Lane Crawford Talks

The brand was founded by my mother, Bernadette Bishop and her best friend June Summerill. Inspired by their shared love of bringing people together and creating fresh, healthy home-cooked meals, they viewed the kitchen as the heart of the home. Their warm and authentic style continues to encapsulate everything we do 30 years later—nothing was or is contrived.

This was reflected in the home I grew up in, where mealtimes were important. Not strict but captivating. I was taught that the ‘table’ is where you make life’s biggest decisions and surround yourselves with those most important to you. My mother and June understood that a beautifully laid setting has the power to keep people at the table for longer. And for 30 years their inimitable style has meant S&B has been the leading destination in London for beautiful tableware and linens.

A tablescape doesn’t need to be Instagrammable; it should feel personal and reflect what works for you and your family. These are your memories in the making, so incorporate personal items that inspire family stories and create connection. While a beautiful tablecloth, napkins, and favourite dinnerware are essential, the true heart of the table lies in the conversation and the memories created.

My approach varies with the meal, guests, and season. In autumn, I lean towards moodier colours, while summer calls for bright, happy linens. I select a tablecloth and napkins that suit the occasion and enhance the tabletop with flowers and fallen leaves. I fondly remember being sent to collect leaves from our garden as a child for placemats, and I still do this with my kids. It adds a special touch that connects us to nature and tradition.

We create from the heart. All our designs stem from a Summerill & Bishop connection—be it a place, a memory, a friendship, or inspiration from the natural world. We have one important rule in our design studio: for each design to go into production, we ask ourselves if we would hang it on the wall as a piece of art, and you see that in designs such as ‘Amour Bonheur’. The message of ‘Amour Bonheur’—love and happiness— is quite special to us as it was inspired by a vintage S&B glass tumbler etched with the words. Throughout the design hidden treasures lie within the ornate patterns: sweethearts symbolise ‘love,’ while those very hearts unite to form clovers, embodying luck and echoing the joy of happiness. Olive branches and leafy vines weave together in endless chains, signifying everlasting love, doves representing peace, while playful bows represent bonds and the delightful notion of coming together.

When mixing style and functionality, I prioritise the idea that a beautifully designed tablecloth is more than just decor; it enhances the dining experience. I select materials that are not only visually appealing but also sustainable, durable, and practical for everyday use. The design should invite people to linger at the table, fostering connection and conversation.

I started my career in the tech space, trying to change the world and drive people online. I guess I would now say that I’m trying to atone for my past digital sins, by getting people to put down their digital devices and connect at the table. Being present around the table is as real as it gets.

Setting the table is an art form. Our customers are getting more and more creative with how they lay the table. Our tablecloths are heirlooms and it’s lovely to see young families coming into our shops and wanting to re-create what they experienced in their childhood homes, by adding a few pieces to their parents’ collections.

We also have younger customers that see the tablecloth as a fashion item. It is after all an extension of your wardrobe. If you are hosting at home and you have an overall theme, the table will play a major part in the realisation of that theme.

Yes, our very first tablecloth design, ‘Bernadette’s Falling Flowers,’ holds a special place in our collection. It was inspired by a floral motif that my mother would use to sign off on her correspondence. We trademarked her design to create our beautiful first collection, honouring Mum and commemorating her love for being surrounded by family and friends at the table. The design has now blossomed into many other products including our new serveware collection.

Even though she may no longer be with us, the ‘Falling Flower’ ensures that her presence is always felt around the table. This collection, which first launched in 2015, inspired me to take Summerill & Bishop in a new direction and truly served as the catalyst for the beautiful statement pieces we create today.

Another design that is particularly meaningful is ‘Lily of the Valley.’ For me, it ignites vivid memories. As a young boy, my family and I would spend Easter in Aix en Provence, my mother’s hometown, she would send me to the flower market to buy fresh flowers to dress the table. At that time of year, Lily of the Valley was in abundance at the flower stalls. The beautiful scent of those flowers holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the warmth and joy of our family gatherings in The South of France.

I believe there are no strict rules when it comes to creating a memorable dining experience at home; it is all about making your table your own while adding personal touches that make guests feel comfortable. Consider incorporating elements like having a calligrapher handwrite on our ‘Amour Bonheur’ placecards or individual notes expressing love and gratitude for your guests. If you are well prepared, having your guests’ initials embroidered onto our napkins is also a very nice touch. Taking home a little treasure at the end of your meal makes it all the more special.

Ultimately, we believe that a beautiful tablecloth design can enhance the quality of any gathering. Remember, if you are having fun, your guests will too. Creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere is key to guests lingering longer, laughing more, and creating everlasting memories.