Riley Ribbon Cake Set in Giftbox
€75,-
Doing Goods
How to host summer gatherings without overthinking
Published: 17 July 2026
This is our guide to slow tables, spontaneous dinners, and the beauty of “good enough”.
There is a certain kind of summer gathering we love most. The ones where someone arrives still in their swimsuit. Where sunscreen gets passed around the table. Where dinner starts outside and somehow ends in the kitchen.
The best hosts are rarely the ones constantly running around. They’re the ones making everyone feel at ease.
So here it is: our little step-by-step guide to hosting summer gatherings without overthinking every tiny detail.
1. Mix, match & rent
For those who love a different mood at every gathering, renting tableware is the perfect solution. In Amsterdam, we love the colourful vintage ceramics from Merlijn, founder of Magasin plus Couleur. Together, we created a table that feels wild, playful, and a little nostalgic. If tables had personalities, this one would definitely be the one arriving first and staying the longest.
Her vintage treasures inspired us to style our Leopard Throw and serving pieces in a completely new way. Take a look at the photos yourself ❤️
2. Cook before everyone arrives
A bubbling lasagna. A big Indian curry that tastes even better the next day. Fresh bread, olives, market dips, and watermelon with feta. Hosting becomes infinitely more enjoyable when you’re not sweating over a pan while your guests politely ask if they can “help with anything”.
3. Set the table early and let it stay imperfect
Unique ceramics and playful serving pieces make even the simplest food feel intentional. Use a throw as a tablecloth, or drape one over an inviting chair. With a Doing Goods throw, you can instantly transform your table. Big impact, little effort.
A fun bottle stopper always encourages guests to help themselves. A table should never feel too precious to actually use.
4. Name cards are underrated
Especially when different groups come together.
Nothing breaks the ice faster than thoughtfully mixing people around a table with handwritten name cards. Suddenly, new friends are discussing holiday plans, favourite recipes, and where to find the best tomatoes. Or wine.
After all, the conversation is even more important than the setting.
5. Candlelight fixes almost everything
As soon as candles are lit, people relax.
You can use the same favourite candle holders over and over again, simply switching up the colours and textures of your candles each time. Our matchbox sleeves have also proven themselves to be unexpected conversation starters, especially when people are meeting for the first time around your table.
6. Leave room for spontaneity
The best summer gatherings tend to happen as if they have their own agenda. Someone stays longer than expected, someone brings a friend, and dessert turns into a late-night trip to the ice cream salon.
Leave room for that: add an extra stool to the table. Keep a throw nearby for when the evening gets cool and let guests pick the music.
A few hosting essentials for our team are
- an endless supply of ice in the freezer
- serving one signature drink all evening instead of playing bartender
- playing music in the kitchen too
- letting guests light the candles if they offer to help
- bowls of salty and sweet snacks everywhere
- never saving the “special” tableware for later
In conclusion: good hosting is generous, not perfect! The empty table often tells the real story of the night: half-melted candles, dirty plates after second servings, and name cards stolen as keepsakes.
So take this as your sign to invite people over and hunt for new tableware goodies.
