The best outdoor tableware for summer
If you take pleasure in hosting friends or family, you’ll know that nothing beats the joy of having people gather in your own back yard when the sun’s out. Our edit of the latest dining accessories, from patterned tablecloths to sunny coloured placemats and Mediterranean-inspired serving plates, has everything you need to host the ultimate al fresco get-together. And while these pieces may say summer, there’s no reason why you can’t use them all year round, both outside and in.
‘Lily of the Valley’ placemat, Dior
Self-proclaimed flower fanatic Christian Dior believed the Lily of the Valley to be a lucky charm. His brand’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ tableware line has recently been updated to include new wicker pieces like this placemat, as well as baskets, frames and boxes. All of which are decorated with delicate sprigs of the flower. £170, dior.com
‘Oops I Did It Again’ dessert plate by Laetitia Rouget
Though we’re not usually ones for slogan plates, we’ll make an exception for artist Laetitia Rouget’s dessert plate which has been adorned with the cheeky message, ’Oops I Did It Again’. Plus, each plate is handcrafted from glazed stoneware, so no two are the same. £150 for two, ssense.com
‘IPT29’ tablecloth, Les Ottomans
You don’t need much else in the way of decor if you go for a jazzy tablecloth – they’re a quick and easy way to give your table a stylish update. Les Ottomans’ ‘IPT29’ has bags of personality with its bold ikat print on a cotton fabric. Approx £98.60, les-ottomans.com
‘Rainbow Blue’ soup plate, La DoubleJ
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Italian brand that has become synonymous with summer entertaining, La Double J. These new soup plates are made in collaboration with Italian porcelain experts Ancap so are guaranteed to last. And don’t be put off by the soup plate name – they are just as good for pasta or risotto. £115 for two, ladoublej.com
‘Twisted Martini’ glasses, La Louème
One of French brand La Louème’s signature pieces, these glasses tap into the wavy glass trend with their thick and curly stems (which conveniently, are ideal for those of us with firm grips). They take drinking your favourite martini or margarita mix to the next level. Approx £103 for four, laloueme.com
‘Bibby’ teacup and saucer in ‘Olive’, Acme
New Zealand-based brand Acme, which can be found in the likes of hip Shoreditch cafe Ozone Coffee, has released these uniquely shaped teacups and saucers. The best thing about them is that you can purchase the cups separately, creating a mix-and-match colourway. Approx £16, acmecups.eu
‘Garden’ champagne glass, Anna + Nina
This chic cocktail glass is made in the Czech Republic and adds a playful touch to any table setting. It’s crafted from a translucent coral pink glass which has striking grooves near the rim. £13.50, domesticsciencehome.co.uk
‘Hippomobile No 1’ coffee cup and saucer, Hermès
Need a little help getting in the summery mood? Look no further than Hermès’s ‘Hippomobile No 1’ coffee cup and saucer, as its spotty dots and geometric stripes are guaranteed to instil cheer and whimsy. £200, hermes.com
