Summer Party Table Linen Trends

There is something really special about summer parties. The way the light streams in through the windows, the sun creating a glow as it sparkles on freshly polished silverware and glasses filled with bubbles. Summer parties are light and lavish, infused with colour and flowers into late, balmy evenings.

We are living in strange times, and large gatherings and special occasions have probably been affected more than anything else. We haven’t been allowed to spend time together in the way we are accustomed, and many large events have been cancelled or postponed. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, however, and smaller gatherings, garden parties and BBQs are hopefully going to be back on the agenda just as summer blooms.

The way you dress your table in summer can really set the mood for any occasion. Whether your table is round or rectangular, small or large, freshly pressed linen matched with colourful napkins can elevate the look for any sumptuous summer occasion.

There’s an art to choosing the right colour combinations, and the specialists at Special Occasion Linen have come up with some top tips to give you some inspiration for your next summer party.

Jun 21, 2020

It’s a Classic...

From deep Oxford Blue and Royal Blue to the paler Cambridge Blue or Blue Heather, blues are big for 2020! Pantone chose Classic Blue, a deep blue shade that is at once comforting and relatable, as their colour of the year, and let’s face it – a bit of comfort is much needed at the moment.


Team your Arctic White table linen with Blue Heather napkins for a classic and refined summer look bringing to mind bright, blue summer skies without a cloud to be seen. Place a sprig of fresh herbs on each napkin and your table will smell like summer, too.


For a more dramatic impact, choose Royal Blue table linen paired with Arctic White napkins and decorate tables with bright orange flowers for a summery pop of colour.


On the menu…

Don’t overlook your menu when choosing how you decorate your table! Let your menu influence the colours and styles you pick, making sure they complement each other.

If you are serving a light menu of crisp salads, chicken or fish and a pavlova with lashes of berries for dessert, try to avoid heavy and dark colours when choosing your linens as these would not work well with the fresh, light flavours of the meal. Go for some lighter pastel shades instead, or mix more vibrant colours with softer, muted tones for some contrast.

Team Arctic White table linen with Sage Green, Summer Lavender or Turquoise Sea napkins for a nice contrast, or opt for Pebble Grey linen with Coral napkins for a softer, more romantic feel.


If you’re planning a more exotic menu of spicy curries or sumptuous tagines and vibrant salads, the base colours of your table can afford to be darker and more alluring to reflect the richness of the food. Think emeralds, rubies, amethysts and sapphires – all beautiful stones with colours you can incorporate into your table setting.

Mint Green table linen paired with Wild Fuchsia napkins will really stand out, as will Mandarin Orange paired with Pebble Grey. Pair with flowers of deep, vibrant colours and coloured glass ware for midsummer feasts.

Flower Power…

Summer wouldn’t be summer without the colourful expanse of flowers growing all around us. Use the summer palette as your inspiration for your table style – complemented by vases of fresh blooms as centrepieces

Take inspiration from beautiful irises with crisp Arctic White table linen paired with Cornfield Gold napkins – single stems of bright blue irises dotted along the table will make for a classic and refined table setting.


Sweetly scented sweet peas make a perfect centre piece as they come in a selection of pastel hues. Try Cream table linen with Sage Green napkins tied with ribbon and a small bunch of different coloured sweet peas at each plate for a soft and dreamy garden party look.


Having a relaxed BBQ in the garden? Try Pebble Grey table linen paired with Forest Green napkins and place some bright yellow sunflowers in low vases in the centre of the table.

Special Occasion Linen offers an array of linens, napkins and table runners in 32 different colours, as well as matching chair covers, aprons, bows and sashes to give your party that perfect summer vibe. Take a look at our event linen hire Lookbook for more inspiration.