Setting a tablescape goes beyond creating a visually appealing and cohesive look, it’s also a fun way of expressing who you are and showcasing your creativity and attention to detail. A tablescape can be set for various occasions, such as weddings, dinner parties, birthdays or even just everyday dining.
There is something very satisfying about choosing the colours, textures and accessories to set your table and seeing it all come together into a harmonious arrangement. If you’re yet to dip your toe into the world of tablescaping or looking for some inspiration for your next get-together, don’t go anywhere. We’ve shared our tips for styling your favourite Spode heritage-inspired designs for summer.
A Mediterranean summer tablescape with Blue Italian
For this look, colours and textures are key, taking inspiration from the Mediterranean landscape with blues, lemons and fresh neutrals. Start your tablescape with a crisp white tablecloth to make your bold crockery and accesories pop. Once you have your base, it’s time to layer on the extra details. Use a statement vase filled with bouncy blooms and greenery for an eye-catching centrepiece, paired with glass candlestick holders and lemon-filled vases. For a summer tablescape, you’ll most likely find yourself setting up outside, so why not use the lush green plants around you to your advantage and incorporate them into your scene?
Finally, it’s time for the finishing touches. Place a setting for each of your guests – we’ve opted for fabric placemats in a deep blue shade to match the tablecloth and Blue Italian and Steccato crockery, layering a dinner plate, side plate and teapot napkin ring. Yellow napkins are incorporated into the individual settings, tying in the colours of the candlesticks and fresh lemon vases. Silver cutlery finishes off the tablescape.
A fresh maximalist tablescape with Morris & Co.
If the idea of styling a maximalist tablescape intrigues you, but the idea of a loud and over-the-top setting leaves you feeling overwhelmed, don’t fret - our Morris & Co. fresh maximalist-inspired tablescape is the one for you. This alternative vision is easier to handle, softer and much gentler on the eye.
Perfect for a relaxed brunch or late afternoon dinner in the sunshine, start by laying a patterned runner along your table. Our Strawberry Thief runner showcases an iconic pattern in calming shades of pink and green. Pairing patterned linen against a clean, uncovered table allows breathing space and lays the agenda for the fresh maximalist approach.
From here, lay your place settings – we’ve opted for round green fabric placemats to complement the shades and shapes of the linen, tableware and table. We’ve then layered the mix-and-match crockery, starting with a Strawberry Thief charger plate to match the runner for serving sharing foods, we've then started each setting with a Standen dinner plate, and topped with a side plate featuring a different pattern. Patterned cotton napkins are folded and placed to the side for guests to help themseleves, along with a Standen Serving Bowl for the salad. Although there is a mix of patterns featured, they’re all showcased in shades from the same colour palette, which allows them to sit together with ease.
Finish your tablescape with a clear vase filled with fresh flowers, clear glassware and silver cutlery. This easy to achieve maximalist tablescape is ideal for injecting a little joy into your summer setting.
A tropical tablescape with Creatures of Curiosity
The Creatures of Curiosity collection looks glorious, styled with bright hues and a mix of contrasting patterns for a vibrant tablescape to match the mood. To achieve this look, you’ll need a mix of linens, some colourful accessories and vibrant fruits in matching shades. The colours and patterns featured on the Creatures of Curiosity crockery form the inspiration for the whole table. Start by laying a floral tablecloth. Next, add a colour block table runner – we’ve opted to use the underside of the Creatures of Curiosity runner with it's bold pink shade. This ties everything together while adding to the maximalist style this setting is all about.
Finally, add gold embellished glassware, a mix of colourful candles, gold cutlery and fruits in all the colours to finish the styling. We've opted for bright oranges, pomegranates cut in half, vibrant limes and plump grapes, overspilling the scalloped Serving Bowl and intertwined with curious butterfly displays and moss. All that's left to do is layer your crockery at each setting. The leopard print charger plate and side plates add a striking contrast to the floral scalloped plates for a true maximalist setting.
Feeling inspired to style your own Spode tablescape for your summer celebration? Shop the collections featured: