There’s something deeply restorative about a Mediterranean morning—sunlight spilling over a linen-draped table, the scent of herbs on the breeze, the sound of coffee brewing slowly as life begins to stir. Inspired by my recent trip to Portugal and the coastal towns that stole my heart, I created a breakfast table that celebrates everything I love about this way of life: freshness, simplicity, generosity, and beauty.
Styled with my new Cascais tablecloth and napkin range, this breakfast is more than a meal—it’s a moment. A time to pause, to gather, to nourish body and soul. And as always, I return to the ingredients that have shaped my kitchen: eggs, fresh herbs, olive oil, warm spices, and vibrant seasonal produce.
Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch, treating your family to a weekend breakfast, or simply creating something special just for you, this menu is a celebration of how food—when made with care—can become a joy-filled ritual.
The Table | Inspired by Portugal, Rooted in the Mediterranean
The Cascais range was born from a deep love of coastal living. The blue and white tones echo the tiled walls of Portuguese alleyways, the linen texture evokes barefoot luxury, and the hand-drawn designs reflect the timeless elegance of alfresco eating. It’s a tablecloth that feels both everyday and extraordinary.
For this setting, I kept the mood fresh and unfussy: a bunch of wild mint in a glass jar, ceramics in earthy tones, flickering candles, and bowls brimming with citrus and olives. Linen napkins are folded simply, tied with twine and a sprig of thyme—effortless beauty, just as it should be.
Shop the Cascais collection
The Menu | A Nourishing Mediterranean Breakfast
This menu celebrates the beauty of whole, fresh ingredients with a strong focus on eggs and herbs—two staples of Mediterranean kitchens that are as healthy as they are delicious. These dishes are vibrant, full of flavour, and deeply satisfying.
Slow Mornings, Full Hearts
To live the Mediterranean way is to live connected—to nature, to family, to time. It’s not just about what we eat, but how we eat: slowly, joyfully, and always together when we can.
Let this be your invitation to create space for beauty and health in your mornings. Whether it’s with a full spread or just a quiet moment with a boiled egg and fresh herbs on toast, your table can become a sanctuary. And with the Cascais range, you bring the spirit of the Mediterranean into your home—sunshine and all.
Buy my Mediterranean-inspired tablecloth here
There’s a certain kind of light in Portugal—golden, warm, and ever-so-inviting. It dances across whitewashed walls, glints off terracotta rooftops, and spills over tables set with laughter, wine, and simple, soulful food. On my recent trip to Portugal, where I had the honour of attending the Gourmand Awards, I found myself completely immersed in this effortless beauty. That trip inspired more than just memories—it inspired my new Cascais tablecloth and napkin range.
Named after the charming coastal town just outside Lisbon, the Cascais collection captures the timeless elegance of Mediterranean living. Think soft white and ocean blue, reminiscent of Portuguese tiles, sea-washed ceramics, and slow summer lunches under the olive trees. Each piece is designed to bring a little piece of the Mediterranean to your own home—whether you’re gathered around a table in Stellenbosch or a balcony in the city.
Lay the Cascais cloth across your table, scatter it with lemons, fresh herbs, bowls of olives, and glasses of chilled wine. Fold the napkins casually, tuck in a sprig of rosemary, and invite your guests to stay a little longer. This isn’t just a table—it’s a lifestyle. One that celebrates ease, beauty, and connection.
With love from my table to yours,
Elmarie
Explore the full table linen range
- Photography – Christine Baard
- Food & styling – Elmarie Berry
