TOP TIPS FOR ALFRESCO TABLE STYLING
With summer fast approaching, we thought we’d share our top tips for Alfresco Table Styling. Dressing a summer table is something everyone can do on any budget. The first question should always be about the atmosphere you are trying to create. Is this a sophisticated soiree? A casual lunch? A children’s birthday party? A relaxed afternoon tea? Answering this will help to inform the choices you make. With this in mind, choosing a colour pallet is always helpful, this gives you something to come back to.
At The Boule-in our ethos is more is more. Layering with prints, textures and materials keeps it interesting.
First add a tablecloth or placemats, we always reach for our favourites by FARO. We love their prints which are bold and colourful, but something as simple a white linen sheet can be effective. Fabric napkins are always nicer than paper ones. Try using a complimentary colour to your tablecloth or be bold and contrast it. Stripes are always fun.
The centre piece is your chance to make an impact. Take the size and proportions of your table into consideration. Round tables have a central focal point, whilst with a rectangular table you have a more linear space to play with. Choose your decorations. Fresh flowers and plants are always a must. Candles are brilliant for adding differing heights, try brightly coloured tapered ones in brass candlesticks and tea lights in old jam jars. We love the element of surprise with our decorations, try shells, fruit, chocolates, sweets, even children’s toys (wooden obvs!)
Bring aspects of the garden to the table. Try to choose flowers in season, remember to take inspiration from your surroundings. Try sticking sprigs of fresh herbs into your flowers for heavenly scents or tie in bundles and leave on top of the napkins. Sometimes it’s easy to get carried away with large scale floral pieces…remember everyone wants to see each other!
When choosing your tableware, think about the food you are serving, is it functional? Does it work with the colours of your food? Is its purpose best served? Asparagus plates are a winner at this time of year. Your plates don’t have to be a perfect set, we love mixing and matching, try contrasting designs for your side plate and main plates. Layering them on top of each other can be charming. To impress, remember the prettier your serving plates the better, think cake stands, salad bowls, bread baskets etc. Of course, when it’s time for coffee we look no further than our beloved Miranda Berrow mugs.
Glasses always look so beautiful, try some biot glass for a bit of weight and depth on an outdoor table. Coloured glass is stunning when the sun or candlelight shines through it. Don’t feel everything needs to match, there is something so charming about an array of different wine glasses, it also helps to remember which is yours after one too many glasses of Rosé!
Make it comfortable! Whist style is crucial, here at The Boule-in we know that comfort is key. Ensuring all our favourite indoor comforts come to the Alfresco table is important; water jugs are always better with a slice or two of lemon. Wine coolers & ice buckets save constant trips to the freezer. Don’t forget salt & pepper, we love using unusual vessels, try old oyster shells. A cushion makes even the most comfortable outdoor chair better. If it’s cold, why not have blankets ready for chilly laps.
Lastly, don’t forget sight lines. Tucking the washing line away and maybe stringing up some fairy lights make for magical evenings.
