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 â 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 levelâŚ
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, ÂŁ75; Set of four Garden Stripe napkins, ÂŁ59; Maypole vase, from ÂŁ55, and Palm Leaf candlestick, from ÂŁ30, 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 ÂŁ75, 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, ÂŁ14.99; Green Fern ceramic bowl, ÂŁ7.99, and Round Green and Natural spiral seagrass placemat, ÂŁ9.99, 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, ÂŁ99 for a set of six, Portmeirion.Embrace Scandi style this summer with minimalist tableware, neutral napkins, and green foliage. Lave breakfast/ dessert plate, ÂŁ23.90; Dinner plate, ÂŁ25.90; Cereal bowl, ÂŁ23.90, and Mug, ÂŁ23.90, Villeroy & Boch.Brighten up brunch-time with quirky crockery, sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces. Eleanor Bowmer Electric Coast collection, ÂŁ45 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, ÂŁ9.95 each, and Acrylic Palm Tree picnic jug in Green, ÂŁ38, Rockett St George.Stripes are still dominating interior design â embrace the trend with joyful plates and serving platters adorned with this popular print. Pink Stripe Florence side plate, ÂŁ40 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, ÂŁ42 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, ÂŁ109, 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 ÂŁ65, 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, ÂŁ70 for a set of two; Dinner plate Helecho in Rust Red, ÂŁ37.50; Shrimp-Eye charger in Taupe, ÂŁ80; Lupita placemat in Terracotta, ÂŁ45; Orquidea napkin ring in Natural, ÂŁ12.50, and Side plate Dark Helecho in Rust Red, ÂŁ41.25. 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, ÂŁ18 for a set of two, Soft Grey fringed napkins, ÂŁ28 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, ÂŁ12; Dinner plate, ÂŁ15 for a set of four; Seagrass placemats, ÂŁ25 for a set of four, and Tumbler, ÂŁ12 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, ÂŁ38; Platter, ÂŁ14; Salad bowl set, ÂŁ20; Pasta bowls, ÂŁ20 for a set of four, and Dinner plates, ÂŁ20 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, ÂŁ28; Striped linen napkin set, ÂŁ20; Striped carafe, ÂŁ18; Striped tumbler, ÂŁ10, and Lemon dish, ÂŁ9. All John Lewis.With botanical tableware, pretty garlands, and striking floral arrangements, afternoon tea never looked better. Mabelle placemant, ÂŁ16.50; Mabelle reusable large plate, ÂŁ10, and Paper flower garland, ÂŁ30, 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, ÂŁ67, and Wine Glass Tree, ÂŁ44.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 ÂŁ59.99 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 rosĂŠ and bon appĂŠtit! Natural rattan charger placemats, ÂŁ28 for a set of two; Rattan cutlery 5-piece set, ÂŁ32; Set of four block printed cotton napkins in Turquoise Stripe, ÂŁ22, and Glass bud vase, ÂŁ28 for a set of two. All Rosie Dalia.
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