20 whimsical summer tableware ideas to wow your guests
Posted on 7th June 2025
Are you looking forward to having friends and family over for dinner this summer? To get you even more excited for entertaining, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite tableware ideas…
Drenched in vibrant colours, adorned with patterns, or simple and sophisticated – whether you’re planning a big al fresco-style party or need ideas for your next cosy gathering, the latest tableware solutions are sure to get your guests talking this summer.
Ready to get inspired? Read on to discover 20 stunning table setting ideas and top tips for taking your hosting skills to the next level…
Summer tableware
Kick off the summer entertaining season with a garden-themed tablescape. Picture hand-painted dinnerware, tablecloths and napkins embellished with floral motifs, woven place mats, and bamboo cutlery. The Nasturtium runner, £75; Set of four Garden Stripe napkins, £59; Maypole vase, from £55, and Palm Leaf candlestick, from £30, Birdie Fortescue.Pink and green is a timeless colour combination, oozing cheer. Mix and match tableware solutions in these vibrant shades for an eye-catching design, from linens, candlesticks, to flower arrangements. Hearts and Minds table linen collection in Fuchsia and Peridot, from £75, Kelling Home.Achieve a biophilic tablescape this summer with nature-inspired plates and bowls, green glassware and candlesticks, and wood trays and cutlery. Decorative Green Fern ceramic vase, £14.99; Green Fern ceramic bowl, £7.99, and Round Green and Natural spiral seagrass placemat, £9.99, Gisela Graham London.Bring a touch of the outdoors in your kitchen with floral crockery. Complete the look with small bouquets from your garden, colourful table linen, and simple glassware. Exotic Botanic Garden side plates, £99 for a set of six, Portmeirion.Embrace Scandi style this summer with minimalist tableware, neutral napkins, and green foliage. Lave breakfast/ dessert plate, £23.90; Dinner plate, £25.90; Cereal bowl, £23.90, and Mug, £23.90, Villeroy & Boch.Brighten up brunch-time with quirky crockery, sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces. Eleanor Bowmer Electric Coast collection, £45 for a teapot, available at Pure Table Top. Add personality to your summer tablescapes with fun glassware. Acrylic Palm Tree picnic tumbler in Green and Pink, £9.95 each, and Acrylic Palm Tree picnic jug in Green, £38, Rockett St George.Stripes are still dominating interior design – embrace the trend with joyful plates and serving platters adorned with this popular print. Pink Stripe Florence side plate, £40 for a set of four, Rose & Grey. Bring a coastal touch to your summer tablescapes with seaside-inspired crockery and patterned linen. Oyster Stoneware side plates, £42 for a set of two, Sophie Allport. Love a pared-back tablescape? All you need is some glazed dinnerware, handcrafted place mats and coasters, wood serving boards and fluted glassware, and you’ve got yourself a charming setup. Sonoma Green stoneware 12-piece dinner set, £109, ProCook.For a mood-boosting table setup, choose statement ceramic fruit- or flower-embossed dinnerware, textured glasses, and patterned fabrics. Sage green carnation hand-blocked tablecloth, from £65, So Souk.
Ideas for outdoor parties
To add a touch of warmth to your tablescapes this summer, lean into vibrant red and burnt terracotta. Alegre Risotto plate, £70 for a set of two; Dinner plate Helecho in Rust Red, £37.50; Shrimp-Eye charger in Taupe, £80; Lupita placemat in Terracotta, £45; Orquidea napkin ring in Natural, £12.50, and Side plate Dark Helecho in Rust Red, £41.25. All CasaLatina.More of a minimalist? Opt for a neutral scheme as the perfect backdrop to delicious seasonal meals. Add interest through Braided seagrass placemats, £18 for a set of two, Soft Grey fringed napkins, £28 for a set of four, and a range of glassware. All The White Company. Get ready to dine al fresco in style with bold and beautiful tableware. Boho Jug, £12; Dinner plate, £15 for a set of four; Seagrass placemats, £25 for a set of four, and Tumbler, £12 for a set of four. All M&S.Friends popped round for lunch? Lay on a beautiful spread with the help of summer-themed tableware, from salad bowls decorated with swirls and squiggles to palm-tree patterned side plates. Mediterranean Picnic Serveware Serving bowl, £38; Platter, £14; Salad bowl set, £20; Pasta bowls, £20 for a set of four, and Dinner plates, £20 for a set of four. All Next.Get your outdoor setup ready for hosting intimate gatherings with striped glassware and table linens, dishes decorated with food-themed doodles, and lemon-shaped bowls. Striped linen runner, £28; Striped linen napkin set, £20; Striped carafe, £18; Striped tumbler, £10, and Lemon dish, £9. All John Lewis.With botanical tableware, pretty garlands, and striking floral arrangements, afternoon tea never looked better. Mabelle placemant, £16.50; Mabelle reusable large plate, £10, and Paper flower garland, £30, Meri Meri x Liberty.Love a timeless look, but with a twist? Wow your guests with the Classics on Acid collection by Seletti, which features distorted table solutions, such as the Hollandia Flowers plate, £67, and Wine Glass Tree, £44.Create a calming tablescape with a bohemian feel with fringed place mats, airy linen fabrics, and gold cutlery. For your centrepiece, opt for green foliage intertwined with fairy lights and dainty flowers. London Gold cutlery set, from £59.99 for 16 pieces, What A Host. Photography: Jake Woodnutt.Teleport to the Mediterranean with a blue and white table setting theme. Chill your favourite bottle of rosé and bon appétit! Natural rattan charger placemats, £28 for a set of two; Rattan cutlery 5-piece set, £32; Set of four block printed cotton napkins in Turquoise Stripe, £22, and Glass bud vase, £28 for a set of two. All Rosie Dalia.
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