Kirthanaa Naidu’s Guide To An Inspired Summer Gathering

Rip & Tan: What’s your approach to creating a visually compelling tablescape? How does seasonality play a role?

Kirthanaa Naidu: When I’m creating a table setting, it’s important that it feels personal and not like a copy of something I’ve seen. I always start with how I want it to feel, then go from there. The tablecloth is usually my starting point—it kind of sets the mood. Over summer, I tend to lean into lighter tones like off white, butter yellow and soft sage. I just think it lifts the whole space and brings everything together! If I do want to add darker tones, I’ll do it in small ways—in the napkins, the menus, or little touches in the flowers.  It’s all about balance.

Seasonality plays a big role for me. In the British summer, I love using cut flowers, often mixing in things from my own garden and foraging. I like it to feel quite wild and natural, not too structured or perfect. I think when a table feels too ‘done’, it can lose a bit of warmth.

Rip & Tan: What materials do you love to incorporate into a summer tablescape?

Kirthanaa Naidu: One of my favorite things in summer is fruit—I think it’s such a nice way to add detail. I don’t use it in a big sculptural way, but more in little, natural moments across the table. Having a few of those on the table, casually, not overthought, is perhaps an interesting way to create interactions! Guests can have them with dessert, or even take one home—it’s just this gentle way of weaving something seasonal and edible into the setting. 

Event styling is very thoughtful, and every detail is planned. But at home, it’s more about intuition, what I feel like on the day, and what energy I want to create. That space to be playful and relaxed is really important to me. 

Rip & Tan: What elements do you consider essential for any well-styled table?

Kirthanaa Naidu: A mix of texture, layering, and something personal or a meaningful object or item, as a conversation starter.

Rip & Tan: From curating an ambiance to dressing the part, what are your top tips for hosting a successful summer gathering? 

Kirthanaa Naidu: I think the main thing I always come back to is don’t overdo it. Don’t over-style, don’t over-complicate! You still want things to look beautiful, but in a way that’s natural. I always want people to feel comfortable, to feel like they can actually settle in and make a bit of a mess, lean into the table, and just enjoy being there. That’s what creates the ambiance, really! 

I like to have a bottle open when people arrive, maybe something chilled in the fridge, or a really simple spritz or cocktail ready to go. It just feels nice to be offered something as soon as you walk in. And same goes for non alc options, it’s really important to have something good on that side too. Even if someone usually drinks, they might not feel like it that day, so having something thoughtful makes all the difference!! 

For dressing, I like to keep it relaxed, chic, and comfortable, something I feel good in while still being able to move around and cook. I love skirts and tops, with good accessories! It’s all about ease and feeling like myself. I also like to match the energy of the people coming over, most of my friends are pretty laid-back, so I want the vibe to feel chilled and easy for everyone.

Rip & Tan: How did you first get into table styling? What sparked your interest? 

Kirthanaa Naidu: I actually started with cooking, that’s always been my first love from a really young age. My mum is an amazing cook, and I grew up around home cooking, especially incredible Indian dishes that were always shared in a very communal, generous way. 

When I moved to the UK, I naturally cooked more often. And during lockdown, when we all had a bit more time, I found myself cooking a lot. But with that came setting the table. I started styling tables to complement the food I was making, sometimes inspired by the country the dish originated from, and it all just started to come together. It brought together my love for food and my passion for creating an environment that makes people feel welcome, cared for, and fosters connection. It feels like a very natural extension of the same thing.

Rip & Tan: Where do you turn for inspiration when it comes to hosting and designing tablescapes?

Kirthanaa Naidu: I think we live in a time where it’s become second nature to look online for inspiration, especially when it comes to design and hosting. And while that can be a great tool to spark creativity, it can also lead to a lot of repetition and a kind of loss of personal style.

For me, it’s really important to reflect from within first. Of course, I do look online, but I also try to ground myself in what’s around me. I find inspiration in really simple things, going for a walk and noticing the colors or shapes around me, and the textures in nature. Books are a good one too, flicking through pages feels so different from scrolling online. Inspiration comes from many places, but real inspiration often comes from paying attention to the small things around you.