I’d had this poetic and countryside-inspired table in mind for quite some time. The idea first came to me when I found these decorative birdcages – holding them in my hands, I instantly knew they’d set the tone for one of my summer tables. I also wanted to pay tribute to the little birds that fill our garden. These small, precious creatures are part of our everyday life: we feed them, give them shelter in the winter, and they thank us all year long with their songs, their graceful flights above the trees, and their young ones learning to fly – something we love to watch from the kitchen window.
I’ve always enjoyed setting inspiring tables for friends and family, tables that spark the imagination and add a little magic to everyday life. Especially when they bring nature into the spotlight.
When I was very young, my mother introduced me to the Anne of Green Gables book series by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. That whimsical, poetic view of the world never left me. These birdcages immediately brought it all back and gave me the theme for a relaxed yet slightly dreamy al fresco table. That’s how it all began, with green as the main colour, which I then paired with other soft touches. I hung the birdcages with beautiful tulle ribbons in just the right shade (found during a trip to New York one December) and wrapped the fastenings in ivy and greenery gathered from nearby woods, to help the cages blend naturally into their surroundings. I thought about adding some moss too (which I love using), but I tend to save that for autumn tables. A few little birds (rescued from my box of Christmas decorations) found their way inside and outside the cages. After all, they’re free to fly wherever they please.
To complement the green, I added a few soft blue and pink accents: napkins, ribbons that play well together, though I used them sparingly. These pastel tones are gentle and harmonious, adding to the table’s bucolic and laid-back countryside feel. I wanted the whole atmosphere to be fresh, light, and quietly joyful, almost like an early spring day. With the breeze that day, the birdcages swayed gently above the table, creating a beautiful visual effect, though I admit I got nervous a few times as the setup wasn’t exactly built for even a light wind! Something to remember for next time… Placing the cages at different heights also made the overall look more dynamic, especially from a guest’s point of view when seated.
To reinforce that countryside spirit I often look for in my table settings, I used some vintage plates decorated with a light, floral pattern that felt just right. I’d already used this china for a table celebrating the end of summer. The coloured glasses kept with the soft theme and added a joyful, slightly playful touch. For a more rustic feel, I replaced the usual napkin rings with small garden posies tied with velvet ribbons in green and dusky pink. They matched the rest of the table beautifully and added contrast through texture. The napkins themselves were tied in a loose knot to create volume and break up the stiff, rectangular lines of traditional folding.
A country table should feel spontaneous and a little unruly and less polished than something formal. It should say: you’re going to have a lovely time, enjoy the beauty of simple things, and reconnect with what matters most.
A candelabra, a statue bust, garden roses or wildflowers, even a small dish of lemons… these little details brought movement and character to the table, adding an old-fashioned charm that fits the mood perfectly.
You can also discover another al fresco table I created, this time inspired by the roses in my garden, right here.
