From Hugo Spritzes to Edible Centerpieces: Designer Javier Burkle’s Summer Tablescape Tips

With the start of the new season, there’s only one rule for setting a summer table: skip the ho-hum. This is no time for boring glassware, tired centerpieces, or matchy-matchy napkins.

Instead, keep it chill. Literally.

Summer entertaining should feel like a vacation: easy, breezy, and always better with a cocktail in hand.

Those lucky enough to be on Javier Burkle’s guest list will likely be sipping a Hugo Spritz — the always-stylish designer’s seasonal drink of choice.

“I’m really into them this summer,” he says. “I use a glass with a thin stem and a fresh garnish to finish off the drink. The Hugo calls for mint!”

On the menu: Caprese salad, gazpacho, margarita pizzas, fresh arugula, and seasonal side dishes.

“They’ll all be positioned around the center of the table, which will be dripping in tomatoes of different sizes and colors, peppered with edible herbs and greenery,” Burkle says.

It’s not the first time he’s used fruits and vegetables in his designs.

“I’ve started taking inspiration from the produce stand for my floral arrangements,” he adds. Case in point? “I just did a table with mushrooms.”

A fan of unconventional centerpieces, Burkle recommends using objects from around the house.

“It doesn’t always have to be the same vases. Use some of your décor—books, objects, even art.”

While unafraid to step outside the box, he admits he prefers timeless over trendy. For summer, that means stripes, florals, and blue-and-white patterns.

Another tip for al fresco summer affairs: use chic paper plates that look like china. “I’m loving the ones from Pavilion Paper. They make it so easy to entertain.”

With Burkle’s tips in mind, we pulled together some fabulous finds to up the style quotient of your next summer soiree.

Champagne Flutes

Here are the flutes I’m wanting to serve my Hugo Spritzes in. Handcrafted of fine glass, each features a combination of three different colors accented in gold.  

I Diversi Glasses

Three cheers for the red, white, and blue—especially when it comes to glassware. This set of mouth-blown Murano crystal combines traditional patterns with modern motifs like bands, spirals, and dots.

Summer Bliss Salad Plates

These summer-ready plates and bowls are available in a trio of irresistible patterns. But why choose? They’re all adorable and totally mix-and-matchable.  

Gingham Linen Napkins

What could be more timeless than a gingham check — or more summery?

Limone Tablecloth

Back to the produce theme, tree-ripened lemons and bright green leaves take center stage on this cotton twill tablecloth. An added plus: it’s made in Italy from sustainably sourced materials.

Table-Mates Placemats

These colorful transparent resin placemats come from a website called Coming Soon—but the good news is we can get them now. Created in Milan, this visionary line is the brainchild of Italian architect Gaetano Pesce.

Rainbow Flatware

No surprise MoMA has this season’s most swoon-worthy flatware. This colorful set is designed by Claudine Dozorme, the daughter of master knife craftsperson Claude Dozorme, and handcrafted in the French industrial town of Theirs.

LoveShackFancy Tabletop

The love for this fashion brand is off the charts — and this season Pottery Barn is bringing it home with an exclusive housewares collection. Rebecca Hessel Cohen, founder and creative director, describes it best: “I live for entertaining and this tabletop is designed for celebrating every moment with the people you love most.”