Summer Strawberry Table
There are few things that capture the spirit of summer quite like strawberries. They evoke memories of berry picking with children, baskets overflowing at the farmers market, my Aunt Mary’s homemade shortcake, and leisurely afternoons spent lingering around the table. When I set this table, I wanted it to feel as though it had grown naturally from the garden itself, with every element celebrating the season's most charming fruit.
Loved this dress from Mark D Sikes Monogram Collection Collaboration with J. McLaughlin
The inspiration began with the beautiful strawberry embroidered linens from Muzungu Sisters, a company whose commitment to preserving artisan craftsmanship and supporting sustainable production makes every piece feel especially meaningful. Their linens are joyful without being overly precious, allowing them to become the foundation for a table that feels collected rather than contrived. We used thier 206cm round tablecloth on a 48” round table with another cloth to the floor underneath. We also used thier strawberry napkins and the bread basket liner. The linens coordinated well with our favorite outdoor chairs.
From there came the delightful challenge that every collector knows well: deciding which plates deserved a place at the table. These linens are so versatile so it was not an easy choice!
The Beauty of Auditioning China
One of my favorite parts of creating a tablescape is pulling stacks of china from the cabinet and seeing how each transforms the mood. A simple change of plate can tell an entirely different story, even with the same linens and flowers.
For this strawberry table, I considered several favorites before settling on the final combination.
Raynaud Longjiang
The first and ultimately winning choice was Longjiang by Raynaud, available at TRUNKcurated.
Founded in Limoges in 1911, Raynaud has become one of France's most celebrated porcelain houses, admired for marrying centuries old craftsmanship with extraordinary artistic design. The Longjiang pattern is one of the company's most enchanting collections.
Inspired by eighteenth century Chinese export porcelain, Longjiang reflects Europe's enduring fascination with the Far East during the Age of Exploration. Rather than repeating a single scene, the collection features a series of different hand painted vignettes, each depicting whimsical figures strolling through idyllic landscapes beneath graceful trees. Every plate tells its own little story, making each place setting slightly different from the next.
What I especially love is the woven basket texture embossed around the rim. It quietly echoes the look of berry baskets while the delicate green border complements the strawberry vines embroidered across the linens. The result feels sophisticated but wonderfully relaxed, making it equally at home for a garden luncheon or an elegant summer dinner.
Vintage D. Porthault Clover Plates
Another favorite option was a set of vintage D. Porthault plates decorated with charming green clovers.
Known around the world for exceptional French linens, D. Porthault also produced exquisite porcelain that reflected the same romantic aesthetic. The tiny clovers would have beautifully reinforced the garden theme while adding a sense of heritage and charm. They felt fresh, understated, and effortlessly French.
Green Splatterware
For a more casual interpretation, I considered AERIN's green splatterware. I can’t find a link to this specific pattern on line anywhere but there are so many beautiful splatter options as well as beautiful patterns by Aerin. I love this white basket weave border style, similar to the basket weave border on the Raynaud Plates and this green aptware.
There is something wonderfully carefree about splatterware. Its artisan appearance brings an element of spontaneity that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit and outdoor entertaining. The soft green tones tied beautifully into the strawberry leaves while adding a playful energy to the table.
Moda Domus scalloped plates
The final contender featured scalloped edge plates by Moda Domus in two complementary shades of green.
Layering the darker and lighter greens created wonderful depth while the scalloped silhouette echoed the organic curves found throughout the garden. They offered a fresh contemporary option while still feeling timeless enough to mix with antique pieces.
The details that tell the story…
One of my favorite details may be the most unexpected. The water glasses feature tiny hand painted ants discovered in a charming little shop in Paris. Paired with woven rattan sleeves, they add a touch of whimsy that always sparks conversation. After all, what would a summer picnic be without a curious little ant making an appearance?
The flatware is Latticework by Reed & Barton, a discontinued pattern that I am forever hunting for whenever I visit antique shops or estate sales. Of course I have a notification set up with Replacements for the pieces that I need too! Its beautifully textured handles resemble woven cane, quietly reinforcing the basket motif repeated throughout the table.
Finally, the centerpiece could not have been anything other than a living strawberry plant. Nestled into an elegant container by Zoé de Givenchy, it brings fragrance, movement, and even the promise of fruit to come. I love using living plants whenever possible because they continue to bring joy long after guests have gone home.
Setting a table that feels collected…
The finished table reminds me that beautiful entertaining rarely comes from purchasing everything at once. It evolves over time, mixing treasured antiques with contemporary pieces, discoveries from travels with sustainable artisans, discontinued silver with modern porcelain.
Every piece has its own history and together, they create a story that is uniquely yours.
That, to me, is what makes entertaining so meaningful. A thoughtfully set table is more than a place to enjoy a meal. It becomes a conversation, a memory, and a celebration of the people gathered around it. Click here to shop the items I used on this table and discover some other items that would have been wonderful too!
XO,