Can you think of a better way to celebrate a summer than with a relaxed gathering with loved ones under the warm (we hope) glow of the season? We certainly can’t. So, we’ve put together a beautifully bold al fresco tablescape for you to recreate at home. Bathed in the cool elegance of blue and white, a timeless combination, it’s perfectly elevated with a pop of sunshine yellow to capture the spirit of the season.
Follow our guide to embrace the beauty of mixing patterns, the refreshing charm of lemons, and the transformative power of a well-designed tablescape:
Setting the scene
For our al fresco set-up, we’ve opted for a spot nestled beneath the leafy canopy of a tree to provide the perfect balance of sunshine and shade – dappled sunlight dancing across the table for a touch of warmth, while also offering cool, shaded areas for guests who prefer to escape the rays.
However, the beauty of an al fresco dining experience lies in its flexibility. For a more formal setting, a paved patio adorned with potted plants is a great option or a conservatory bathed in natural light can offer the perfect indoor-outdoor feel for cooler evenings or unpredictable weather.
Once you have decided on the location, it’s time to set the base of your tablescape. A crisp white tablecloth is the perfect foundation for creating an elegant yet inviting table that allows your patterned crockery to pop. For a playful twist, we’ve chosen a scalloped-edged cotton cloth that instantly adds a touch of romance while subtly introducing the yellow accent colour we'll use throughout the setting.
Pair this base with complementary textile placemats. Round placemats in a deep navy shade introduce the blue and white colour theme to the table, and we’ve echoed the scalloped edge of the tablecloth on our placemats for a cohesive look.
Mix and match layering
Once you have the base, it’s time to add layers of personality to the table and bring the blue and white theme to life through a playful mix of pattern.
Made to layer together, our Steccato and Blue Italian collections add a beautiful contrast while complementing each other perfectly. Mix and match between each place setting, layering the bold stripes of a Steccato Dinner Plate with the intricate pattern of a Blue Italian Side Plate on one setting and then flipping the order for the next setting along. This playful layering adds visual intrigue to your tablescape, breaking away from a monotonous look to reflect the joy and informality of a summer gathering.
Finish each setting with matching silver cutlery and clear glassware. Silver has a timeless elegance that pairs perfectly with the crispness of the white tablecloth and the coolness of the blue on your crockery and placemats, it will act as a neutral element that won’t compete but enhance other colours on your table.
Statement Centrepiece
The centrepiece is a must-have focal point of your tablescape, even for a laid-back summer soiree. Helping to draw the eye, a centrepiece can act as a conversation starter, sparking discussion between your guests about the flowers, vases or DIY elements you’ve incorporated. A well-designed centrepiece also sets the mood for the get-together, visually tying in all aspects of the theme.
For our blue and white summer tablescape we, of course, opted for the Blue Italian Hexagonal Vase, a stunning piece that instantly adds a touch of sophistication. We filled the vase with fresh greenery and fluffy white peony stems – the epitome of summer elegance.
To complement the statement vase and to add more obvious hints of yellow to the colour scheme we positioned two fresh lemon vases on either side of the Blue Italian piece. Lemons are a quintessential summer fruit that not only adds a natural element to the table but emits a subtle citrusy fragrance that adds a delightful sensory experience for your guests.
To create your own lemon vase arrangement, follow these simple steps:
Step one: Gather a clear round vase, 2-3 lemons, a small jar that fit inside the vase, and a straw or skewer.
Step two: Cut the lemons into slices around 4mm thick and place the small jar into the centre of the round vase.
Step three: Arrange the lemon slices in between the gap of the vase and the jar, using the straw or skewer to help stack them neatly against the glass.
Step four: Once the gap is filled with lemon slices, carefully pour water into the gap covering the lemons.
Step five: Fill the inside jar with water and place your chosen flowers inside.
Extra Touches
Finally, it’s time to finish your al fresco tablescape with a few extra details to truly infuse your personality into the setting. Opt for sunshine yellow napkins to tie in the yellow hints from the tablecloth edge and lemon vases. We folded our napkins into these irresistible Blue Italian Teapot Napkin Rings and added them onto each place setting for a playful touch.
For ambiance and to tie in elements from the rest of the table, incorporate clear glass candle holders with tapered candles in the matching sunshine yellow shade. They perfectly complement the napkins while injecting further warmth into the setting and balancing out the different heights between the vases and glassware.
Take advantage of the use of clear glassware and choose beautiful colours for your summer cocktails or mocktails to be on display. Orange coloured drinks, such as refreshing sangria or sparkling citrus punch, adds an extra pop of colour to your table while complementing the yellow accents.
Inspired to create your own blue & white summer tablescape? Shop the tableware we used below and share your set-ups with us on Instagram:
