In catering, we often say that people eat with their eyes first. While taste and service are at the heart of what we do at Butler & HOG, presentation plays a vital supporting role. That’s where tablescaping comes in: the art of creating an atmosphere through thoughtfully curated table settings. From weddings to private dinners, the way a table looks can set the entire tone for your event. And now, with our new partnership with Gillshaw Pottery, we’re proud to offer a crockery hire service that brings that art to life—handmade, locally crafted, and as beautiful as it is practical.

What Is Tablescaping, and Why Does It Matter?

At its core, tablescaping is about storytelling. A great tablescape considers colour, texture, balance, and form. It complements your menu, reflects your style, and gives guests something to talk about before the first dish is even served.

Whether you’re planning a rustic country wedding in East Sussex or an elegant supper in a private garden, your table becomes a canvas. From florals and candles to linens and crockery, each element contributes to the final impression. Done right, tablescaping turns a meal into an experience.

Handmade Crockery Is The Foundation of a Beautiful Table

At Butler & HOG, we’ve always prioritised quality, from our ingredients to our service. That’s why we’re delighted to be working more closely with Gillshaw Pottery, a small-batch ceramics studio based right here in East Sussex. Their hand-thrown, wheel-crafted crockery is full of character. We’ve collaborated in the past for one-off events, but now we’re taking things a step further by offering crockery hire as part of our listed services.

Each Gillshaw Pottery piece is made using traditional techniques, with soft, natural glazes that allow food to shine. From their signature flower motif to the tactile surfaces and earthy tones, Gillshaw’s pottery brings warmth and elegance to any event setting. It’s the perfect foundation for meaningful tablescapes, and we’re thrilled to now offer it as part of our crockery hire options.

Crockery Hire in East Sussex, With a Handmade Touch

As part of our enhanced services, clients can now hire Gillshaw Pottery’s crockery directly through Butler & HOG. This includes hand-thrown plates, bowls, serving dishes, and mugs, all designed to elevate your tablescape while supporting local craftsmanship.

By hiring instead of buying, you also reduce waste and enjoy a more sustainable approach to event planning. It’s the perfect solution for clients who want to make a statement with their table settings, without the long-term commitment of ownership.

A Collaboration Rooted in Craft

Our collaboration with Gillshaw Pottery is more than just a business decision—it’s a meeting of values. Both of our companies believe in quality over quantity, beauty in simplicity, and making memorable moments through food and setting alike. By offering handmade East Sussex pottery as part of our crockery hire service, we’re able to offer something truly unique—an experience grounded in place, purpose, and passion.

Let’s Set the Table, Together

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed countryside wedding or a refined dinner party with a seasonal menu, we’re here to help you bring it all together beautifully. Ask us about our new handmade crockery options when you enquire about catering, and let’s start building a tablescape your guests won’t forget.