How to Set the Summer Table

Whether you're planning relaxed family lunches or a more formal dinner party, here’s how to set the summer table the Meri Meri way.

When it comes to entertaining at home, few things impress guest as much as a beautifully set table. Whatever the occasion, mastering the art of table presentation helps create a warm atmosphere, delight your guests and keep the conversation flowing. Here’s how...

Start with a theme or colour scheme

A theme helps give your table direction – everything else, from decorations and tableware to flowers and favours, can then follow suit.

‘A colour scheme is a great starting point,’ says Sania Pell, Interior Stylist and Creative Director, who waves her tablescaping wand behind the scenes at Meri Meri. ‘It could be bright and clashing or calmer and more tonal. Start with tablecloths as your base. A kids’ birthday might be more vibrant than, say, a baby shower or teen party.’ For more ideas, see our Top 10 Party Trends for 2025.

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What are the traditional rules for cutlery and glassware?

At a formal table, knives sit on the right of the plate, blades facing inwards. Closest to the plate goes the dinner knife, then the fish knife, then a soup spoon on the outside. Forks go on the left – dinner fork nearest the plate, then the salad fork, with tines facing up.

Dessert spoons or a spoon and fork combo go horizontally above the plate – spoon handle pointing right, fork handle left.

Glasses sit in the top right. Water glass above the knives, wine glasses just below and to the right – red wine nearer the plate, white wine further out.

And don’t forget the bread plate – it belongs in the top left with a small butter knife resting on top.

That said, don’t feel too constrained by tradition. ‘Rules are made to be broken! I rarely follow a formal place setting,’ says Pell. ‘To make a table feel more modern, I often group the cutlery on the right side of the plate.’

And what about napkins? ‘Fabric napkins can be opened out and used as placemats or rolled with the cutlery on top and tied together with ribbon,’ says Pell. Meri Meri’s wooden cutlery is perfect for kids' tables.

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Can you mix paper plates with crockery?

Absolutely. Not only does it make clearing up easier but combining elegant glassware with stylish paper cups adds an element of fun.

‘Layering paper plates and cups with glassware works really well,’ says Pell. ‘Real glasses can sit next to paper cups – and you can even pop a few flowers inside a cup and use it as a vase.’

‘Mixing silver, china, crystal and special serving dishes is totally back in style,’ adds Meredithe Stuart-Smith, Meri Meri’s Founder & President. ‘Placemats, water glasses, wine glasses – it’s all about having fun with it.’

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What about decorations like flowers, centrepieces and candles?

Candles winding down the centre of the table create instant wow-factor.

‘I love ordering fresh flowers and greenery from a local florist and mixing them with candles,’ says Stuart-Smith.

Pell agrees: ‘Small vases of flowers add a pop of colour and make everything feel more alive.’ Her insider tip? Try Japanese flower frogs (kensan) – they let you create more modern-looking arrangements in shallow bowls or low dishes, perfect for a relaxed summer table.

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And for the kids’ table?

Cake stands are great for fruit, sweet treats or cheeses. ‘Place cards add a personal touch – and help people find their seats,’ says Stuart-Smith. ‘I also love putting a little bag of fancy chocolates at each place setting.’

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Any finishing touches?

Cake stands are helpful for displaying fruit, sweet treats or even cheeses. ‘Place cards add a personal touch and ensure everyone knows where they are sitting,’ says Stuart-Smith. ‘I also love putting a bag of specialty chocolates at each place setting.

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Any easy ways to add extra wow-factor?

‘Stripes are always a winner – they can be both sophisticated and fun,’ says Pell. Use them in tablecloths, napkins, cups or hats – or all at once for maximum impact. And before you plan your next do, don’t forget to print our party planning checklist.

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