Stylist and Fashion Editor for The Sunday Times Style, Flossie Saunders shows us how to dress the table for the King's Coronation weekend - and her favourite recipes for a relaxed bank holiday BBQ…
What are the kitchen cupboard essentials for creating the perfect tablescape?
Tablecloths, fun glassware, candle holders of different heights and bud vases, also some small bowls to scatter over the table with different sauces or extras. Don’t worry about having things matching, just pick a maximum of three colours and go with the colour scheme.
What garden flowers would you pick for your tablescape?
I love wildflowers, as well as using stuff in nature too. In the spring I use blossom, ivy and anything wild; in the winter berry branches and holly are great. I think it’s about having a centrepiece vase and then little bud vases scattered on the table.
What are your favourite summer recipes for dining al fresco with friends?
I love to BBQ but not your standard sausages... I love a ribeye steak or a spatchcock chicken or fish. I think the key is try and cook as much of the meal on the BBQ as possible, like cooking whole shallots, asparagus and green beans directly on the bars. Dress the veg once cooked with dressing and add to crisp leaves, then I would make a Romesco sauce before – it’s simple and keeps for a week. What I love about this is its simplicity and it all comes together very quickly with minimal prep.
What are your tips for making a tablescape work for a family lunch?
My daughter loves setting the table with me. I just have to be careful not to put any candles or flowers near my son!
What’s your favourite piece from the Scamp & Dude collection?
I love the dress I’m wearing, it’s perfect for spring and winter. I love the mix of black and electronics blue and the cut is super flattering.
How are you spending the Coronation weekend?
Mainly with my children and some friends. Weather depending, I’m hoping for an opportunity to BBQ. I have a great community where I live so we often all go out on the field and BBQ together.
Follow Flossie @flossiesaunders
