Summer Table Styling

Feature photo: West Elm mid-century expandable table in Walnut from $1399, westelm.com.au.

If the table sets the scene to a great event, then the table setting is critical in creating the right vibe at a dinner party or casual get together.

Table styling trends come and go, but the key to any good table is making your guests feel relaxed. Start with a quality table and comfortable chairs. Bistro chairs like Thonet are perennially popular, but we're also seeing a move toward more formal upholstered chairs in velvets and linens.

Tableware is responding to the trend of metallics, with gold and rose gold cutlery and barware. Textured crockery and handmade ceramics are gracing tables with more organic forms and "less than perfect' pottery styles. Colours such as deep greens, plums, timbers and whites are popular, as well as linens and textured fabrics.

Topping the tables are native plants such as Eucalyptus leaves, Waratah and wildflowers, from small sprigs and posies, right through to large scale bunches of foliage. Above the table, consider your lighting - perhaps pendant lights with focused lumens or masses of candles for a mood-driven evening soirée.