Eating outside is a good reason to bring out the plates, bowls and serving dishes that sometimes stay hidden in the cupboard. A garden lunch or picnic table does not need a perfectly matching dinner service. Mixing different pieces often works particularly well outdoors.

Ceramic plates and bowls are a good choice when the table is close to home. They feel just as pleasant to use as they do indoors and individual pieces can easily be combined. Blue and white ceramics, colourful Mediterranean patterns or simple handmade pottery all work well with natural wood, linen and cotton.

For picnics further from home, lighter tableware can be more convenient. Reusable plates and cups made for outdoor use are easier to carry and there is less concern about breaking something on the way. A few serving bowls and a large platter are often enough when most of the food is meant to be shared.

There is no real need for everything to match. Combining striped textiles with patterned plates or using several designs in the same colour family can make an outdoor table feel more relaxed. It is also an easy way to use individual pieces collected from markets, travels or local ceramic studios.

Bowls are particularly useful outside. They can be used for salads, fruit, bread, dips and snacks and make it easy to place several dishes along a larger table. Small plates are equally practical when lunch consists of different foods that everyone can share.

Textiles can bring the different pieces together. A tablecloth, placemats or cushions in similar shades can create some consistency even when the plates and bowls are all different.

Outdoor dining is also a good place for handmade pieces. Ceramics from local makers, painted bowls and traditional patterns can bring something from a destination directly to the table and continue to be used long after the trip itself.

Like collecting tableware while travelling?
Discover From the Editor →

#OutdoorTableware #OutdoorDining #TableSetting #Ceramics #SeasaltAndPicnics