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Under The Tuscan Sun

Willow on the inspiration behind the High Summer Tabletop Collection ...
 ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, our high summer tabletop collection is inspired by hot European summers: long pasta-fuelled lunches in the shade of olive trees, wildflowers picked before a siesta, cool drinks at sundown, friends gathered for supper under the stars.

The 12-piece collection features sun-drenched striped linens in a fresh green and white colour way; hand-painted petal motif ceramic candlesticks that evoke a nostalgic feel; splatter ware urns, jugs and bowls made in Italy that are perfect for flowers,  fruit and aperitifs. Raffia napkin holders with frayed-edged linen bows play with rustic, earthenware ‘loving cups’ and terracotta bud vases.  Cool, clear & green recycled glassware set the scene - jugs with bamboo handles and chic tumblers for water and wine. A tactile table collection to mix and match with a forever summer vibe. Just add flowers.
 
Here we chat with Willow about the inspiration behind the collection and her favourite pieces; her long-standing love of splatter ware and ‘loving cup' shaped vases; her best tips for summer entertaining and we play 'this & that' for summer soirées...

Under The Tuscan Sun tabletop collection

“We spent some time in Tuscany when I was small and my memories revolve around the food. And the shopping! Huge speckled platters of pasta, mango gelato and tiny handmade books in the stationary shops..."
What does summer mean to you?
It's my best time of year. Bare feet, long warm evenings, the constant hum of lawnmowers, paddling in rivers, shell hunting in Tresco.
 
What’s your favourite piece in the collection?
Either the green & white splatter urn vase or the red & green spotty loving cup. My dream vases.

Memories of hot European summers?
I can still feel the heat, wow it was hot! We mostly holidayed in the UK, in the Scilly Isles but we spent some time in Tuscany when I was small and my memories revolve around the food. And the shopping! Huge speckled platters of pasta, mango gelato and tiny handmade books in the stationary shops. My love of splatter started young.

Best entertaining tip when eating outdoors?
Keep it relaxed. There's something so exciting about the spontaneous unplanned picnic in the woods or on the beach. Invest in a really good cool bag - I love the striped ones from Business & Pleasure. And make sure there’s shade!
 
The easiest way to add flowers to a relaxed outdoor table?
Keep it simple and seasonal, don't make them too high so you can't see your friend across the table. Our new terracotta spotty bud vases filled with wildflowers are perfect and I love making a bigger arrangement on a makeshift bar area - the splatter urns make a beautiful centrepiece.

Favourite summer flowers?
Roses, peonies, orange blossom, sweetpeas and ammi.
 
Favourite summer cocktail?
Vodka with freshly squeezed orange juice with lots of ice.
 
Recipe for a holiday lunch?
Skye McAlpines Aphrodite’s Chicken with a big green salad. So easy and so delicious.

Favourite pasta recipe?
Too many to choose! One summer in the South of France someone made Pasta Genovese which is a spaghetti with potatoes, green beans and pesto, sounds mad but utterly heavenly.
Spaghettini all Cecca is another very simple but delicious favourite - garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and parsley. Ricccardos on the Fulham Road make a seriously good one.
 
What’s for pudding?
My mother-in-law Suze’s chocolate mouse with double cream. Or melted Mars Bars and vanilla ice cream.
 
Favourite gelato flavour?
Cherry.
 

THIS OR THAT? SUMMER ENTERTAINING

Stripes or florals? That’s impossible!
Cocktails or wine? Cocktails
Still or sparkling? Still
Lemons or limes? Limes
Siesta or sundowners? A siesta followed by sundowner
Olives or nuts? Nuts
Tablecloths or placemats? Tablecloths
Wine glasses or tumblers? Wine glasses
Flutes or coupes? Coupes
Green or blue? Both!
Pink or red? Pink
Less or More? More for sure

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