How Inviting Kick-start your social life in style.
Beautiful styling sets the scene for great entertaining, writes Kate Nixon.
Spending more time at home is a great excuse for entertaining. What better time to polish the silver and invite friends and family (social restrictions permitting) for a chic soiree. With the weather cool, think cosy and dress your dining zone in moody palettes of ink, rust and slate. Mix and match napery and tableware within a cohesive palette for a lovely, layered spread. Don’t forget to iron the linen and put out the napkin rings! Now is the moment to embrace the formal dining room with mood lighting and a spray of elegant foliage. If your dining space is the kitchen bench, as it is for me, take time to tidy the everyday clutter, light a candle, put out the placemats and savour the moment to dine in style. Send decorating questions (with name and address) to H&G Advice, PO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028 or email H&G@bauer-media.com.au.
✚ Dress to impress, regardless of the occasion. Everyday essentials are easily elevated to special pieces by pairing plain plates with brass cutlery or cut-crystal glassware.
✚ A statement platter is very versatile, working equally well for dinner-party canapes as it does a serving dish for weekend brunch. Invest in an artisan piece – I like handmade details and classic tones.
✚ Foliage and flowers instantly add a sense of occasion. Opt for sculptural vessels in translucent materials to hide the stems.
✚ Put some thought into gifts for the host or as party favours for your own guests. Some embossed stationery, a special bottle of olive oil or a box of the recipient’s favourite tea make a personal and very thoughtful addition to the requisite bottle of wine or bubbly.
✚ Break out the best table linen. Iron napery (including tablecloths and fabric placemats). Fold napkins or pull them through napkin rings for an extra touch of glamour. Finish with a sprig of foliage.
✚ Polish cutlery and glassware as you lay the table.
“Entertaining, like all worthy endeavours, requires work to make it look effortless. Prepare ahead as much as possible but don’t be afraid of the spontaneous get-together. Ask for help and cherish the time with loved ones.”