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As the seasons shift, it’s the perfect time to refresh your table setting. With the longer summer days upon us, we draw inspiration from the muted tones of Hale Mercantile Co. table linen and rattan tableware. These elements embody a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for any summer gathering.
At the core of our styling philosophy are the "Five Ls": lighting, layering, something loved, something living, and a touch of lustre. These principles, which I call the "5 Ls of Styling," have guided me for over two decades in crafting harmonious and inviting interiors—whether in my own home, within our Suzie Anderson Home stores, or for my clients.
When applied to tablescapes, these elements create a timeless foundation for settings that are thoughtfully curated and effortlessly welcoming.
Keep reading for our summer table setting tips and discover our favourite pieces, including elegant Hale Mercantile table linens and stylish rattan accents, to inspire your next gathering.
SHOP THE SUMMER TABLESCAPE COLLECTION
Summer Colour Palette
For a summer tablescape, choose deeper, more muted colours that evoke the warmth of the season. These tones, while still lively, are balanced by neutral and earthy shades to create a relaxed, fresh atmosphere.
Colours like crisp whites, sandy neutrals, sky blue, fresh greens, sunny yellow, coral, light turquoise, and mustard work harmoniously together. These hues, slightly sun-faded compared to the pastels of spring, offer a calming quality. Think of large, dusky summer flowers—hydrangeas, wisteria, zinnias, and more—that embody this subtle, understated beauty.
The Table Linen
Summer is all about creating relaxed, inviting spaces where you can enjoy good food, beautiful company, and embrace the warmer nights. Hale Mercantile Co. linens are designed with this in mind—bringing a balance of style, comfort, and natural elegance. Their collection includes everything from linen tablecloths to napkins and runners, all made from the highest quality pre-washed linens to create a relaxed, textured look that enhances any table setting.
Why Hale Mercantile Co. is Perfect for Summer:
Soft, Warm Neutrals
The Ayrton and Sable linens offer soft, neutral tones that create a calming backdrop for your summer table. These hues seamlessly blend with seasonal floral arrangements, earthy dinnerware like our Arabesque collection, and stylish rattan homewares, making them a versatile choice for any decor.Calming Hues: To complement the natural beauty of the season, consider other summer-inspired colours from Hale Mercantile Co.:
- Azzura: A mid-toned coastal blue melange, evoking the endless horizon of the ocean.
- Bateau: A deep navy melange with a subtle teal undertone, reminiscent of the calm depths of the sea.
- Floss: A soft, earthy pink that brings to mind the delicate sweetness of fairy floss.
- Maiz: A muted, washed-out gold, like the sun-dappled sands of a summer beach.
- Sable: A light, natural sandy colour that echoes the warmth of the summer sun.
- Armee: An earthy green that features a lush deep khaki
Textural Appeal
The Flocca Linen Tablecloth is pre-washed to achieve a relaxed, textured appearance, ensuring a laid-back yet sophisticated look. Finished with hand-tufted edges and double stitching, the Flocca tablecloth becomes even more beautiful with each wash, adding unique charm to your table.Naturally Relaxed Feel
The Basix Collection offers subtle texture and a naturally relaxed feel. Whether you choose the Basix Linen Table Runner or the Basix Linen Napkins, available in both plain and striped designs, these pieces will effortlessly elevate your summer table setting with their understated elegance.
Rattan Homewares for Summer Tablescapes
Incorporating rattan homewares into your summer tablescape adds a natural, earthy element, infusing warmth and texture into the overall setting. The neutral tones of rattan complement the summer colour palette, enhancing the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
- White-washed rattan pairs beautifully with coastal tones, creating a breezy, beachy feel.
- Old Grey rattan fits seamlessly into a minimal Belgian or Urban aesthetic, offering a calm and earthy feel.
- The richness of antique brown rattan brings warmth to country-style homes and adds a more relaxed touch to formal Hamptons interiors.
When incorporating rattan into your dining or entertaining space, remember: less is more. Focus on 2-3 complementary pieces, such as underplates, placemats, and caddies, to add texture without overwhelming the table.
The 5 Ls of Styling Formula
Coastal-Inspired Tablescape
Layering
For a coastal-inspired tablescape, start with the Ayrton Linen table runner in antique white for a fresh, relaxed foundation. Complement it with the Basix napkins in Azzura or Bateau. Add whitewashed rattan placemats, underplates, champagne coolers, and coasters for texture. Pair with glazed Arabesque and Costa Nova plates in coastal hues like soft blues, whites, and sandy tones.
