Every week we ask a Kiwi design expert to tell us what they’re loving now and how to use it. This week it’s Fiona Hugues, art director, food stylist and one half of creative imagery company Gatherum Collectif. She gives us her decorating tips for a stylish summer table.
Disposition (arrangement) is an inherent affliction of mine and even on holiday I can’t ignore the compulsion to gather things together in stylish or attractive ways. It’s my OCD and I’m not ashamed: rather proud actually that I’ve managed to disguise it as a viable career.
The humble Kiwi bach is not exempt and in summer I’m often thrust into trying to create a fetching summer soiree out of shambolic cupboards filled with a menagerie of new and old enamel plates, chipped china and random glass jars. One must not fear the uncoordinated gathering even when away from home and with a little foresight your vacation tablescape will be worthy of inspection.
Forage some natural decoration from the environment close by – a collection of roadside grasses in a few old bottles or a queer bunch of coloured flowers in a jar looks uber cool standing on printed fabric.
Or try a cluster of seashells or driftwood artfully positioned in the table centre.
PLAY WITH FABRICS
A Turkish towel, or a bright coloured sarong are the perfect cloths for your table.
Don’t be afraid of using unexpected fabrics as tablecloths: a Mexican print sarong, an old printed sheet or bedspread, even a tassel edged Turkish towel makes a gorgeous table cloth.
MIX TEXTURES
Keep things interesting with serve ware by mixing up textures and finishes like old glass and disposable cutlery, time-worn woods with shiny new ceramics.
Don’t be afraid to mix textures and patterns.
GO NATURAL
Finally embellish your tables and platters with found fruit and flowers, wild herbs, gathered greens and a few candles if you have them.
Fruit, flowers and herbs from the garden make great table embellishments.