Host With the Most

Sometimes, the smallest details can make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to welcoming friends and family over a beautifully-laid table for seasonal celebrations. After all, the dining room sets the scene for the delicious feasts ahead, whether a sit-down supper with family on Christmas Eve and the big day itself, or a stand-up affair with friends on Boxing Day or New Year’s. Here, we show you how to make your entertaining space the star of the show with our expert tips, however you’re planning to host. It’s all about layering on the luxury… 

Set the Stage 

A beautiful dining table isn’t just a solid investment when it comes to refreshing your space for seasonal celebrations, but year-round. Extendable designs are a practical choice that mean everyone can be invited while saving on space when you’re not entertaining guests at home. The latest and greatest styles have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, too, meaning they are both practical and beautiful. Case in point is Edmund, luxuriously-crafted from solid oak in an espresso colourway with distinctive twisting legs. But the best bit? The six additional leaves enable it to accommodate up to 10 of your nearest and dearest. Team your table with a stylish but comfortable chair that supports you in all the right places so you can linger long after dinner is done. Here, we’ve plumped for Abellona with a slim but sturdy black metal frame upholstered in a handwoven cotton-linen yarn with an olive-green stripe. Perfect for both traditional or contemporary schemes. 

Create a Serving Station 

Why not create a serving station out of a console or desk? Not only does it provide a welcome styling opportunity, but makes for stress-free hosting. Start with a statement tray on which to arrange everything you need for guests to mix and muddle their own seasonal concoctions, from glassware and bottles to mixers and garnishes, not forgetting a bucket filled with plenty of ice (wrapped in real buffalo leather, Emsworth is just the thing to add a touch of luxury). This idea is particularly inspired for drinks parties and means you’ll spend less time pouring and more time mingling. Here, we’ve used our Theseus desk as a sturdy but sophisticated base layered with the hand-painted chinoiserie tray and topped with our Pulcinella glassware for drinks and the antique-brass Swanne bowls for nibbles. The Campanula planter acts as a statement vessel for the faux miniature olive tray that brings much-needed greenery and texture. Don’t forget a bottle of chilled fizz and all the accoutrements for bloody marys – perfect for festive get-togethers. 

Layer Your Lighting 

When it comes to setting the mood for a social gathering, lighting is everything, from a dazzling chandelier above the dining table to taper candles of varying heights in statement holders down the middle and wall sconces that emit warm and flattering illumination. The key is a layered scheme with a combination of different sources, much like in a boutique hotel or cosy restaurant. We particularly love our Ninfea candle holders, inspired by lily stems in antique brass, to add personality as well as a flicker to a tablescape, plus our Joshuah table lamp on a console table for giving a subtle glow. 

Perfect Your Place Settings  

Finally, don’t forget your place settings when entertaining, as they can be real conversation-starters, from covetable cutlery and crockery for each course to gorgeous glassware for sparkling, white and red wines as well as luxurious napkins beautifully-presented in decorative rings. Our new Nephele crockery is handmade in Italy from carefully hand-dipped black clay and is characterised by cloud-like forms and scalloped edges. In addition to dinner and side plates, remember to stock up on beautiful pieces for presenting food in the middle of the table, from a large platter to a generous serving bowl. Finally, why not add a personal touch to each place setting? A handwritten name card, stylish cracker or token gift always go down well. ‘Tis the season, after all. Greenery or flowers foraged from the garden complete the look.