Sprays of colour and scent

A handful of brightly coloured produce from the garden makes a welcoming, farmhouse-style place setting. Starry indigo borage flowers set off loose crimson nasturtium blooms and ripening orange tomatoes give a fruitful feeling of abundance. A sprig of flat parsley adds a touch of feathery green, allowing all the colours to shine. The posy is placed on a folded grey gingham napkin, the muted colours of which highlight the bright tones of the flowers. The effect is enhanced with a table runner made from the same material, scattered with greater quantities of the same plants. Cutlery is polished but placed informally, the whole effect being to put one at ease before a bountiful late summer feast.