From a distance, the table looks like a harmonious display of soft yellows. But move a little closer and the intricacies of layered tableware, eclectic glassware and loosely folded linens come into focus. Whether laid for a slow Sunday brunch or an evening dinner party, we believe in well-dressed tables for every mealtime. Here’s how to create a spring spectacular. 

Step 1: Layered linens

Start by deciding on your linens, whether that’s a vintage white tablecloth or a more decorative design like our new Fife collection, crafted from a cotton-linen blend with a traditional block-printed floral pattern. The choice can set the tone for your scheme, taking hues from a coloured tablecloth and echoing them through glassware, accessories and crockery.

Our seasonal shade, Polenta, influenced our table setting dressed by Meaghan Hunter, Neptune art director and stylist. ‘Through the tablecloth we have this wash of creamy shades of yellow which are quite calming and harmonious. I then pulled out pops of more vibrant hues such as the tall saffron candles and a playful scattering of zesty lemons, to give the table depth and interest,’ says Meaghan.

Step 2: Timeless tableware

Fine bone china, or artisanal stoneware, the choice will come down to whether you’re enjoying a relaxed or more formal occasion. Crafted by skilled artisans in Portugal, our Amberley collection leans more towards relaxed dining, its speckled yellow glaze ties back to the shades woven through the Fife tablecloth.

The traditional recommended space between table settings (and adhered to by those laying tables for royal banquets) is 45cm from the one place setting to the next. But if space is tight, remove side plates – used here for bread wrapped in our matching Fife napkins – and stack starter and main course plates on top of each other instead.

Step 3: Accented accessories

Look to mix complementing shades into the scheme through glassware (our yellow Ella glasses are the perfect choice) and cutlery, before turning your attention to accessories. ‘Cutting the stems of the white Narcissus flowers short, I arranged the flowers in small posies in our Lillian glass tealight holders,’ explains Meaghan, ‘and then used different heights of the Ellington glass candlestick holders, three of each size, to create symmetry down the table, placing a posy between each.’

Step 4: Simple swaps

If you love the natural grain of your solid wood table and want a more low-key tablescape, swap out tablecloths for textured placemats (like our Ashbourne) and patterned napkins instead. ‘When switching from a more decorative tablecloth I suggest focusing on larger centrepieces, with a variety of taller vases of flowers or a larger collection of candlesticks to keep the table exciting,’ adds Meaghan. The mix of textures from exposed oak to natural rattan, together with the larger decorative centrepiece, will still add plenty of interest to the table.

For more styling ideas for your table discover more of our tabletop collection.