MY TOP PICKS FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING
Jessica Harris | June 2024
As fleeting as British summer's can be, you can always count on us Brits to make the most of the warmer climes and longer days. When the sun is shining and the breeze is light, there's no better feeling than breaking bread with your loved ones and sampling a seasonal summer menu. Summer entertaining is a perfect excuse to refresh your dinnerware, up your table game and set the scene for a memorable gathering.
At Westfield London's Home Quarter, there's a huge array of options to take your summer entertaining to the next level. From chic décor accessories to larger furniture pieces, there's something for every need and budget to inspire every host looking to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. While a neutral colour palette will always be more interior happy place, when summer rolls around, my dinnerware takes on a distinct Mediterranean twist full of deep blues, olive greens and a splash of sunny yellow in lieu of the real deal. With a toddler's bedtime to consider, my diary is full of at-home dinner dates this season so I've compiled a wish list of my summer entertaining picks.
I love how handmade this feels – it lends a personal touch to the table.
2-Pack Frill-Trimmed Place Mats, £14.99 H&M
Simple with a nostalgic antiques feel, these are a great alternative to rattan mats.
I can imagine these sitting on the table of a 1960's cocktail party and think they're so chic.
Habitat 60 Multi Wick Scented Candle - Black Tea & Vetiver, £18 Habitat
Scent is so important to set the atmosphere of a dinner or party and in the summer I end to gravitate towards lighter, fresher fragrances.
Set Of 2 Speckled Tumblers, £12 Marks And Spencer
A real conversation piece, these bring a little interest to an otherwise mundane tumbler
Lisbon Foliage Salad Bowl, £24 John Lewis & Partners
This feels so authentic, as if it could have been picked up in a Portuguese market.
Graupera Terracotta Olive Dish, £12 John Lewis & Partners
I love this so much – I can imagine it sitting atop a restaurant table next to the sea in Greece.
Tripod Candlestick, From £39.99 Zara Home
Satisfying the minimalist in me, this candlestick would be perfect for both inside and outside.
Distinctly mid-century, I love how different these are – I'd never have guessed they were from Zara Home.
Fluted Coupe Glasses, £14 West Elm
These are so elegant and remind me of an Art Deco party – they're such great value too.
Portobello Pasta Bowls – Set of 6, £84 The White Company
I love the rustic nature of these bowls and they're big enough to fit a proper portion for pasta lovers like me!
Karaca Zoe Wooden Spice Grinder, £19.95 Karaca
Every table needs a good salt, pepper and/or spice grinder and these are so elegant.
Set of 4 Wooden Coasters, £20 Marks And Spencer
Every good host knows the importance of coasters – not only will they save your beloved furniture, they're a good excuse to further accessorise the table.
