A Courtyard Lunch to Remember
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR
Picture this: a gentle breeze, the scent of blooming flowers in the air, and the chatter of your dearest friends as they sip sparkling water—or something stronger (no judgment here). It's the perfect recipe for a joyful spring gathering in the garden.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the table setting. The centrepiece of my spring-inspired table is a stunning tablecloth that practically sings "spring" with every fibre - so much so that I had to pick up the matching top! The Seaweed Tablecloth from Homegoods Hardware is the perfect base to pair with my Flower Fields china collection from Harris Scarfe. This tablecloth is not just a backdrop; it's a mood. It's light, feminine, and oh-so-inviting, with soft floral patterns that feel as if they've been plucked straight from a storybook meadow. Every petal, every swirl of colour is a nod to springtime's charm.
The table is dressed to impress—the petal-textured bowls and plates create layers of texture and colour to complement that glorious tablecloth. I've paired it with delicate pinks, matching glassware that catches sunlight, and simple napkins from the Chyka Home collection. Now you know me: No spring table is complete without flowers, and for this table, I've gone for an arrangement of roses in creamy whites that bring the whole table to life, adding that magical, organic touch that makes outdoor dining feel utterly enchanting. The courtyard itself plays its role beautifully. It is a small, more private space, almost like a hidden garden, and one we love to use to create a more intimate setting.
At its heart, this lunch isn't just about pretty tables or Instagram-worthy settings (though, let's be honest, it is all that). It's about celebrating time with friends and family as we race towards the end of the year—the season of new beginnings, hope, and renewal—and sharing that joy with the ones who mean the most to you. So, grab that inspired tablecloth, channel your inner hostess with the mostest, and create a springtime moment you and your friends will cherish. Trust me, loves, there's nothing quite like a beautiful table, a sunny courtyard, and the company of fabulous people to make your heart sing—and, of course, to the little touches that make life extraordinary. Cheers!
