The list of reasons to entertain at home rather than going out has never been longer than in 2020, and with the warmer months headed our way, there’s never been a better time to stock up on the perfect pieces to create an at-home dining oasis.
Come summer, sun-drenched afternoons and balmy evenings demand our attention, and it’s the perfect time to make the most of them—and with the people who we perhaps haven’t seen for a while.
So, it’s officially time to revamp your al fresco entertaining space and invest in new-season glassware, Australian handmade ceramic dishes and plenty of linen in a variety of colours to create the perfect atmosphere.
After all, crafting the right vibe for a great summer party is an art—one that is easily executed with the right pieces by your side.
Below, we’ve found some of the places to find exactly that.
Bed Threads
They’ve already conquered our bedrooms and bathrooms with their chic sets of bedding and towels, and now cult Australian linen brand Bed Threads is here to conquer our summer entertaining. Releasing their latest collection, Spreads, the brand is celebrating the two things their passionate about: dining and linen.
The new range consists of tablecloths, napkins, and placemats made from the same 100 per cent French flax linen we’ve come to love, available in their signature spectrum of rich hues—not to mention, they’ve already provided some seriously dreamy tablescape inspiration via their Instagram.
LSA
Founded in the 1960s by the Lubkowski family, LSA International is considered one of Europe’s leading manufactures of handmade glass and porcelain—for good reason, too. The brand creates chic, modern glassware that provides the perfect finishing touch to any dining setup, with pieces made from recycled glass, in classic shapes in a kaleidoscope of colours.
Candle Kiosk
An Australian candle company based on the sandy shores of Avalon beach, Candle Kiosk offers designer candles in chic, minimalist style with a distinctly modern edge. Fragrance-free and hand-poured from refined wax, each candle is finished with a natural cotton wick, creating non-toxic, biodegradable, and lead-free finished products. Whether adding to your dining table or placing the stylish finishing touch to the mantlepiece, these stunning sets will feel right at home.
Casa Shop
Emi Moore founded Casa Shop in 2016, creating a collection of carefully curated vintage and new home-objects, inspired by modern sculpture, classic Italian design and the beauty of recycling. Here you’ll find hand-blown vases, iridescent glasses, wicker baskets, onyx bookends, and more.
Kim Wallace Ceramics
A unique collection of functional and decorative ceramics, made by hand on the Sunshine Coast by ceramic artist Kim Wallace, the label is the perfect place to find that statement dish, while also supporting a local Australian business. Each unique piece is made by hand using clays sourced from the Australian landscape, creating everything from colourful handpainted glasses to plates and linens.
Aeyre Home
Aeyre Home, the sister brand of cult Australian accessories label Reliquia, has taken a deep dive into the world of homewares, creating an extension of their signature resin styles in the form of trays and coasters. The perfect way to add a pop of colour to your dinner table setup, the pieces come in a range of quirky mix-matched colours. The new collection also features coloured glassware—from mugs to candle holders.
Elizabeth Lake
When it comes to dressing up a table to look its absolute finest, you can’t look past Elizabeth Lake—creating pieces with the aim to make a gathering memorable, festive and bright. The collections include sets of tablecloths, napkins and placemats, all crafted from linens sourced from mills in Belgium, Italy and Ireland, which are then hand-stitched by artisans on the tiny Portuguese island of Madeira.
ilé
For pieces that are sure to make a statement, look to ilé—an online concept store focused on curating unique, one-of-a-kind items. Searching the globe for distinctive items, the online destination has some of the most eccentric and creative homewares out there, guaranteed to up your tabletop game.
Archie Rose Distilling Co.
No dinner party is complete without the perfect cocktail, and what better way to add to your table’s decor than with a chic bottle of your liquor of choice and a rose gold shaker to boot—which is exactly what Sydney-based distillery Archie Rose offers. Don’t stress if you’re not a mixologist either, there are plenty of pre-mixed concoctions to choose from (that will look like you made it yourself when poured into your guests’ cocktail glasses).
Thekla
Founded by Francesca Wallace, Thekla—Wallace’s middle name and great-grandmother’s name—was born with the design to inject a piece of luxury into the every day, whether it be a long lunch with friends or a night inside with loved ones. The Sydney-based brand also has a focus on sustainability, handmaking each linen tablecloth and napkin from deadstock, vintage or small batch run material. As Wallace says, “every table deserves the best treatment.”