The Perfect Summer Table: A How to Guide

Quintessential English Summer Aesthetic: What springs to mind when you think of summer? Sunshine, warmth, wildflowers in bloom, long lunches in the garden. That’s exactly what this look is all about — effortless charm, natural beauty, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you're styling a summer home or bringing the feeling of a European escape to your own space, start with table linen in sunlit shades of yellow or green — a nod to golden afternoons and lush, leafy landscapes. Our Stripe, Gingham, and Mimosa collections embody this mood perfectly.

Or opt for a floral design — the tablescaping equivalent of a summer dress — think Roses, Tulips, Peonies, Hydrangeas, or Buttercups: breezy, joyful, and made for the season.

French Riviera Aesthetic: For a table that captures the effortless elegance of the French Riviera, begin with the tablecloth. Look for designs in cool Mediterranean blues, sun-bleached whites, and crisp, sun-faded patterns that echo the colours of the coast. Our Nuages tablecloth evokes the softness of a summer sky, while Azulejos draws on the intricate beauty of hand-painted tiles found along the Riviera’s sun-drenched façades. For something bolder, the Stripe collection offers a fresh, nautical sensibility — reminiscent of striped parasols, pressed linen, and morning sails.

Each design brings its own expression of Riviera charm, whether you're laying the table on a yacht deck, a seaside terrace, or beneath the olive trees of an Italian garden. Cool, crisp, and unmistakably coastal — these are linens that do more than dress the table; they set the tone for the entire occasion.

Provencial Aesthetic: Capture the soft romance of a Provençal summer with table linens that echo the beauty of slow afternoons, blooming gardens, and long evenings under the stars. Embrace small organic patterns, botanical motifs, and delicate embroidery — details that are deeply rooted in the visual language of Provence, where the everyday is elevated through craftsmanship. Embroidered linens and Broderie Anglaise have long been hallmarks of domestic life — heirloom
pieces passed down through generations, known for their airy, lace-like charm. These tactile elements bring softness and authenticity to the table, a nod to sun-warmed châteaux and linen cupboards scented with lavender. Likewise, small-scale, naturalistic prints — think tiny blooms, or trailing olive vines — echo the informal elegance of the region’s gardens and fields, where beauty appears unstyled yet perfectly placed.

Our collections — Fraises des Bois; L'Olivier; Broderie Anglaise, and Falling Flower linens, feel both nostalgic and elevated. Perfect for romantic dinners, Alfresco Luncheons, or Summer Soirees in the garden, these are pieces that bring the sunlit soul of Provence to the table.

[ The Napkins ] 

Napkins offer a wonderful chance to add an extra layer of creativity to your table setting. As one of the elements your guests will interact with the most, be sure to choose a style that reflects your thoughtfulness for the occasion.

Mix and Match: Experiment with combining different tablecloth and napkin collections to create a look that is uniquely yours.

Complete the Look: If you prefer a cohesive style, all of S&B’s tablecloths come with matching napkins that perfectly complement each other.

Add Napkin Rings: Enhance your table with beautiful napkin rings. Whether you choose woven, ceramic, glass napkin rings, or even a mix of all, they’ll tie your look together beautifully.

[ The Glassware ] 

Glassware plays an important part in cooling off after spending time in the sun. Whether you are serving a delicious spritz, or a fresh lemonade, be sure to consider all the glassware pieces that are needed for your table setting. Don't forget to include several jugs, pitchers, or carafes to keep your guests refreshed. 

Add Fun Glassware:  Summer is synonymous with fun, and at S&B, we offer an extensive collection of playful glassware featuring marine creatures found along the Mediterranean coast. Each of your handmade pieces are uniquely crafted to add a touch of whimsy and delight to your table.

Consider Your Drink Selection: Match your glassware to your chosen beverages. Whether you're serving champagne, red wine, white wine, or all, ensure you have the appropriate glasses for each.

Functional and Stylish: Choose glasses that are not only beautiful but also practical for your planned drinks menu. If you’re eating al fresco, you may want to opt for a heavier option like our faceted glassware, to ensure it doesn’t get blown off your table.

[ The Dinnerware ] 

Another one of our favourite parts of table setting is selecting the dinnerware. Dinnerware provides the versatility of mixing and matching different styles and patterns, as well as playing with heights and layers.

Mix and Match: The most difficult part of setting a table with S&B pieces, is the difficulty that comes with choosing amongst so many beautiful options. The good thing is that you don’t have to choose. Try mixing and matching different dinnerware styles and create a look that is unique to you.

Consider the Occasion: If you are hosting a formal dinner, choose collections such as ‘Cambridge’ or ‘S&B Classic in White’. In contrast, if you are having a more relaxed evening, choose styles like ‘Gingham’ or our decorated plates. Consider hand-painted sets if you wish to add a touch of craftsmanship to your table. 

[The Serveware]

Selecting the perfect serveware can transform your table setting. Opt for standout pieces that blend functionality with elegance to elevate your dining experience. Our collection provides a range of choices to meet all your serving needs.

Layer the Heights: Use platters and stands with different heights to add different dimensions to your tablescape. This will keep your arrangement from looking ‘flat’.

Mix and Match: There are no rules for choosing your serveware. Get creative, mix and match, and allow yourself to explore different combinations of styles. 

[The Cutlery] 

Your personality can also shine through your cutlery selection. Whether you prefer a classic look with asilver plated set, or want to add a rustic vibe with asilver and boxwood set, Summerill & Bishop has a variety of cutlery designs to help you find the perfect one for your table. 

Try Unique Styles and Materials: While you may opt for traditional silverware, you can also consider fun styles like our Green Resin and Stainless Steel Set, or our Rose Quartz and Stainless Steel Set. These additional touches will add more personality to your summer reunions. 

Planning Ahead: Set aside some time to polish your silver before the party. You'll thank yourself later - no last-minute scrambling to shine dozens of cutlery sets! 

[ Personal Touches ]

Adding personal touches to your table setting can make your guests feel extra special. Consider using alphabet napkins, handwritten place cards, or custom menu cards. These small details can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making each guest feel uniquely welcomed. 

Handwritten Place Cards: Help your guests identify their seats through beautifully written place cards, you could consider writing them on seashells or oyster shells. 

Alphabet Napkins: Personalise each place setting with napkins featuring your guests’ initials. 

Custom Menu Cards: Handwrite your menu to add another touch of homemade charm. Your guests will appreciate the effort! 

[ Souviens-toi de Vivre ] 

As we come to the closing remarks of this piece, above all, what we want you to take from this article is that the table is the heart of the home. So cherish these long warm days sitting together around the table, and celebrate the art of living in the moment surrounded by loved ones, delicious food, and the beauty of summer. Let us inspire your gatherings with our timeless collections and expert tips, ensuring that every meal becomes a cherished occasion filled with laughter, conversation, and unforgettable memories.

Happy Summer! S&B x