An Evening of Salty Breeze and Seaside Simplicity

We are excited to share our latest table in the Seasons Art de la Table series, a monthly celebration where thoughtful design, seasonal ingredients, and elevated ambiance come together. For August, we journeyed to the Atlantic coastlines of Portugal for inspiration. Drawing on weathered textures, humble seafood feasts, and the timeless flow of a fisherman's day.

A Rugged Mood Rooted in Honest Tradition

Visualise a sun-worn table perched near the sea, linen sails catching the breeze overhead, and the unmistakable scent of charred sardines drifting through the air. This month’s aesthetic was raw, worn out, and deeply grounded, inspired by Portugal’s coastal fishing villages.

The table celebrated imperfection and patina: hand-thrown ceramics, frayed linen, and textures shaped by time. Every detail echoed a life lived in rhythm with the tides; simple, soulful, and full of quiet character.

Setting the Scene: Table Décor and Ambience

Inspired by our curated mood board of maritime textures, sun-faded blues, and timeworn materials, the table came together as a layered story of shoreline living complete with sea-washed shells and nostalgic charm.

•⁠ ⁠Salt-Washed Foundations – A knotted fishing net laid atop a distressed linen tablecloth formed the base, setting a tactile, unfussy tone that felt lifted straight from the docks. Directly under it, hydrangeas to give life to the centre of the table. A typical flower seen in any Portuguese garden.

•⁠ ⁠Ceramic Character – Unevenly glazed stoneware plates with blue hand painted motifs brought rustic authenticity. Alongside traditional “Barro” serving dishes and fish shaped coloured ceramic dishes for an additional verity to the table .

•⁠ ⁠Coastal Touches – Vintage sardine tins and scattered shells offered both fragrance and narrative, while bowls of traditional Portuguese petiscos and crusty bread sat ready for sharing. Generous, humble, and full of flavour. Sea-glass-green goblets added a soft, aquatic gleam to the table settings.

The Culinary Journey

This ode to coastal tradition: a table stripped back to its essentials, full of soul and salt, the sea is never far from view, our menu had to fit the scene.

• Pre-Dinner Cocktail: White Port & Tonic with Bay Leaf
  A traditional apéritif with a twist — dry white port served over ice with tonic water, garnished with a bay leaf and a curl of orange peel. Crisp, aromatic, and utterly refreshing.

• Starter: Grilled Sardines with Lemon & Sea Salt

  Charred whole sardines served simply with lemon wedges, sea salt, and a splash of olive oil. Served on shared platters, just as they would be at a dockside table.

• Main Course: Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)

  A rich, tomato-based rice dish brimming with prawns, clams, and bits of octopus, slow-cooked with garlic, herbs, and a touch of piri-piri for warmth. Hearty, generous, and meant to be shared. Highly recommend a glass of red wine to complement the meal

• Dessert: Almond & Orange Torta with Cinnamon

  A traditional rolled cake infused with orange zest and dusted in cinnamon sugar. A refreshing palate cleanser.

Enjoy Your Outdoor Dinner!

We hope this table inspires you to embrace traditional textures and simple design, put a little Fado music on and enjoy the guitar riffs while smelling the aromas of a seafood dinner! For a closer look at the inspirations behind our table décor and the carefully curated items, please visit our instagram page.

Bom Apetite!