6 ways to style handmade pottery for summer hosting

Summer is the season for slower lunches, garden gatherings and tables filled with colour, texture and good food. Whether you’re hosting friends in the sunshine or simply making your everyday meals feel a little more special, handmade pottery is a beautiful way to bring warmth and character to your table.

At West House & Co, our pottery is handmade with care, meaning every piece is slightly different, perfectly imperfect and full of charm. Here are six simple ways to style handmade pottery for summer hosting.

1. Start with a relaxed base

The best summer tables feel effortless. Start with a simple tablecloth, linen runner or wooden tabletop to create a natural base that lets your ceramics stand out.

Neutral shades work beautifully with handmade pottery, especially when paired with soft napkins, textured placemats and seasonal flowers. Keep things relaxed rather than too polished, summer hosting should feel easy, welcoming and full of personality.

2. Mix and match your ceramics

One of the loveliest things about handmade pottery is that no two pieces are exactly the same. Instead of aiming for a perfectly matching table, mix different shapes, sizes and finishes to create a setting that feels collected and personal.

Pair mugs with small bowls, use side plates as serving dishes, and bring together different glazes for a layered, creative look. Handmade pieces work beautifully together because each one tells its own story.

3. Use bowls for picky bits and sharing dishes

Summer is made for grazing. Think salads, olives, dips, breads, chutneys, fresh vegetables and all the little extras that make a table feel generous.

Handmade bowls and small dishes are perfect for serving picky bits and sharing plates. Use larger bowls for colourful salads and smaller dishes for nibbles, sauces or chutneys. It’s an easy way to make simple food feel thoughtful and beautifully presented.

4. Bring in seasonal colour

Let the season inspire your table. Summer gives you plenty to work with from bright salad leaves, fresh herbs, tomatoes, berries, edible flowers and vibrant preserves.

Choose pottery that complements the colours of your food, then add extra interest with fresh flowers, herbs in little pots or a jug filled with garden blooms. Even a simple table can feel special with a few thoughtful finishing touches.

5. Add height with vases and candle holders

A good tablescape has different levels. Add height with handmade vases, small pots or candle holders placed along the centre of the table.

Fill vases with wildflowers, herbs or seasonal stems for a natural look. If you’re hosting into the evening, candles can help create a soft, cosy atmosphere as the light changes. Our handmade ceramic pieces are perfect for adding those little details that make a table feel considered without feeling overdone.

6. Take your pottery outside

Al fresco dining is one of summer’s greatest pleasures, even here in Cumbria, where it’s always wise to keep one eye on the weather!

Handmade pottery looks beautiful outdoors, especially against garden tables, picnic blankets and natural textures. Use mugs for fresh mint tea, bowls for strawberries and cream, or small dishes for chutneys and snacks. Just add sunshine, good company and maybe a blanket for when the evening cools.

If you’ve styled your table with West House & Co pottery, we’d love to see it. Tag us in your photos on Instagram at @WestHousePottery or use #WestHousePottery.

Browse our Ceramics collection to discover handmade mugs, bowls, vases and one-of-a-kind pieces made with care and purpose in Cumbria.