The garden comes alive in the summer, waking up to the sounds of the birds, starting the day with alfresco breakfast, the light lingers a little longer in the evenings, and even weekday meals feel different. Whether you’re putting together a relaxed brunch or lunch under the trees, a last-minute picnic with friends, or a beautifully styled dinner on the patio, the tools you use to serve can make all the difference.
At Mash + Mint, we believe in design that’s functional, beautiful, and made for shared moments. And with the right pieces from a thoughtfully chosen serving tray to a stylish bottle opener, entertaining becomes less of a chore and more of a joy.
So what are the essential tools of the table this summer? And how do you use them to host with confidence, ease, and a little bit of flair?
Let the Tray Do the Work (and the Talking)
A question we often hear is: “What exactly do you use a serving tray for?” The short answer? Far more than just carrying drinks.
Trays are one of the most versatile tools in your hosting kit. They act as mobile staging areas, visual anchors for your tablescape, and even help define zones when you’re hosting in open spaces like gardens or patios.
This summer, we’re styling with:
- Lyon Wood Oval Serving Tray with Handles - With its curved edges and rich grain, this piece feels both grounded and sculptural. Perfect for passing nibbles or styling with drinks and napkins.
- Vera Rectangle Rattan and Wood Serving Tray - A natural favourite for outdoor settings. The woven texture catches the light beautifully and lends an organic elegance to everything from cocktails to croissants.
Styling tip: If you’re wondering how to create a beautiful drinks station or food setup, try building layers on a tray: glasses grouped by type, a carafe of something chilled, a bowl of citrus, and your bottle opener, all easy to move if you need to chase the shade or shelter from the drizzle.
The Beauty of a Well-Chosen Server Set
You might not think salad servers matter - until you find the right pair. Then suddenly, they’re not just utensils, they’re centrepieces.
Another frequent question: “Can salad servers be used for more than just salad?” Absolutely. They're ideal for pasta, grilled veg, couscous, fruit platters anything served family-style. The key is finding a set that feels as beautiful in your hand as it looks on the table.
This season, we’re reaching for:
- Hema Spoon and Fork Salad Server Set - Crafted from resin and wood, this set brings a handcrafted, earthy feel to relaxed tablescapes. Use it to serve from a deep ceramic bowl or display it resting on a linen napkin.
- Reine Matte Gold Salad Server Set - Polished and refined, this brushed gold pair adds instant occasion to even the simplest of spreads.
And if you’ve ever thought “Do I really need a dedicated serving set?”, here’s your answer: when you’re serving guests, it’s not just about functionality - it’s about making them feel looked after.
Never Search for the Bottle Opener Again
Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked hosting essentials: the bottle opener.
Your guests are arriving, drinks are clinking, and someone asks for a bottle opener. You rummage through a kitchen drawer, only to find a clunky plastic one that totally undermines your whole setup.
Our solution? Keep it sleek, stylish, and always within reach:
- Leo Modern Brass Bottle Opener - This one feels solid in the hand and looks beautiful on a tray or bar cart. Minimalist yet impactful.
- Lena Modern Bottle Opener - Smooth, modern, and made to be seen and not hidden.
“How do I serve drinks at a garden party without fuss?” Our top tip: pre-style your drinks station with openers in plain sight, chilled glasses, and garnishes prepped. It says: “Help yourself,” and immediately puts guests at ease.
Bring It All Together: A Table that Works as Hard as You Do
So, how do you tie everything together? Hosting in summer, especially outdoors, requires ease, flexibility, and a little preparation.
Here’s what we recommend:
Create defined zones. Use trays to group items: drinks, napkins, cutlery, desserts. They make transport easy and keep things tidy.
Layer your textures. Combine the organic feel of wood and rattan with ceramics, linens, and glass. This creates warmth and visual depth, without feeling overdone.
Don’t aim for perfection. Guests aren’t there for a flawless setup. They’re there for connection. The beauty is in the details, like passing around a salad with elegant servers or opening a bottle with a piece that sparks conversation.
And if you're ever in doubt, ask yourself: “How can I make this feel simple but special?” Often, the right tools are the answer.
Hosting Is About Atmosphere, Not Effort
The real secret to summer hosting isn’t a picture-perfect table or complicated menu. It’s about creating moments that feel relaxed and generous, and using tools that support that flow.
So whether you’re hosting under fairy lights, setting up a spontaneous lunch with neighbours, or simply serving iced drinks on a tray while the kids play in the garden, we are here to help you do it beautifully with What a Host products.
Let your tray do the talking. Let your server set shine. And above all, let summer take the lead. Shop your favourites here