Basix Linen Runner | Ayrton
$79.00
Crafted in Europe from 100% pure linen, our Basix Linen Table Runner is pre-washed to achieve a relaxed, softened textural appeal that beautifully enhances any table setting. The Basix Linen Table Runner in Ayrton is a classic antique white. Designed with… read more
Basix Linen Napkin | Azzura
$26.50
Embrace everyday rituals with our Basix Linen Napkin, designed to bring effortless elegance to your home while being a practical and versatile addition to the dinner table. The Basix Linen Napkin in Azzura, is a cool, mid-toned coastal blue melange. Generously sized… read more
Basix Linen Napkin | Bateau
$26.50
Embrace everyday rituals with our Basix Linen Napkin, designed to bring effortless elegance to your home while being a practical and versatile addition to the dinner table. The Basix Linen Napkin in Bateau, is a deep navy melange with a subtle teal… read more
Monterey Champagne Cooler | Whitewash/Natural
$169.00
ITEM DESCRIPTION: This large Champagne cooler, with a removable natural rattan cover and inner zinc liner, will be a perfect addition to any indoor or outdoor entertaining event. Materials: Rattan Inner liner: zinc Colour: White wash Features: British Colonial Style… read more
Round Rattan Placemat | White Wash
$46.00
Rattan Items Please be aware that rattan is a natural material, so each rattan product is unique. Natural variations are expected and normal, meaning that not all rattan items will have the same colour consistency. You may notice slight differences… read more
Lighting
Opt for battery-operated pillar candles, hurricane lanterns, and paper tea-light votives for a soft, ambient glow.
Something Living
Incorporate succulent sprigs, pineapples, hydrangeas, palms, ruscus, and other green foliage for a fresh, natural touch.
Something with Lustre
Add lustre with mismatched glazed ceramics, decorative candleholders, tinted glassware, pewter servingware, and glass vases.
Something Loved
Include coral, seashells, chalky ceramics, bamboo cutlery, and servingware as decorative elements to serve as a unique and personal centerpiece.
French Provençal Summer Tablescape
Layering
Start with a soft Flocca Linen Tablecloth from Hale Mercantile Co. in a faded, sun-washed hue like Sable for the effortless, rustic elegance of Provence. Complement this with a combination of the Basix Stripe Napkin in Brun/Sable and the plain Armee napkin, featuring a rich, deep khaki that adds depth and warmth to the setting.
Layer the table with antique brown rattan underplates, rattan napkin holders, and rattan and glass vases, adding a touch of warmth and texture that’s quintessentially French countryside.
Flocca Table Cloth | Sable
$199.00
Create an effortlessly elegant table setting with our Flocca Linen Tablecloth, designed to bring a touch of sophistication to any dining experience. The Flocca Linen Tablecloth in Sable is a light natural sandy color.Each tablecloth is pre-washed to achieve our signature relaxed,… read more
Basix Linen Napkin | Armee
$26.50
Embrace everyday rituals with our Basix Linen Napkin, designed to bring effortless elegance to your home while being a practical and versatile addition to the dinner table. The Basix Linen Napkin in Armee features a lush deep khaki, perfect for… read more
Basix Stripe Napkin | Brun/Sable
$26.50
Create a sense of occasion at every meal with our Basix Stripe Linen Napkin, designed to bring effortless elegance to your home while being a practical and versatile addition to the dinner table. The Basix Stripe Linen Napkin in Brun/Sable is… read more
Rattan Underplate | Antique Brown
$21.00
Rattan Items Please be aware that rattan is a natural material, so each rattan product is unique. Natural variations are expected and normal, meaning that not all rattan items will have the same colour consistency. You may notice slight differences… read more
Rattan Vase with Handle Glass Insert | Small
$52.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected from our Moss Vale store. Freight Quote for… read more
Lighting
For soft, romantic lighting, introduce our Simione and Salerno candle stands with battery-operated taper and pillar candles. For indoor-outdoor settings, you can introduce small hurricane lanterns around the table and hanging fairy lights to create a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets.
Something Living
In true Provençal style, add lavender sprigs, fresh herbs, hydrangeas, and olive branches to the table, either positioned in small vases or scattered around the place settings.
Something with Lustre
Use handcrafted glazed ceramics like Arabesque plates, and pedestal serving bowls, our French tortoiseshell cutlery, etched crystal glassware, and yellow-tinted glass candleholders to bring in lustre and elegance.
Something Loved
To evoke a personal, rustic charm, consider antique silverware, wicker fruit baskets or rattan trays displaying fresh produce, terracotta bowls, and other hand-painted ceramics as centerpiece items.
Creating the Perfect Summer Setting
At Suzie Anderson Home, we believe in the power of beautiful, thoughtful design, and our selection of Hale Mercantile Co. linens and rattan homewares help bring that vision to life. With their timeless appeal, these pieces will not only elevate your summer meals but become a staple in your home for seasons to come.
