Spring is SERVED

Position your table under a blossom-laden tree for afternoon tea or a light lunch. As nature is already bedecked in her best party clothes, you’ll need little else for it to look merry. Layer natural woven placemats over a linen cloth with simple crockery. Set up a mix of metal garden chairs with canvas and wooden folding seats and finish with a centrepiece of freshly cut blooms loosely arranged in a vintagee jug. Director’s chairs, £145 each; folding canvas STOOL, £55: all The Stripes Company. Tarno folding chair, £15, Ikea. Linen tablecloth, £92, Also Home. Water hyacinth placemats, £14.99/four, Dobbies. Habitat bubble-glass tumblers, £4 each, Sainsbury’s. Speckled bowls, £75/six; side plates, £75/six: all Cox & Cox. Handwoven basket tray, £28.50, The Danes. Vintage enamel jug, £30; zinc flower bucket, £20: both The Country Brocante. Napkin fabrics, from a selection, Pippa Blacker Interiors