This Alfresco Setting is a Top Pick for Strawberry Season
Pick of the Patch: Strawberry Teatime at Donwell Abbey
As another strawberry season swiftly draws to a close, I thought I’d give this beloved fruit a sweet send off. Inspired by my favorite Jane Austen novel, Emma, an alfresco, high-tea picnic at Donwell Abbey captures the essence of these heart-shaped berries that carefully balance fanciful whimsy with delicate beauty. The epitome of elegance at ease, this repast will have you relishing the flavors and fleeting, balmy afternoons of spring.
The Inspo
With Wedgwood’s Wild Strawberry pattern, a stunning Sarah Bray Bermuda hat and ribbon, and Riley Sheehey’s artful creations as my muse, pull up a chair to this delightful springtime gathering. Nestled on Mr. Knightley’s sprawling estate (a girl can dream), this sweet setup offers front-row views of the gardens brimming with the season’s bounty. This prime proximity encourages guests to pluck a few fresh berries themselves—so don’t forget to bring your biggest basket.
The Setting
Swathed in a sprightly linen dotted with petite posies, this table embraces the relaxed and colorful vibes of springtime en plein air. Wedgwood’s Wild Strawberry dinner plate pairs with its coordinating teacup, Fitz & Floyd’s Renaissance Dark Green charger grounding the pattern’s whimsical design. Eyelet napkins in a lovely lilac hue call out the purple notes of the delicate blooms while the smoky pink shade of the water glass lends itself more to the prized produce. Gold blossom napkin rings add an air of elegance and coordinate with the china’s gilded rim. However, plaited rattan cutlery and a white clay cachepot bring a relaxed, light-hearted balance. And, of course, no setting of mine is complete without a subtle touch of sage. Rialto Coupe glasses to hold the champagne and a floral place card to direct attendees to their spot, because Mrs. Elton must be seated next to dear Miss Jane Fairfax.
The Sources
As a lover of small businesses and entrepreneurs, I do my upmost best to source originally-designed products from vendors.
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Replacements, Ltd. | A versatile dark green charger plate with an elegant gilded rim.
Wedgwood | Adorned with a delicate pattern of pink-and-white flowers, green leaves, and succulent strawberries, this charming pattern is finished with sophisticated gold banding.
Wedgwood | Sophisticated yet whimsical, this pattern is perfect for a springtime gathering.
Juliska | From its sweet eyelet cutouts to charming ruffled border, this napkin adds lighthearted elegance to your table.
The Expert | A whimsical floral print edged with a scalloped boarder, this linen by Sharland England is a lovely starting point for any setting.
Mrs. Alice | A natural rattan in a honey hue featuring a plaited design for an elevated take on the earthy aesthetic.
Annie Selke | Gold polished brass handcrafted into a delicate blossom by skilled artisans in India.
Cabana | Handcrafted on a Venetian island, artisans preserve a glass-blowing tradition from the early Renaissance.
Lucy’s Market | This Sir | Madam design offers bespoke charm and a colorfully festive tabletop accent.
Dogwood Hill | Sweeping stems adorned with lush leaves frame an elegant script for an evergreen place card design.
Aerin | Inspired by vintage basketry, this cachepot offers a wonderful woven design to display your plants or flowers in style.