Your Home and Garden editor Fiona Hawtin shares how she likes to style her dining room, her top tips for choosing furniture and how she will be styling the dinner table this summer using new season Freedom pieces.
How do you like to entertain in summer?
I love cooking so having friends for dinner is my happy place. Weather permitting, it’s a casual Mexican theme outside. However, I’m just as happy inside as there are invariably fewer mosquitoes. Also, I don’t barbecue, so dining indoors suits my default of laying out veggie dishes and eating mezze style.
How do you select your furniture?
I’ve got a bog standard rectangular table but lately, I’ve been thinking of trading up to a circular one. It looks modern and is more conducive to bringing everyone in on the conversation. Comfortable chairs are also vital if you want to keep people gathered around the table into the night. A padded seat is mandatory – and an upholstered back is luxury.
What about styling the table?
That’s the best bit. I used to go in for elaborate tablescapes but these days I’m more about less is more. That way you can get more food in the middle of the table for people to serve themselves. Placemats, beautiful glassware and a large container full of napkins and knives and forks in the middle are all that’s needed and suits casual dining. The decorative touches come in the form of large serving bowls, a water jug and glasses. Summer is about having colourful mismatched serveware and I do like the flicker of hurricane lights on a buffet
for atmosphere.
What’s your favourite Freedom piece this summer?
So many: Omani jute placemats set the informal tone; the Selena carver chair in brego olive for that all-important comfort factor; and the Studio carafe and tumbler set in amber for sheer beauty.
Fiona’s picks from Freedom’s new season collection
01
Mason floor lamp
$479 at Freedom
Add a unique and classical twist to your interiors with the Mason floor lamp. The lamp shade closely mimics linen and therefore illuminates light uniformly throughout the room.
02
Studio carafe & tumbler set in amber
$34.95 at Freedom
This beautiful amber-coloured carafe and tumbler set is perfect for the dining table. Made with a ribbed finish in glass, the tumbler fits the top of the carafe acting as a stopper, so your beverage remains fresh.
03
Miro dining table
$2,299 at Freedom
Industrial design meets contemporary style in the Miro dining table. Perfect for family mealtimes as well as a formal dinner gathering, the Miro dining table adds style and class to any dining room.
04
Omani placemats
$17.95 at Freedom
Spruce up your dinner table with the Omani Placemat. It’s made from textured jute and completed with a natural finish to create an eye-catching table setting that is sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party.
05
Selena carver chair in Brego Olive
$399 at Freedom
This elegant chair is designed to add a touch of luxury to your dining space. The carver-style arms provide added comfort and support while the olive fabric makes a statement.
06
Magnolia dinner plate
$19.95 at Freedom
This dinner plate is made of stoneware that makes it a durable choice for everyday dining. Complete the look with the matching side plate ($17.95), cereal bowl ($17.95), serving platter ($44.95) and salad bowl ($59.95).
07
Tilbury tumblers
$49.95 (for four) at Freedom
Crafted from high-quality, transparent glass, each tumbler features a dimpled texture that adds a touch of visual interest without compromising clarity.
08
Eleanora decorative bowl
$159 at Freedom
Meticulously carved from a single piece of luxurious white marble, its ruffled style showcases intricate details crafted by skilled Indian artisans using hand tools.
For more summer entertaining inspiration, explore our expert guides:
- How to style your outdoor space with Your Home and Garden stylist Lauren Olive
- How to entertain in style outdoors with Your Home and Garden editorial director Sarah Henry
- The definitive guide to entertaining inside and out
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