade to keep the sun off.
This theme works perfectly, of course, with a seafood dinner. Serve your guests crab or scallops and then wash out the shells to use as decorations at future dinner parties.
Neutrals
Warm beiges, dusky pinks, soft greys – they all class as neutrals now and they can help to create a warm, cosy and classy dinner table. Neutrals are far from boring. You can have fun with foliage rich centrepieces (moss is pretty trendy at the moment) and place festoon lights or solar lanterns around the garden to create a glow.
Muted tones in linen and cotton are a good choice for a tablecloth, and a runner along the middle can help to set the vibe. Rattan looks good for place mats too, while some natural, rustic serving bowls will help to make your food look hearty and delicious.
As with all neutral themes, a pop of colour here and there can bring a bit of energy to the table. You could try adding a bowl of acid yellow lemons (and a chopping board so people can add a slice to their drinks).
To find out more about our new homes in Yorkshire, and for more inspiration about how to create your perfect home, browse our website or get in touch.