How to set up a São João table: 8 decorating tips to delight your guests

Jun 22, 2026
how-to-set-up-a-sao-joao-table:-8-decorating-tips-to-delight-your-guestsHow to set up a São João table: 8 decorating tips to delight your guests

In addition to rescuing popular customs that are part of Brazilian culture, the decoration transforms any space into a typical scenario of the time.

EdiCase Editorial

The decoration makes all the difference in the June festival (Image: Milton Buzon | Shutterstock)

With the arrival of the June festivities, the tradition of decorating the house for São João gains even more importance. Colorful flags, straw hats, checkered fabrics, flower arrangements and rustic elements help create a welcoming and personality-filled environment to welcome family and friends.

To help create a stunning and festive table, art director and digital influencer, Ale Monteiro, a decoration specialist, shares essential tips to transform any environment into a true June party. Check it out!

1. Choose the right tablecloth

The basis of any well decorated table It is a tablecloth that reflects the theme. For São João, opt for colorful and printed fabrics, such as plaid or chintz. These traditional prints bring a rustic and cheerful charm, evoking the festive atmosphere of the countryside.

2. Use typical decorations

To bring the table to life, add typical decorative elements, such as mini scarecrows, straw hats, flags and wild flowers. These details are essential for creating the June atmosphere and can be easily distributed around the table, complementing the decoration in a harmonious way.

3. Bet on vibrant colors

The decoration of Saint John is known for its vibrant and happy colors. Invest in shades of red, yellow, blue and green. Using these colors on napkins, placemats, plates and cups helps to create an inviting and lively table.

4. Include natural elements

For an authentic touch, incorporate natural elements into your decor. Use wicker baskets to serve bread and fruit, banana leaves as sousplats and straw to wrap cutlery. These elements bring rusticity and authenticity to the table, connecting guests with the June tradition.

5. Pay attention to details

Details make all the difference. Personalize the table with handmade labels to identify the dishes, use satin ribbons to tie the napkins and place candles in glass jars decorated with jute. These personalized touches show care, delighting guests.

Typical party dishes can help decorate the table (Image: jrslompo | Shutterstock)

6. Prepare typical sweets

In addition to decoration, typical São João sweets are essential to set the table. Hominy, pé-de-moleque, paçoca and cornmeal cake, presented on rustic platters, not only delight guests but also decorate the table, making it even more attractive.

Decorate beverage bottles with colorful ribbons and use straws. decorated paper. For children, juices served in glass jars with lids and colorful straws add a fun touch. For adults, mulled wine and mulled wine can be served in ceramic mugs.

8. Themed centerpiece

The centerpiece should be the highlight. Create an arrangement with ears of corn, wildflowers and small flags. Another option is to use a mini São João balloon as a centerpiece, bringing a souvenir from the festivities of yesteryear.

“Setting up a São João table is a delicious way to celebrate our traditions and create a welcoming environment for friends and family”, says Ale Monteiro, who adds: “With these tips, anyone can transform their table into a real festival”.

By Sarah Monteiro

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