There’s nothing quite like summer entertaining, especially when it’s done with stripes, florals, and a sense of seaside nostalgia. For a special 90th birthday celebration filled with whimsy and charm, our brand ambassador Jack Kinsey styled a breathtaking blue and white tablescape using pieces from the Spode Steccato and Blue Italian collections.
Complete with blooming hydrangea waves, handcrafted Blue Italian paper boats, and even striped beach huts, this coastal-inspired table setting proves that summer styling can be elegant, playful, and unforgettable all at once.
Set the scene
Inspired by a love of the sea and the timeless charm of blue and white tableware, Jack transformed his patio space into a coastal celebration. A blue and white striped tablecloth created the perfect foundation for the look, evoking the feel of classic deckchairs and summer linens.
From there, he layered on Spode’s Steccato placemats, Steccato dinner and side plates, and Blue Italian napkins, folded and fastened with the favourite Blue Italian teapot napkin rings for an unexpected nod to traditional British teatime.
Statement floral centrepiece
At the heart of Jack's table was a showstopping centrepiece created from foam, shaped to mimic ocean waves and covered entirely with fluffy blue hydrangeas. Perched atop the florals were handcrafted Blue Italian paper sailboats, styled to look as if they were gracefully sailing across the sea. Download Jack's Blue Italian paper boat template below to create your own version at home.
Adding to the coastal theme, miniature striped beach huts were placed along the centre of the table, bringing a playful, almost storybook quality to the setting. Suspended above, white hydrangea clouds floated delicately from the ceiling, completing the illusion of sky, sea, and sunshine. What a delight!
Finishing touches
In a fun twist on tradition, Jack filled his Steccato Teapot with a bright Aperol Spritz cocktail, ready for pouring with fresh slices of citrus into the matching teacups. A playful nod to summer garden parties with a modern, sun-soaked edge. This small detail is perfect for adding a surprising element for guests, showing how even a timeless piece like a teapot, can be reimagined for warm-weather entertaining. Jack served this along with homemade fish and chips – the perfect meal for a seaside-inspired celebration!
Re-create the look
Recreating Jack’s blue and white birthday table is simpler than it looks. All you need is a mix of signature pieces, some creative DIY touches, and a little imagination.
What you’ll need:
Spode Steccato: Dinner Plates, Side Plates, Teacups, Teapot, Placemats
Spode Blue Italian: Napkins, Napkin Rings
Blue & White striped tablecloth
Blue and white hydrangeas (fresh or faux)
Floristry foam (to shape your “wave”)
Blue Italian Paper Boat template
Miniature beach huts (paper or wood)
Hanging white hydrangeas or faux floral clouds
Jack’s top tips for recreating this look at home:
1. Mixing Pattern with Purpose: Mixing patterns can feel intimidating, but the key is contrast. The bold, modern stripes of Spode’s Steccato collection bring energy, while the Blue Italian adds elegance and softness. Together, they balance each other beautifully. I love how the strong lines ground the table, and the finer illustrations create movement and detail. It’s like pairing a tailored blazer with a delicate scarf — different, but made for each other.
2. Stick to a Confident Colour Palette: The palette for this table was simple: blue and white — timeless, nautical, and a nod to Spode’s heritage. Limiting the colour choices gave me freedom to go big on scale and texture. I started with a simple blue and white striped tablecloth, and from there created a giant wave of blue hydrangeas down the centre of the table. It created drama without needing loads of different colours.
3. Layer, Pause, Adjust: I always say styling is like cooking, you can’t throw it all in at once. I start with the base, then layer the plates, florals, and all the quirky little details. After each layer, I take a moment to pause, sit back and see how it feels. That little breather always helps me decide if something needs height, a pop of texture, or maybe just a bit of editing.
4. Let Playfulness Shine Through: Tablescaping doesn’t have to be serious. For this one, I added little paper sailing boats and beach huts — playful touches that made people smile. And honestly, that’s what it’s all about. If it feels fun to you while you’re styling, chances are it’ll bring joy to your guests too. Don’t be afraid to lean into the whimsy!
5. Make it Personal: This wasn’t just a table, it was a tribute. Nana Lilly’s love for ceramics, her years in The Potteries, and her 90 incredible years all inspired it. Blue and white are colours that run deep for me emotionally, and that made the whole setting feel even more meaningful. Whenever you’re designing a table, I think it’s lovely to ask: what story am I telling here? Even if it’s just a Sunday lunch — the care and intention always show through.
"This tablescape wasn’t just about florals or patterns, it was about joy.” says Jack. “The joy of creating. The joy of seeing my Nana’s face light up. And the joy of continuing a story that’s been part of my family for generations, with the help of Spode’s beautiful designs.”
For more inspiration, watch Jack create his blue and white summer tablescape below:
Whether you're planning a birthday, a beachside brunch, or simply want to elevate your summer dining, this tablescape is proof that the joy is in the details. From paper boats to teapots filled with cocktails, it’s about creating moments your guests won’t forget.
Download your Blue Italian paper boat template and shop Jack's Edit of Steccato and Blue Italian collections below to start styling your own blue and white summer celebration.
