Designer Helen Turkington On The Joy of Summer Entertaining
The perfect tablescape and soundtrack for a social summer gathering …
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than entertaining at home on a sun-drenched summer’s day. Doors are thrown wide, the boundaries between indoors and out dissolve, and suddenly the entire home feels lighter, more relaxed and undeniably more glamorous.
For me, summer entertaining is less about perfection and more about creating an atmosphere where people feel instantly at ease. It’s the luxury of a long lunch that drifts effortlessly into evening, beautifully dressed tables layered with crisp linen, fresh flowers and thoughtful details. Most of all, it’s the simple pleasure of gathering friends and family around delicious but deceptively simple food. The secret is making it all look effortless.
The same philosophy extends to drinks. Rather than playing bartender all afternoon, I fill generous pitchers with signature summer cocktails, allowing guests to help themselves. It’s practical, relaxed and adds another layer of personality to the occasion, particularly when the cocktails are given playful characterisations.
To me, true luxury is making guests feel completely comfortable while surrounding them with understated elegance. This year, I built my summer tablescape around glorious blue hydrangeas, inspired by our embroidered hydrangea napkins and matching cutlery holders. To soften the abundance of blue, I tucked whole lemons into glass vases, disguising the stems while introducing a pop of citrus yellow. It’s an effortlessly simple styling trick that feels fresh, summery and unexpectedly striking.
No gathering is complete without the right soundtrack. Music should evolve with the day, beginning with something mellow enough to sit quietly beneath conversation before gradually lifting the energy as lunch gives way to cocktails and, inevitably, dancing. I’ve always believed that the best playlists span generations. Classics from Tina Turner, Chris de Burgh and Creedence Clearwater Revival sit happily alongside contemporary favourites like Amble’s – there’s something for everyone around the table.
At the end of the day, I believe my most memorable gatherings aren’t defined by elaborate menus or extravagant decorations. They’re remembered for the warmth of the welcome, the ease of the conversation, the laughter that lingers, and those thoughtful details that make everyone feel they were part of something truly special.
SEE MORE: Helen Turkington’s Dream Garden With Pool In Dublin
