Maegan-Leigh JacobsFlowers have long been the star of the table, but 2026 is shaping up to look a little greener – and a lot more practical. Fresh vegetables, fruiting plants and leafy herbs are stepping into the spotlight as the latest décor trend, turning everyday produce into centrepieces that work double duty.
Instead of buying blooms that fade after a few days, more hosts are styling their tables with living plants that look good now and feed you later. Think glossy tomatoes on the vine, decorative cabbages, bowls of chillies or a basket of freshly picked greens placed right where the flowers used to be.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the United Kingdom’s gardening charity that organizes the Chelsea Flower Show, recently released its gardening predictions for 2026. And the most interesting revelation isn’t what’s in the ground but rather what’s on your table.
In its Facebook post, the organisation explained that “with the cost of living continuing to rise, we’ll see even more people supplementing their weekly food shop by growing their own fruit and vegetables.”
This shift isn’t just about style. With the cost of living continuing to rise, many households are rethinking how they grow, buy and use food. Gardening organisations abroad are already predicting a stronger focus on home-grown produce in 2026, and the idea translates easily to South African homes – where sunshine, patios and braai culture already blur the line between garden and table.
What makes this trend so appealing is its simplicity. Vegetables bring colour, texture and a sense of abundance without feeling forced. A cluster of aubergines adds depth, while herbs like mint or rosemary introduce scent and movement. Even a few pots grouped down the centre of a table can feel intentional and relaxed.
You don’t need a big garden to make it work. Compact plants are key, especially for balconies, courtyards or small outdoor spaces. Tabletop chillies, dwarf tomatoes, trailing cucumbers or neatly trained grape vines fit easily into pots and look striking indoors or out. When styled in terracotta or simple baskets, they rival traditional floral arrangements – with far more personality.
Another vegetable expected to gain attention is the blackcurrant. Newer varieties are sweeter and better suited to eating fresh, making them both decorative and snack-worthy. Alongside these, home-grown tomatoes remain a favourite, while herbs and edible wild plants are also having a moment. Borage, mint and other foraging-friendly greens bring a casual, garden-to-table feel that suits modern entertaining.
This trend also speaks to a wider desire for mindful living. Growing what you display encourages less waste and more intention. Instead of throwing away wilted flowers, you can harvest your centrepiece and use it in the kitchen. It’s décor that earns its place.
For hosts, vegetables offer flexibility. They work just as well for a laid-back family lunch as they do for a dinner party. Paired with linen napkins, ceramic plates and warm lighting, the look feels earthy and current rather than rustic or old-fashioned.
As 2026 approaches, the message is clear: beautiful tables don’t have to be expensive or impractical. Sometimes, the best décor is already growing – ready to be admired, shared and enjoyed long after the guests have gone home.
ALSO SEE: EASY VEGETABLES TO GROW IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT
