How to Lay a Table | Summer Entertaining with The White Company

A few weeks back you may have seen that I attended the amazing Summer Entertaining event at the simply stunning Eltham Palace with The White Company. In the company of some of my favourite blogger/photographer babes (and meeting some new faces too), we toured the house and gardens, sipped some seriously good rosé wine and ate delicious food with an emphasis on seasonal produce with a creative twist. Strawberries soaked in limoncello with geranium-infused double cream was a definite highlight for me.

One of my favourite talks was on how to lay a table this summer - as a bride-to-be, self confessed Pinterest addict and lover of a good tablescape and setting, I was all ears.

Here's how to lay your summer table, the White Company way:

1. Layer your dinnerware and glassware for each place setting - it sets the tone for the evening. For a classic table, use tonal shades of white and glassware as a base and use different textures to add depth. 
2. Some foliage and flowers placed on the last piece of your setting (the bowl or small plate) gives atmosphere and style. Try placing a single white hydrangea head in the centre of a pasta bowl to add that touch of something special to an elegant lunch or stylish wedding table.
3. Use napkins to dress the table - tie with rustic garden twine or ribbon with fresh herbs to lift the look. Alternatively, layer a white napkin with a printed napkin for a nod to the corresponding season. 
4. Try different approaches to serving dessert - champagne coupes make the perfect showstoppers for a delicious dessert such as a lemon posset or sorbet topped with edible flowers.
5. White flowers, fresh fruit or a single stem of greenery all keep it oh-so-classy - use them creatively! The table at The White Company event featured lily of the valley, lisianthus, rosemary and pears. Try a single stem of eucalyptus or lavender, to add some fragrance too.  

Here are a few more photos from the day, because honestly? It was a total event dream. I can't remember an event I've enjoyed that much since the Company Blogger Award days. Now I sound old... ;) All I needed was my usual wing woman, the other half of this 4 year duo, Miss Lauren Beeslee. Maybe next time!

For the Pinterest lovers amongst you (that's us too!) here's a little list to add to your summer Pinterest boards. Here's a little pretty posh tip for free - add your personality in little touches, whether that's themed place cards or a customised cocktail to suit the theme of the event. Above all, enjoy!

Thank you to The White Company for inviting us and for a wonderful afternoon.

Felicity

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