Forget starched linen and clunky silverware – entertaining just got much more relaxed. Here’s how to set the scene
Pick a pattern
Here, plates and bowls in an abstract design and muted palette are standout without being stuffy. ‘Instagram has fuelled the demand for unusual tableware, featuring interesting glaze techniques, colour and pattern,’ says Kate Butler, head of design at Habitat. ‘The shapes here are inspired by paper-cut collage and give a clean, contemporary look.’ Pair bold ceramics with matt black cutlery and use raw materials, such as a simple oak dining table, to provide visual contrast. Dinnerware, £60 for a 12-piece set, cutlery, £95 for a 16-piece set, all habitat.co.uk
Keep it simple… and stylish
‘Creating a setting that combines beauty and practicality is important,’ says Alex Hely-Hutchinson, founder of Neal’s Yard restaurant 26 Grains. ‘I love aged wood surfaces and handmade earthenware crockery, which complement a simple but considered style of food.’ Dining table, £529, pendant lamp, £47, dinnerware, £119 for a 12-piece set, all swooneditions.com
Go full circle
A statement table and chairs will anchor your space. The circular shape creates an informal feel and works well in small spaces. For a laid-back vibe that shows off the beauty of natural materials and craftsmanship, opt for honed wood paired with chairs that have a classic design. Mismatched colours loosen up the look. Visit conranshop.co.uk for similar chairs
Add a touch of gold
Using metal and stoneware against a warm wood backdrop creates a relaxed feel, while the gold cutlery adds a sense of occasion to dinner parties. The key here is to layer – use stacks of ceramics paired with linen napkins. Dinnerware, £119 for a 12-piece set, swooneditions.com. For similar cutlery, try anthropologie.com or zarahome.com
And relax…
‘Stylishly casual restaurant dining is influencing the way that we decorate our homes,’ says Philippa Prinsloo, head of design for home at John Lewis. ‘For a pared-back look, ditch the tablecloth and mix and match your dinnerware. Add a large rug underneath the dining table to help zone an open-plan space.’ Dining table, £799, bench, £220, round rug, £100, all johnlewis.com
Table talk
Nail informal dining with playful prints and a shot of colour
The ones to swatch
Need a stroke of colour inspiration for your home? Here’s our pick of the new-season crop from Dulux
Styling: Nicole Gray
Chairs, pineapple, pumpkin and apple painted in Teal Lux. Table, pears, grapes and large melon painted in Pink Prose. Wall, bananas, medium pumpkin and lychees painted in Velvet Cake. Oil bottle and oranges painted in Honey Mustard. Long melon and small round melons painted in Storm Day. All £29.15 for 2.5 litres, dulux.co.uk. Table, £150, and chairs, £19 each, ikea.com. Oil bottle, £39, conranshop.co.uk. Sponsored by Dulux