We Asked Design Experts For Their Top Summer Tablescaping Tips

Calendar already filling up with summer plans? Barbeques, garden parties, dinners with friends and family – there are plenty of reasons to host a get-together this season. And whether you’re planning something grand and extravagant or more lowkey, chances are you’ll need a beautifully decorated table. Lucky for you, we’ve come prepared: we’ve got all the insider tablescaping tips and tricks for curating a stunning summer display.

A Guide To Summer Tablescaping

How do you like to set the table come summer? Maybe you find yourself drawn to colourful plates and glassware, big vases full of seasonal flowers and elaborate table linens – or maybe it’s a more relaxed affair with picnic blankets, mix-and-match crockery and fresh produce (picky bits, anyone?) on the table. Whatever your inclination, dressing up the table can be just as fun as the event itself.

Holland Cooper

‘One of my favourite parts of summertime hosting is setting the table,’ emphasises Jade Holland Cooper, designer and founder of Holland Cooper. ‘I’ve always loved creating spaces that feel warm, relaxed and thoughtful. Whether it’s a big family lunch or just a slow summer evening at home, for me, it’s never about perfection, but about creating an atmosphere that makes people want to sit and enjoy the moment.’

And as for the table design itself: ‘A beautiful summer tablescape feels joyful, considered and completely effortless,’ says Sarah Ross, co-founder of Addison Ross. ‘It’s about creating a sense of occasion without formality – where colour, texture and light all work together in harmony. We love tables that feel alive with personality: fresh flowers, playful glassware, seasonal fruit and thoughtful finishing touches that make guests feel instantly welcome. Whether it’s soft pastels, bold pops of colour or layered natural textures, it should always feel inviting, relaxed and full of character.’

That relaxed look is exactly what makes a summer table feel so special, says homeware designer Rebecca Udall. ‘The summer months mean tables decorated with beautiful linens that complement but don’t necessarily match, colourful glassware, hand-painted European crockery and woven rattan,’ she says. ‘They bring all the textures and details for a simple, convivial backdrop to hosting.’

‘It should feel effortless, rather than overly styled,’ agrees Christine Kasoulis, Home Buying Director at The White Company. ‘The most inviting tables celebrate natural textures, soft layers and seasonal details, creating a setting that encourages guests to relax and linger. Linen tablecloths, fresh flowers or foraged greenery, candlelight and simple ceramics all work together to create warmth and a sense of occasion without feeling formal. Ultimately, it’s the balance between considered styling and relaxed hospitality that makes a summer table memorable.’

dbCeramic

So, where should we start? Our experts share their top tips (and inspirations) for summer tablescaping, below:

Top Tips From The Experts

Start With Simple Layers

‘Start with a simple, beautiful base,’ suggests Sarah. ‘A linen tablecloth instantly grounds the table and lets the styling breathe.’

Natural textures are also perfect for layering, adds Christine. ‘Pair crisp linen with woven placemats, rattan details or handcrafted ceramics to add depth and interest while keeping the palette soft and cohesive.’

Be Informal

‘Embrace informality; summer has such a carefree ease to it and with longer, more languid evenings,’ suggests Rebecca. ‘A backdrop of blue skies and beautiful flowers make even the simplest of table settings feel celebratory.’

Get Colourful With The Details

Bold pops of colour will add dimension to your tablescape – just remember: a lighter touch will stand out more than a full colour drench. ‘Whether it’s pink glassware, hand-painted ceramics or a single statement piece, like a bold lamp or floral moment, let colour feel intentional rather than overwhelming.’

Channel The Great Outdoors

‘Use nature however you can,’ instructs Rebecca. ‘If the weather and occasion allow, dine al fresco – gardens bring all the greenery and foliage you need for the perfect natural backdrop. If this isn’t possible, make the most of the abundance of beautiful flowers available at this time of year and create simple wildflower displays using bud vases, or opt for urns for something more dramatic,’ she suggests. ‘Where place names are needed, small floral wreaths add a thoughtful, seasonal touch that guests can take home with them.’

