Be Our Guest
Make the dining room a cosy, inviting venue for your next private party
Before communal meals ground to a halt during Singapore’s circuit breaker period in April, private dining experiences were a booming trend in the local food scene, with food lovers joining waitlists for a chance to feast in a cosy home setting.
According to Nikki Muller, co-founder of private dining service Intimate Suppers, it’s not just about the food. “A private dining experience is made memorable because it is rooted in human connection. It goes beyond good food and takes you on a journey,” she says.
Nikki Hunt, founder of Design Intervention, concurs. “The time spent with loved ones around a dining table forms some of our most cherished memories. So, as the backdrop to so many of our special moments, the design of the dining room deserves special consideration,” she explains. Hunt recommends investing in dining chairs with soft, padded seats that can also provide good head and neck support to “keep your party going long after dessert is served”. She also suggests seating guests around a narrower table to encourage conversation.
If you are looking for another way to transform your dining room with minimal effort, the right lighting makes all the difference. “An iconic lamp not only enhances the ambience, it also sets the mood for the space and serves as an accent piece in the room,” says Sarah Tham, design director of Cube Associate Design. “For a cosier vibe, go for a lamp with dimmable lighting.”
This keen attention to detail should also include a personal touch, a highlight that will set you apart from other hosts. “I’d put on soothing music and spritz a nice fragrance around the house, as well as use soft furnishings such as rugs, cushions, table runners and tableware,” says Larry Lim, managing partner of interior design studio Summerhaus D’zign.
Adds Muller: “Showcase your hobbies like your art, musical instruments and collectibles from your travels in your dining room; all of these mementos have stories to tell. The essence of your family and your personality should be felt for it to be truly memorable.”
Adding small, interactive elements throughout the dinner will give the evening a fun spin. “If you have a Christmas tree at home, guests could make their own decorations to hang on it,” says Muller. “Anything that makes your guests feel like they are part of your family is sure to be a hit!”