Nothing beats a beautiful South African summer. Longer, balmy days. Casual visits with old friends, new acquaintances, and family. Lazy lunches that turn into dinners. Or time spent alone, doing exactly what you want, when you want to.

As we head into the season of no clock-watching and festivities, Betsie van der Westhuizen, general manager of Maxwell & Williams South Africa, takes a look at the top homeware and entertaining trends for summer 2022 / 2023 and how you can make them your own.

Trend: Florals and Fine Dining at Home

“Beautifully laid tables set the scene for fine dining experiences in homes as people choose eating at home over going out for meals,” says Betsie. “Flowers are everywhere – from the prettiest edible floral garnishes on salads, cakes and in drinks to magnificent flower installations.”

It’s not only about the actual food and drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) but also how it is served. Longer days are perfect for creating and curating the most beautifully plated dishes and platters. 

Make it your own: 

Add edible flowers to cold drinks and into jugs with ice water. 

Why not serve a cold starter soup in a wine glass or present your savoury finger snacks on a tiered cake stand?  

Trend: Conscious Choices

“The aftershock of major world events of the past couple of years has impacted our choices and our emotional wellbeing, making us live more in the moment and reconsider every choice we make – even when we do something as simple as pour ourselves a drink,” says Betsie.

This trend speaks to the decisions that we make for ourselves and our own wellbeing as well as choices for a more sustainable world. The conscious choice to entertain at home means you can save on cost, make healthier food choices and be conscious of the environment too. 

Make it your own:

Commit to having a low (or no) waste kitchen in your home, invest in quality homeware that will last a lifetime and sustainable entertainment items. For instance, swop plastic disposable plates for reusable outdoor bamboo plates. 

Trend: Playful Designs

“We are seeing a lot of playful design these days as consumers have a renewed joy for life during the beautiful summer months.”

This trend is about empowerment for all. It is about making unapologetic, joyful lifestyle and design choices. Serveware and crockery also take on a fun and playful look this season. “Young, female energy is embraced by all – regardless of the age or identity of the person.”

Fun graffiti-inspired designs, florals and interesting shapes in homeware and on tables are all the rage! An unapologetic colour palette that mixes fun hues like pinks and purples with red. Also look out for lemon sorbet and curried yellow. Pastels remain on-trend and calming. 

Make it your own:

The best part of this trend is that you can, unapologetically, express your own personality and in doing so make your home more welcoming. 

Trend: Radical Nature

Spending time outside and embracing nature has become a necessity instead of a luxury. “People want to spend time outdoors – for casual lunches, outdoor soirees and more formal blanquetting (fancy picnics),” says Betsie. 

Greenery in the home brings nature inside as the indoor plant trend is here to stay. ‘Plant parents’ (especially amongst millennials and Gen Z’s) continue to embrace greenery to the full – even in the smallest spaces without outside gardens. 

Embracing nature also extends to eating more plants as part of a flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan diet for some.  

Trend: Finding joy in the ordinary

“We see that emotion dictates choices as consumers make decisions based on how they feel,” says Betsie. “Individuals in 2023 have a better understanding of how their emotional and physical wellbeing are related. 

“Consumers are seeking out activities and space where they can let their thoughts glow and unwind their busy minds. Low tech, healing spaces inside the home – even the smallest corner – is gaining much importance.”  

Make it your own:

Prioritize your wellbeing – even in the most mundane activities – let these serve as a reminder of the small joys in life. Make a cup of tea in a beautiful mug, arranging flowers in a vase, taking a walk with a cup of coffee in hand or cook a meal from scratch.