Agavē

by Gigi & Sam

Our kitchens and tables are where we create memories through the different seasons. Gathering Together explores this idea through place, taste, feel, setting, materiality, and occasion.

This season we’ve designed two very different tables, layered with colour, texture, natural materials and light. One, a simple dinner party look that is great regardless of whether you’re simply enjoying a home cooked meal of fish & chips or serving up a three course meal for a large group of friends.

Our second setting is a fun Easter table, meant to be enjoyed in autumn, outdoors with young and old alike.

This setting is layered through material, colour, lighting, and beautiful every day objects. It’s a table designed for slow evenings filled with stories and laughter whether you’re having a simple meal with homemade fish & chips, a pot-luck buffet with a group, or a three course meal with a dozen guests. We’ve kept the setting simple here with a runner to define the space, however in winter I will often use a table and different height items in the centre to define the space.

When we’re entertaining friends we love to bring out our best glasses and serving ware as that is why it exists! And we have a couple of special glasses on hand for when younger guests are visiting so they don’t feel left out. I think of my grandmother who missed out on the joy of using the few special things she owned, as all the ‘good’ items were considered to precious to use.

Step by step

1. Lay a neutral linen or mixed linen table runner through the centre of the table.
2. Place rattan charger mats at each setting (or a placemat in a neutral colour).
3. Add plates topped with striped linen napkins for softness and pattern.
4. Finish with a handmade floral posy placed on the napkin to bring the outdoors in, and add depth to the setting.
5. Style candles along the centre for warmth and ambience. Be careful of placement of taller items so you don’t block conversations.
6. Add cute bowls for condiments – repeat for sharing between every 3-4 people on a larger table to limit having to pass items around. Add them on trays or raised boards to introduce different heights to the setting.
7. Place cutlery, water glasses, wine glasses, and any serving ware you are going to need when bringing food to the table to ensure there is room for what you need.

Tip: If you’re having a dinner party, set your table in the morning leaving flowers to later. This allows you to enjoy the experience, to take your time, experiment with your setting and consider what serving ware you will need without feeling rushed. If you set out some drinks and nibbles for when guests arrive, they don’t mind hanging out in the kitchen while you’re cooking.

Create a simple posy

Purple against the green and white striped napkins here is a beautiful combination. I’ve created this many times using lavender tied with kitchen twine as the colours work with my dinner settings, but with no lavender in the garden this season we compromised and used rosemary and society garlic blooms which smelled divine.

Easter in Australia arrived while there was still time to enjoy warm, light-filled days — the perfect setting for gathering outdoors.

Our Easter table embraces the playfulness of Easter, softened through an autumn lens but can be adapted to any occasion. Bright hues, handmade ceramics, paired with gingham creates a setting that feels joyful yet grounded. Designed for coffee, hot cross buns and family moments, it’s relaxed, welcoming and easy to bring together.

Step by step

1. Start with a bright, seasonal palette balanced with natural tones and ceramic and other natural dishes.
2. Layer table cloth or runners through the centre of the table or a beautiful checked cloth over the whole table.
3. Build each setting with practical, easy-to-use pieces. We’ve used a mixture of vintage china plates sourced from local antique and second-hand stores along with new ceramic pottery handmade Spain, and added a butter bell ready to slather real butter on hot cross buns straight from the oven.
4. Layer in colour through linen napkins, flowers, glasses, serving ware.
5. Add simple, playful touches through the centre of the table such as bunnies or hand-painted eggs.
6. Finish with your favourite foods and a pot of freshly brewed coffee.