And if you’re still after arrangement ideas, Christine suggests: ‘Instead of one large arrangement, use several smaller bud vases filled with garden flowers or greenery. They feel more relaxed and make conversation across the table easier. Perhaps layer in pots of fresh herbs where seasonally relevant.’

Mix & Match

Combining different textures and shapes will also give your setup points of interest – and talking points for guests. ‘Combine sculptural candlesticks, coloured glass, patterned ceramics and fresh florals to create depth and a sense of playfulness,’ suggests Sarah.

Embrace Print

And don’t forget the prints. ‘Summer is a time when print really sings, particularly florals and painterly checks,’ says Rebecca. ‘Embrace these while you can – we will soon be hunkering back down with cocooning colours!’

Summer Tablescaping Ideas For 2026

The White Company

Coastal-Inspired Dining

‘Take inspiration from the shoreline with a palette of whites, sandy neutrals and soft blues,’ suggests Christine. ‘Mix textured ceramics with clear glass, linen napkins and natural materials such as rattan or seagrass. Shells or driftwood can be used sparingly to evoke the coast without feeling themed.’

Rebecca Udall

Relaxed Outdoor Dining

When it comes to summer dining, the experience feels far more relaxed than its seasonal counterparts. With this in mind, it becomes completely acceptable – even encouraged – to tablescape loosely and comfortably. ‘While matching napkins and tablecloths is an expected way to make a table scheme cohesive, consider bringing in details that tie the table together in other ways,’ says Rebecca. She suggests: ‘Etched glass that nods to the prints of linens, coasters that coordinate with your pattern of choice or floral displays with pops of colour to match painted crockery. The eclecticism of varying patterns and references adds to the conviviality of summer dining and best suits the relaxed ambience I most want to create.’

dbCeramic

Layered Textures

Who said you had to stick to one colour – or one pattern? ‘For me, the most interesting tables are rarely made up of a single pattern,’ says dbCeramic founder Deborah Brett. ‘Stripes, spots, florals and illustrations can all work together beautifully when they’re united by a considered colour palette. I often layer striped ceramics with my Bubble tablecloth, coloured glassware and woven accessories because the mix creates depth, movement and personality. It’s the colour story that holds everything together, allowing each element to shine without overwhelming the table.’

Addison Ross

Soft Pastels

For that picnic feel without actually having to curl up on the floor, Sarah reimagines ‘a classic garden table with a modern, feminine twist – think pale gingham, delicate florals, tiered cakes and pastel ceramics. Everything feels light, elegant and beautifully balanced, with hydrangeas and soft sunlight filtering through the trees. A quietly nostalgic take on summer entertaining.’

Holland Cooper

French-Inspired Linens

‘There’s something so timeless about blue and white around a table,’ notes Jade. ‘Our Chateau Bleu is inspired by my love of French style, beautiful tables and those special moments spent gathered with family and friends.’ Encapsulating the French Riviera, she adds that this look is best style with matching linens and similar-toned florals, crockery and soft furnishings like seat cushions. ‘I’ve always believed that some of life’s happiest memories are made around the table, and this collection was designed with exactly that feeling in mind.’

The White Company

Garden Lunch

And for a pared back – but no less elevated – garden lunch, Christine recommends sticking to the tried-and-tested staples: ‘Start with a white linen tablecloth and layer in natural woven placemats, relaxed floral arrangements and plenty of fresh greenery. Add glassware that catches the light and finish with crisp white napkins tied with a sprig of herbs for a simple yet elegant look.’

Holland Cooper

Botanical Blend

And for a burst of colour, let your table decorations take inspiration from the season’s juiciest produce: fresh fruit, flowering blooms and tropical hues. Jade’s take on this theme blends orangery-inspired table linens – light and airy, with vibrant pops from floral prints – deep green plates and napkins helping to create balance across the tables. And the perfect finishing touch? An overflowing bowl of fruit.