Prepare to welcome back your favourite guests. It’s time to make your living space the place to be once more
It feels like it’s been a long time since we were last able to invite friends and family into our homes for proper entertaining. But as we count down to Christmas, making our homes welcoming and guest-ready again is all part of the essential prep – and this year calls for something special.
One of the best things about entertaining is the excuse to bring out your finery. Whether it’s Sunday lunch, dinner for friends or a drinks party, it will feel like more of an occasion with fine china and the best glassware. And with darker days upon us, it's the perfect invitation to embrace candlelight and the wonderful sense of intimacy that brings. No need to be thinking 'big decorating project' at this point – it's all about the little things, about layering on the luxuries, a little bit of styling and a big bit of love. Here's how…
Put the focus on the table
Styling is not just about filling your home with lovely things. It's about creating mood and a sense of purpose. In an entertaining space, it's about extending an invitation, creating a welcoming space that says 'come on in, pull up a seat, relax…’
For lunches and dinners, a table set to impress sets the scene and shows thought and care. A vase of flowers is a beautiful focal point and the trend for dried flowers and good quality faux blooms will see you through several parties in modern style.
A great tip from boutique hotel bars is to use several coffee tables and side tables to bring flexibility to the space. Create points of interest with arrangements and vignettes on mantelpieces and sideboards too – give them a story to tell and turn them into talking points that are a feast for the eyes.
Delicious details
Bring out your best for you and your guests. Already have a set of fine china you love? Work in new additions such as linen napkins, luxe placemats and fine glassware. Cater to what you like to serve. If for you a meal isn’t over unless there’s a cheeseboard, how about some fancy cheese knives? If you love a show-stopping dessert, the right cake stand or serving bowl will display your masterpiece with aplomb. And great cutlery will last a lifetime.
For drinks parties, the bar cart is king. It’s an excuse to put your best glasses on show and to indulge in glam barware luxuries such as decanters, cocktail shakers and of course your finest spirits.
Relaxing retreats
Away from the main table, think about creating places to retreat to. An accent chair with a side table is a favourite for drinks or for the dessert course. Opt for luxe fabrics for seating, cushions and throws such as velvet, wool and linen, and pile on the pattern for placemats and coasters.
Rugs and lighting are brilliant for marking out zones and signaling to guests where they should head to next. Think of them as creating mini 'destinations' that encourage guests to meander over to them, needing little shepherding from you. Being the perfect host or hostess is all about making guests feel at home so help your home do some of the work for you.