Setting the Table in Garden: Spring

My spring tableware wishlist & must-haves

Dabbled light flutters over the tablecloth. The breeze sways the edges, a delicate dance of fabric. The apple tree blossoms smell sweet, and drop tiny petals to the table below. Plates and platters are carefully laid, each dish and layer adding interest and texture. Oh what a beautiful setting to dine together in the garden.

I am planning a dinner party for the beginning of May and I can hardly wait. I have started thinking about the dishes I may serve, as well as what I will serve them on. I have pulled a round up of some of my tableware must haves and seasonal wishlist items for a beautiful spring dinner party.

The images you see here were art directed by me, and styled by the incredibly talented Toby Rae. I set the visual direction for the shots and she pulled together a mix of vintage, hand crafted, and new items to create the tablescape you see here. I used these images as a starting point for what I pulled as inspo.

Spring Entertaining Tableware

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Striped Tablecloth The stripe has a modern, yet romantic feel. I love the neutral pink, as it contrasts beautifully with the greens of a garden and yard.

Garden Basket This basket is my absolute favorite - they are easy to find at Whole Foods, or local garden stores as well. I use this to transport glassware, plates, napkins and silverware out to the dining table.

Oval Serving Platter This is my go-to outdoor entertaining item. It is perfect for carrying several platters or individual servings out to the table. The classic enamel design fits beautifully into any tabletop decor.

Yellow Dishes The ever amazing East Fork Pottery has some stunning yellow dishes for spring. I love one or two hits of yellow as a way to add a striking pop of color to a more neutral table.

Organic Weave Towels These towels are rustic and raw, and perfecto for wrapping around a loaf of bread. I have a set and they are the prized towels in my kitchen.

You can find the recipe for this salad here!

Cabbage Platter I am a sucker for cabbage anything. One surrealist piece like this adds whimsy and wonder to a table.

Vintage Pitcher Mixing vintage into new items helps the table feel eclectic, unique to you and approachable. One of my favorite local shops is Haus Theory, they always have well-curated vintage pieces.

Wooden Serving Spoons Wood utensils have a way of adding a touch of warmth, hand carved and crafted beauty to an outdoor table. A wooden spoon can elevate a classic white dish to be something elegant. The beautiful spoons above are also from Haus Theory.

Serving Board A cutting or serving board at the center of a table can bring the whole spread together. I love the unique shape and rich tone of this one.

Moroccan Glassware I absolutely love these glasses. They work beautifully for water or wine, feel elevated yet casual enough for an outdoor dinner party.

Black & White Dishes Love the sharp contrast of black and white ceramic dishes. They add a modern touch to an overall warm neutral scene. Dinner Party Ceramics is one of my favorite local Minneapolis ceramic artists who has stunning black and white pieces, which are featured in the tablescape photos.

Food Cover This is a simple practical item that is also beautiful to look at on the table.

Tomato Salt & Pepper Shakers These are just way too cute! A little out of season for a spring picnic but come on - they are adorable.

I cannot wait to share more of my plans for this dinner party, and recap last summer’s gatherings. See you back under the apple trees soon.

Photographer: Josh Grubbs, Food Stylist: Lara Miklasevics, Stylist: Toby Rae