I love sunflowers. They transform simple white dinnerware and make a strong seasonal statement. A tremendous bang for your buck, they practically arrange themselves in a heavy glass jug.

The glasses and jug are a reclaimed, twisted glass mojito set from Pottery Barn. The deep brown centres of the sunflowers are echoed in the wheelbarrow open salt and pepper containers, also by Pottery Barn..

Farm stands are bursting with gorgeous tomatoes and corn right now, so we chose Shaker Summer Corn, Celery and Tomato Chowder, beautifully showcased in Arte Italica individual soup tureens. They are resting on Queen Anne Pillivuyt porcelain plates from Williams Sonoma.

We followed with Pasta with Sausage, Leeks and Rapini for a satisfying and flavourful main course.