Eating outdoors is one of the most beautiful rituals of summer. Whether on the terrace, in the garden, or under a pergola: a meal in the open air has its very own magic. Surrounded by nature, a sense of relaxation and lightness sets in, turning life into a small celebration.
Nature as a Source of Inspiration
That is precisely why, in summer, the table is set in a deliberate yet playful way. Linen napkins, wildflowers in small vases, lemons, or sprigs of herbs - often it is the simple things from nature that give a table its charm. Plates and bowls are not only functional tableware but also become part of the overall presentation. Colors, patterns, and shapes tell stories of landscapes, traditions, and a certain way of life. Ceramics are particularly well suited to this summer lifestyle. They feel warm, authentic, and pleasantly imperfect - perfect for relaxed gatherings in the open air. While industrially produced tableware often appears uniform, hand-painted ceramic pieces carry their own personality. Small variations in lines and colors make each piece unique.
Each Piece a One-of-a-Kind
Just like the ceramics from the Austrian manufactory in Gmunden on Lake Traunsee. There, tableware has been handcrafted for over five centuries. Each piece is created through many individual steps, from shaping the clay to hand-painting. A defining feature is the so-called flaming technique: using a thin tube, ceramic artists apply flowing lines of color directly onto the glaze. This creates vibrant patterns that are never exactly the same. Many of the designs are inspired by nature: for example, the fine organic banding of the classic green-flamed pattern, reminiscent of meadows, leaves, and summer landscapes. Other designs feature animals and flowers, graphic elements, and traditional motifs. On a summer table in particular, such patterns unfold their full effect: they bring color, lightness, and a certain playfulness to the arrangement.
Stylishly Set Table
A beautiful summer table thrives on its sense of ease. Plates can be mixed, flowers may grow freely from vases, and the menu can be as wonderfully uncomplicated as summer itself- perhaps a large bowl of pasta, a fresh salad, fresh bread with cheese, and a bowl full of berries. Because the secret lies less in effort than in feeling. Those who take the time to thoughtfully set the table create a place of connection - a place where friends stay even after the meal is long over, and where the joyful moments of life take place.
