TIP 1
In The Round
Consider every angle of the table, starting with a centrepiece that doesn't block the view of guests. A few unruly, meadow-worthy stems poking out are delightful but any more risk stemming conversation (pun intended!)
TIP 2
Source Locally
My tablescapes and dinners always begin with the seasons - from the berries on the table to the ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ roses, nicotiana and nepeta in the floristry. I was lucky enough to source the flowers for this table directly from The Unwalled Garden near Cheltenham. Demelza grows an abundant selection of seasonal British flowers. I had my pick of mallow, nicotiana and cosmos, as well as ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ roses as my heroes and some early dahlias. Take a look at Flowers From The Farm to find local growers near you.
TIP 3
Flower Frog
I wanted to create a sculptural (amateur!) ode to Constance Spry using this raised bowl from fellow Handmade In Painswick creative, Starling Pots. Gravity is against you with a low, wide vessel like this but traditional oasis is a no-go sustainably for me - it takes nearly a century to decompose. Instead, the pin-cushion mechanic of the flower frog can be used time again and time again. I just gently pierce the stems into the pins. Once the main structure is in place, it will hold additional stems too.
TIP 4
Symmetry
The table isn't linear and neither should the styling be! Cluster pockets of interest: tall vintage coupes of cherries and apricots one side, a trinket tray of apples the other, perhaps with some candles in between.
Thank you to Sandie and Anne-Marie - co-founders of Handmade In Painswick who launched it in 2021 with a mission to support local creatives and champion the ‘buy less, buy better’ concept.
They introduced me to the wonderful Sophie of Starling Pots, who handmade the bud vases, bowls and plates - a perfect match for my gingham napkins.
Thank you to the gorgeous group who came! Some locals and some from far away - I adored meeting you! As always, all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Vimukti Sanstha, the non-profit for girls' education who I support in Jaipur.
Finally, thanks to Maison Mirabeau for the La Folie - a sparkling start to our Friday!
Shop the look
The Journal
Masterclass In Cotswolds
A summer tablescaping masterclass at Handmade In Painswick pop-up in the Cotswolds.
Architectural Digest India
An interview with Architectural Digest India about tablescaping, block printing and sustainability.
Summer Dinner Party Tips
My biggest ever dinner party at home to celebrate one year of my tableware.