Gourmet Gardener: Setting a summer table
These inviting summer days in the garden allow us to get some much needed use out of our garden furniture. Setting a table for a sunny breakfast or sunset dinner can really add to the atmosphere. This can be created using greenery or colourful bouncy blooms.
Matching your napkins and tableware can then take it to a whole new level of summer dining.
Use the garden and nature to decorate
A really great way to set a summer table is to use what’s around you. Try decorating the table with freshly cut flowers. The flowers do not need to be perfect looking, actually a natural look with flowers picked from a field can be really charming and creates a relaxed look that works very well on a summer table.
If you do not have access to flowers, you can also use an assortment of greenery. Dare to mix different colours and different textures, let the colours inspire you to bring in other items that compliment.
Edible centrepieces
If you have a wooden table or picnic bench, there are many creative ways to incorporate edibles such as herbs as a centrepiece. This can be a fun way to allow friends and family to pick their own garnishes for drinks, pizzas or salads.
There is an element of DIY to this project but it’s worth the effort.
Simply take a window box type container that can be any size you like and mark out the area around the base.
The idea is the cut in the wooden table will allow the planter to sit into the wood flush. The planter should be in the centre of the table giving enough room each side for plates.
You can swap the planters to suit the occasion, mints for cocktail hour, Italian herbs for an evening meal, colourful flowers for a pretty breakfast setting.
Sweetly scented
If you are less inclined to go full DIY, you can group low pots of herbs down the centre of the table. Mixing flowers and herbs can achieve a gorgeous scene and have the table in a cloud of summer aroma. Potted lavender can look and smell stunning as a table centrepiece especially in the evening when the essential oils are at their peak.
Timely tips
• Harvest and enjoy! Keep picking ripe veg and fruit so the energy can go into the plant and ripen others.
• Enjoy the sunshine and your lovely surroundings in the garden. It’s good for the soul.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
• Tara Kate Linnane is passionate about sustainability and growing all things edible.
Together with her husband Barry, she has embarked on a journey of designing edible spaces and getting others started on their gardening adventures.
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