How to Set an Alfresco Tablescape: Summer Entertaining Tips From Rebecca Udall

A well-set outdoor tablescape has a way of making people want to stay a little longer: soft evening light, a table dressed with things you love, and no rush to clear away. The trick to how to set a table like this is having the right pieces to hand, many of which begin life on a wedding gift list, gathered slowly rather than bought all at once. "The most memorable outdoor tables are layered with timeless pieces that become part of every summer gathering," says Rebecca Udall, the founder of the eponymous linen and tableware brand that's among our couples' favourites.

We asked Rebecca to share her table dressing ideas, and how she builds that feeling into her own alfresco table, from the first decision down to the last flower.

When creating your alfresco table, Rebecca recommends starting with the mood, before you give any thought to plates. "Embrace informality," she advises. "Summer has such a carefree ease to it. A backdrop of blue skies and beautiful flowers makes even the simplest of table settings feel celebratory. I love an undone style, with everything laid out for guests to help themselves; it puts people at ease, and brings the laid-back, convivial atmosphere that I most enjoy for summer entertaining."

Everything that follows, cutlery, jug and glass alike, should take its cue from that mood. Rebecca recommends beginning with the table linen. "By prioritising quality natural fabrics and artisan craftsmanship, styling can be simple and unfussy yet still feel considered and impactful," she explains. "The tone is set with a beautiful linen tablecloth as the foundation, layered with woven placemats and napkins to complement." Once the cloth is laid and the napkins are folded, let the rattan do most of the rest. "Rattan is the perfect material for outdoor dining. It is charming, adds warmth and texture while also being robust," she says. "Condiment holders, small baskets to hold cutlery or napkins, and scalloped placemats add depth to the table." Get the linen and the rattan right, and the table is all but dressed, long before a flower or a plate comes anywhere near it.

With the table dressed, turn to the crockery, one of the easiest categories of garden table decor to get right. Move the effort away from plating and rely instead on a few generous serving pieces. "Large serving bowls and hand-painted platters keep serving stress-free, so guests can help themselves and easily come back for seconds," Rebecca says. The same principle carries through to pudding. "Cake stands and decorative bowls are great for serving dessert or equally piled high with fruits or different breads," she adds. "They visually add height and allow guests to graze throughout the day."

Glassware and the smaller decorative pieces come next. "While I love informality, and encourage people to use the pieces they most love and feel comfortable with, I do draw the line at anything disposable!" she says. "Glassware, whether crystal, Murano or with etched designs, finishes things off perfectly and helps to keep that effortless elegance." 

Flowers offer one of the simplest table setting ideas of all: let a few good stems do the talking. "For floral displays, simplicity is key," she says. "A few wildflowers or stems placed in urns or bud vases are all that's needed with the backdrop of gardens in full bloom."  A single stem at each place setting, rather than one large arrangement in the middle of the table, will hold up better once everyone sits down.

To see Rebecca Udall's linen and tableware in person, book a complimentary bespoke appointment at our showroom, or explore her full collection online to start building a table of your own that will be loved for years to come.

The Wedding Present Company is a bespoke wedding gift list experience; couples come to us seeking the extraordinary. We offer a tailored and completely personalised wedding registry experience free of charge. Our team goes above and beyond to help you create a wedding list that is unique to both of you and full of items that you will love and use for a lifetime.