A Guide To Summer Tablescaping With The Jacksons

The London-based label known and loved for its jute bags (among other accessories), The Jacksons has launched its debut homeware collection this month, and in keeping with the brand, it’s throughly playful, stylish and vibrant.

At the heart of it are sustainably crafted pieces from sweet embroidered napkins and tablecloths to candlestick holders, and jute bags for the home. The best bit through is that these pieces are handmade by women in rural Bangladesh who can work around their family, and are paid directly giving them the independence to support themselves and their families.

To celebrate the launch of the 'At Home' range, Louise Jackson, founder of The Jacksons has offered her guide to tablescaping this summer.

Setting the table

Incapable of a stripped-back look, my starting point is always the tablecloth. Try something embroidered and then add bold-colored placemats on top. I like the juxtaposition of the two. Add a medley of mismatched ceramics and different-colored glassware, I use the placemats as my boldest color.

Accessories

Colored candles are a must-have, they create a scene and are kind to faces of all ages, but try to keep the color in keeping with the placemats. I prefer single-colored candlesticks of differing heights so you can see your opposite neighbour. Napkins are my new passion, I love the extra glamour they bring to any table. For the summer, choose embroidered ones in pastel shades, wrapping a napkin ring or flower around each one.

Flowers

I love English garden flowers and have them on the table whatever the occasion, adding more when entertaining. Incorporate different-sized painted jugs and fill them loosely with herbs and flowers, trying to keep the height low so people can see over. If you don’t have a garden, your local florist can help with flowers; I always choose slightly bendy flowers with an interesting shape as I love how they flop in the vase. Using at least two types of flowers, cut them to various lengths to achieve a more natural look. Bought flowers are easier to keep within your color range but buy them at least a day before as the odd dropped petal is always a decorative perk!

Serving

Preprepared platters of food that can be passed around are always good to get people talking and can be replaced by bowls of fresh fruit for pudding. I always love the changing tablescape as the night goes on.

Drinks

Summer cordials with frozen flowers in ice well for feasts. I like to put them in water glasses just before guests arrive. For wine, decant into glass jugs and have them ready on the table alongside others filled with water. These always need to be topped up during the evening.

The Jacksons at Home collection is now available in store and online at thejacksons.co.uk.

What to wear and summer accessories

A Life Aquatic Bottle Opener by Alighieri: This London-based jewelry brand is branching out into summer essentials, cue this molten gold bottle opener designed to elevate the summer sundowner. As founder Rosh says, “My favourite summer memories are of spending days by the pool with a book, drinking a cold soda from a glass bottle. I wanted to create a talismanic travek companion that made opening this bottle feel like a special ritual that made me smile.” Pre-order now, delivery from approximately the 15th of July.

Beosound A5 Powerful Portable Speaker by Bang and Olufsen: Get the party started with this speaker by sound experts, Bang and Olufsen. It's portable too, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus a long-lasting battery, making it perfect for alfresco lunches.

It’s also worth noting that Provençal winemaker AIX Rosé, has recently launched a ‘Rosé all day’ playlist in collaboration with music curation company Playlister — it’s available on Spotify and ready to set the mood.

Off-White Blue Yard Sleeveless Maxi Dress by Farm Rio: Farm Rio is known for its playful prints, and this dress is fully in keeping with this aesthetic. Longline in style, at the top it dons a halter neckline and a blue botanical pattern on white linen.

Samara Dress by Evarae: This brand might be known for its swimwear but it offers a host of summery dresses too, such as this strappy Samara number. A maxi dress cut to a fit and flare style, the materials and manufacturing processes are sustainably certified.

Cotton Sateen Rose Print Maxi Dress by Me and Em: Featuring a bespoke rose print on a classic silhouette, this pink color palette is synonymous with spring summer. The style is also available in a pale blue hue with a white snowdrop print.

Blossom Tulips Bardot Dress by Whistles: For an easy-breezy floaty and floral print dress, look to this one at Whistles. It’s crafted from 100% cotton and in true summer style, it bares the shoulders.