Setting the Perfect Summer Table with Cornish Homewares
Did someone say al-fresco? Finally, the season we’ve been waiting for is here! And that’s al-fresco season… All winter I crave feeling the warm sun on my face, sitting in the comfort of my own garden for a sunny lunch or supper.
So I tend to go all out when the weather improves. Warmer and longer days are upon us and it’s perfect weather for soaking up nature and dining (or just sipping) outdoors. Keep it simple or go for ‘more is more’ – either way there are easy ways to elevate the experience.
As the owner of an artisan shop in Falmouth, Cornwall, I’m surrounded by unique, beautifully made tableware and homeware day in and day out. Which means I spend a lot of time creating displays, and imagining how beautiful pieces would look toppled high with delicious food, or with wild flower bouquets taking centre stage.
Dining outdoors in your own space, and making it a beautiful experience that heightens all of your senses, is a real luxury. So we encourage you to get creative this summer and have fun setting the perfect summer table.
Why Table Setting Is Important
First of all, we don’t want to make you feel guilty for not setting the table beautifully – most days we are busy and tired, and cooking an evening meal is enough of a task! Especially if you have multiple mouths to feed.
But, if you have the energy to spend even just 5 minutes on creating a space to sit down and eat in that makes you happy, gets you outside, and makes your evening meal an enjoyable experience rather than just eating to fuel yourself, it will lead to a much more fulfilling evening. Stomach and heart will be full!
Don’t just take our word for it, studies have shown that outdoor dining alleviates stress and eases muscle tension, which allows you to break down your food properly. You’ll also get a hit of Vitamin D, which is important for calcium and keeping your bones strong. Many of us spend a lot of time indoors, perhaps in an office, and so making the most of natural light when we can is vital. Replacing artificial light (and the blue light of our phones) with natural light decreases chances of obesity, diabetes and other harmful diseases. Tempted to dine outdoors yet?
So with that said, why not make al-fresco dining an visually appealing experience? It might just be a plant pot on your table, or garden foliage in a jug made from Cornish clay. Or you might find yourself creating gorgeous whimsical displays, with sharing platters, hand-painted vases, ceramic candle holders and more…
Trust me when I say you’ll catch the summer table bug, you’ll be out there morning, noon and night!
Table Decoration Inspiration
Below are our tips on how to set a beautiful summer table! Whether you prefer earthier tones and a stylistically minimal display, or you’re a maximalist with a love of vibrant colours and clashing prints, there is something for everyone.
We’re advocates for not worrying too much about what ‘goes’ – chances are if you’re buying thoughtfully crafted pieces made by Cornish artisans, pieces will work harmoniously anyway. Our favourite and most eye-catching table displays are always the ones that showcase unique work by independent artists and makers. The love they pour into their craft can be felt at the table.
Key Elements For The Perfect Summer Table
Plates & Bowls – Dish up the Love
Channel your inner Italian nonna, and serve up deep bowls of delicious food piled high. Tasty textured salads, or to-die-for pasta dishes, a few large bowls of food really add that luxurious touch to the table, and help the experience feel more like an event.
Embrace Earth Tones – with deep dishes inspired by Cornwall’s raw beauty and natural resources — from the felled trees to St Agnes clay.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageBowls
£60.00 – £70.00
Bowled Over – Go big for summer salads, or small for desserts. Each dish is made by hand in a Cornish studio.
Mix & Match Magic – Layer different pieces for a look that’s collected and carefree-just like a Cornish summer.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageCuddling Cat Plate
£42.00
Jugs & Vases – Pour and Bloom
I’ve got such a weakness for jugs and vases, and summer is their time to shine! Use your jugs to keep your water (or cocktails) cool, or showcase fresh foliage and blooms on the table.
Bring your much-loved vases outdoors, to help create a beautiful whimsical tablescape.
Jugs and vases are a brilliant way to bring varying heights to the table, adding interest to the table display.
Blooms From the Hedgerow – Pair handmade vessels with simple, wild florals.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageMedium Jug
£54.00
Everyday Art – Ceramics that serve and shine. Whether for elderflower cordial or dried grasses-these pieces elevate the table.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageStoneware Jug
£28.00
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageStoneware Cylinder Vase
£60.00
A Loved Collection – Group Cornish-made vessels together for an effortless, eclectic tablescape.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageLarge Stoneware Carved Jug
£55.00
Glassware – Rest and Refresh
Summer is all about refreshments, and hydration. Whether you’re hydrating with mojitos or water, well that’s up to you!
I have even more of a personal connection to these pieces, as they have been designed and made by me in my studio. That’s what I get up to when Inspire Makers is shut for the evening!
Your outdoor table might not need coasters, but glass coasters are a great way to add a little shine to the table, and a burst of colour. I love the look of different coloured glass coasters peppered along the table, handy for keeping track of different glasses too.
Glass Coasters – Handcrafted coasters that blend form and function – their geometric design and tonal colour palette is a favourite and complements any table display.
Pattern & Personality – Add flair to the table with vibrant colours and abstract designs. These are far from the generic glassware you’ll find on most tables this summer.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageDeep Blue Sea
£12.00 – £50.00
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageWinter Sparkle
£12.00 – £50.00
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageFlaming Orange Skies
£12.00 – £50.00
Final Flourish – Finishing Touches
A statement piece is a brilliant starting point to curate the rest of the table, and acts as an impressive focal point. Then the magic keeps on coming with the small but beautifully made pieces, decorative spoons, brass salad servers, hand-painted beakers. Each and every item tells a story and comes together beautifully. The finish touch is the cherry on top. Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
The Final Flourish – The little details that bring the whole table together – each handmade in Cornwall with love and care.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageMoon through Trees Bowl
£45.00 – £50.00
Statement Accents – Copper bowls, sculptural pieces, and small works of art – each one a conversation starter.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageFlower Brick
£46.00 – £48.00
Personal and Decorative Touches for your Summer Table
Add Fresh Flowers
Foliage or flowers make a huge difference to a summer tablescape. You could choose a central bouquet, or place single stems into bud vases dotted along the table. Fresh blooms are the simplest way to give your table the wow factor straight away.
We’re spoilt for choice in Falmouth when it comes to talented florists. We can vouch for Dinette (formerly known as Love & Honour) on our patch on The Old High Street, and Lowenna Flowers on Killigrew Street.
Personalised Small Decorations – If you’re hosting a dinner party, adding a personalised touch is a small gesture that goes a long way. Handwrite a menu, or cute little place cards and it’ll add that whimsical feeling to a simple outdoor supper.
Extra Ideas For a Romantic Table Setting
Mood Lighting
Cornwall is famous for that golden hour glow, and the light here has inspired artists for centuries. Thankfully contemporary modern artists here in Cornwall are creating ceramics and lighting that means you can bring the glow to your table when the sun goes down.
Cornish Candlelight
Ceramic pieces shaped by local artisans bring warmth and magic to the table.
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageCandle Holder
£32.00
-
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Layer the Light – Mix tealights and tall candles for romantic, soft lighting.
Cosy Blankets
Founded in North Cornwall, Atlantic Blankets are a brand committed to using natural fibres, and weaving their blankets in the UK. Their blankets are beautifully made, sustainably made, and are perfect for wrapping up in when the evening cools but you’re not ready to call it a night.
We hope this blog has given you confidence to set your summer table this season! Al fresco dining is a brilliant way to make everyday routines a little more exciting and fulfilling, and encourages you to make the most of the UK sunshine when it appears!
Want To Hear More? We Would Love To Hear From You!
Sign up to the Inspire Makers newsletter for monthly updates on makers, workshops and exhibitions.