Inspired by "the Holidays We Never Want to End", This Joyous Pop-Up Makes a Case for Mismatched Tableware
Thought you weren't into colorful, stripy dining accessories? Think again
It's August 10, and if you, like me, grew up anywhere in southern Europe, chances are you are already savoring the nonchalance that comes with this month. August is for catching rays and rest; that's something we observe almost religiously in the Mediterranean. Still, if you, again like me, are sadly not on holiday right now — not just yet, at least — there is something we think you should see.
For the coming three weeks between August 15 and 29, cult Sicilian guesthouse, kitchen, and artist residency CASA LAWA will be taking its joyous culinary universe to London restaurant Rondo at The Hoxton, Holborn, technicolor stripes, seasonal, sun-baked flavors, and convivial setting included.
Founded in the fertile town of Sant'Alfio, a village on the slopes of Mount Etna, in 2021 by Lukas Lewandowsky, CASA LAWA has since become an Instagram sensation, largely thanks to the ever-rotating succession of international creatives, chefs, food stylists, boutique brand founders, and photographers who, together, have helped shape its picturesque imaginary over the last couple of years.
Today, the creative bolthole, with over 155K followers on Instagram, is equally synonymous with cerulean blue skies, coruscating waters (pool, sea, you choose), and countryside charm as it is with pastel decor, checkered — or striped — tablecloths, vintage pool furniture, vibrant linens, and Memphis design-esque sculptural pieces.
A 3-Day Only, Whimsical Pop-Up
Save the date: August 15, 22, and 29, from 12PM, CASA LAWA lands at The Hoxton, Holborn, for a full immersion into Sicily-inspired creativity and conviviality.
Expect mouthwatering delicacies paired with bespoke Monkey Shoulder cocktails, eccentric tablescapes, and an excuse to discover and connect.
Image credit: CASA LAWA
Groups of up to eight will be seated at individual tables, with solo diners, couples, and trios sharing a seat around The Long Table.
Image credit: CASA LAWA
For three days only on August 15, 22, and 29, people will get to enjoy the CASA LAWA lifestyle a short stroll off from the City, at one of our favorite London hotels, with comforting bites like whipped butter-topped sea salt and rosemary focaccia, Sicilian green olive and provolone-stuffed arancin, and fragrant stone bass crudo with pickled nectarine, red chilli and mint brought in as starters for a taste of Sicily, followed by evergreen Italian staples like Pasta alla Norma and prickly pear granita with lemon verbena as one of the mains and desserts, respectively.
There'll be an original soundtrack for the night, bespoke Monkey Shoulder cocktail pairings, and no table turnover allowed. Instead, guests are invited to enjoy a prolonged meal, either at an intimate table seating up to eight diners, or at The Long Table, designed to bring together solo visitors, couples, and trios the CASA LAWA way. Exclusive merchandise will accompany the activation — caps, T-shirts, aprons — though the real protagonist of the takeover, diners aside, is blissfully mismatched tableware.
Mismatched, yes. Think all sorts of stripes in equally varied pastel shades, nostalgic lacquered cutlery, chunky Murano glass tumblers, and multiple table covers laid on top of each other: a look that's as vibrant as it is irreverent, and that can capture the unrushed, lulling feeling of "the holidays we never want to end". Book yourself in for a CASA LAWA lunch at The Hoxton, Holborn, or follow along to discover how we can help you bring that home.
Why Summer 2026 Is Time for an Irreverent Tableware Rebrand
There is something quite liberating about...
Image credit: CASA LAWA
... embracing whichever pieces of tableware sit in your cupboard.
Image credit: CASA LAWA
And you should give it a go, too.
Clashing elements, it turns out, are one of summer 2026's biggest tablescaping trends, and while the idea of letting go of strict rules might sound intimidating, really there isn't anything more summer-coded than embracing your instinct and having fun with it. Inspired by CASA LAWA's pop-up at The Hoxton, Holborn, we have gathered a handful of dining accessories sure that will make your gatherings holiday-like year-round.
In this play of contrasting patterns, stripes, and nuances, picking the table cloth becomes somewhat of a creative canvas. This discounted Etsy game captures the hues of CASA LAWA's dreamy setups without breaking the bank.
No day starts without breakfast, and at CASA LAWA, every meal is a festa. These egg holders created by atelier Onomao for the guesthouse and artist residency make its iconic aesthetic capsule and collectible.
I was never the person to worry about having to match all tableware sets in order to be able to host someone properly, but after taking a closer look at CASA LAWA's eccentric tablescapes for this activation, I have no doubts: mismatching multiple glass and flute designs, as well as pieces of serveware, is the way to stand out.
From place mats to napkins and full table cloths, stripes take center stage at CASA LAWA's The Hoxton, Holborn pop-up.
I loved spotting these quirky, cool type of cutlery on the tables of CASA LAWA's latest pop-up. For me, they hold a special value, as part of my family owned a similar set and used it to brighten up ordinary and rare occasions alike. Pick your favorite between this design and Next UK's.
Throwing the ultimate dinner party is about more than just cooking or setting the table. It's about creating a sense of atmosphere capable of making everyone feel welcome, entertained, and comfortable. These surreal paste-shaped candles bring a little help.
Sleek and sculptural, this HAY dessert cup channels the pared-back elegance of an Italian summer table, its brushed steel finish catching the light like something plucked straight from a Milanese trattoria's dessert trolley.
Tomatoes are among the prime ingredients of the summer season and CASA LAWA's The Hoxton, Holborn takeover, and this whimsical ceramic bowl by Oliver Bonas makes them into a sculptural piece to admire far beyond the end of the holidays.
Woven with the same easy, sociable spirit as its Spanish namesake, this playful plaid set from Tarta Gelatina turns the everyday table into a small daily celebration, one bright, cheerful place setting at a time.
Sign up to the Livingetc newsletter for more style advice, or visit the lifestyle archives for all the latest on culture, travel, and hospitality.
