Summer has finally descended on London and back from a weekend in Brittany, I’m feeling refreshed and relaxed. Now that the sun has finally reared its head, long balmy evenings and (almost) cloudless weekends call for gathering friends and family for al fresco picnics, relaxed dinners and outdoor barbecues. Around this time of year, I like to forgo formal dining settings and complicated meals involving hours slaving over a hot stove – I’d rather be outside or at the table. In the summer, I take my cue from our neighbours across the channel, France, Italy and Spain, and prefer a tapas-style form of summer entertaining – it’s quick to prepare, easy to eat and best of all, delicious.
So when Laura Ashley suggested styling a summer dining table, it was perfect timing (plus, with posts like these you get to eat the props, win, win!). I wanted to create a relaxed, French vibe so chose this coastal-inspired, blue and white checked tablecloth – it has a lovely Gallic charm, with it I picture little French brasseries in Provence or Italian trattorias on the Amalfi coast. Instead of having set places with placemats, I like to let everyone dig in and help themselves, and this serving board is perfect for a sharing platter or big loaf of bread. It has a nifty little dish that slots in and can be removed for cleaning, or passing around the table – perfect for olive oil, butter or dips.
I’m also not precious about matching all the objects on the table either, often I simply don’t have time. Mix and match colours, patterns and styles if you like, for example I’ve served a vintage knife with modern plates, a crisp table cloth with old glass bottles for flowers. My favourite sharing meal, shown here, is slivers of Italian prosciutto, fat, sharp, juicy caperberries and some creamy manchego cheese, piled up on a chunk of wholemeal bread – bliss.
All this eating is thirsty work… so I’ve served some cloudy lemonade in this vintage style glass bottle (my top tip: add a sprig of mint to create a refreshing take on traditional lemonade). The slight sweetness and sharpness perfectly compliments the saltiness of the ham and cheese, plus it’s incredibly refreshing on a hot summers day. I love these six glasses in the carrier, so handy for bringing in and out – they’ll be perfect for picnics in the park.
After I had finished shooting this post, my boyfriend and I sat down at the table, the French doors to the balcony open, and had the simplest, but best meal, in a long time. It almost, very nearly, felt like we were on holiday. A holiday at home. Sometimes the least complicated meals can be the most delicious, all you need is great ingredients, great company and a beautiful setting! Santé to that!
All images my own, the Laura Ashley items were kindly gifted for the purpose of this post, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
