The Ultimate Guide To Stylish Hosting
Three epicurean tastemakers share their favorite garden-party looks, the must-have pieces for a chic alfresco table setting, and the NET-A-PORTER fashion and homeware brands they swear by
Xanthe Ross, chef, writer and supper club host
I like to think that my hosting style is laid-back but thoughtful
“The most important factor for me is that people feel at ease the minute they walk through the door. When I’m hosting, I think about what they are going to smell as they come in (are there flowers or candles?), the lighting (dim and lots of candlelight), and a must is that there is something to drink and nibble on as soon as they arrive.”
My go-to outfit for alfresco hosting is…
“…a long dress and probably no shoes. Comfort is always the most important factor for me because I’ll probably be cooking as I go. For clothes, a few of my favorite brands are Dôen, Marant Etoilé, Faithfull and Birkenstock.”
Similar to my hosting style, my table-setting style is also very laid-back…
“…but I do like to bring as much color to the table as possible, whether through flowers, linens or the menus. I’m generally not a neutral person; I love color and texture. I’m a maximalist and I think you can show so much character through a table. For tableware, I love Gohar World, L’Objet and Louise Roe.”
The one thing I can’t set the table without is…
“…napkins. I think they make the table immediately feel more special and can add so much by way of style with minimal effort.”
The way I create menus for both my supper clubs and meals with family and friends is quite similar
“It always starts with what is in season and creating a menu around that. Seasonality is an overused term in food, but this is central to my cooking, especially as I mostly create vegetarian menus. I base the menu around three or four vegetables or fruits and then go from there. My menus are always feasting style, so lots of dishes down the table to share, and then usually homemade bread of some kind to mop it all up. I’ve captured many of these vegetable-based dishes from years of my supper clubs in my first cookbook, Stay for Supper. I love styling food and know that people eat with their eyes, so making the extra effort on this front is always so important for me. I’ve learnt so much over the last few years about how to style a plate of food nicely, and I learn more and more each time I cook. Puddings are also exciting as I am passionate about baking and love the anticipation of pudding coming out at the end. I always try and make this element fun and visual too.”
Clare Cole, chef, food stylist and supper club host
I’m always hoping to facilitate an evening where everyone feels happy, full and relaxed
“I start by serving snacky bits that require very little effort. Then a roast chicken or whole fish or a big pasta dish and a few seasonal salady sides is usually my go-to.”
My ideal alfresco dining experience is…
“…when the sun is setting and it’s not too chilly, under the tree in my garden with my best friends, drinking wine.”
When I’m hosting outside, I like to wear…
“…comfy summery dresses or a linen shirt. I love pieces by &Daughter, Deiji Studios and Dôen.”
My favorite way to set the table is…
“…to keep things simple. A tablecloth, a few small flower stems, candles – that’s really it. I do also like beautiful fruit and vegetables as table decorations, as long as they’re used after.”
The one item I can’t set the table without is…
“…candles. Lighting is third most important after food and drink.”
My advice to anyone hosting an alfresco lunch or dinner party for the first time is…
“…don’t overthink it. It’s only dinner. It will be better the more chilled you are. And don’t complicate the menu. Cook something you feel confident with.”
India Cardona, content creator
I’d describe my hosting style as considered and detail-oriented…
“…but still relaxed and inviting. I always want my guests to feel relaxed and cared for. You know they’ve had a good time when they don’t want to leave.”
I love a tonal table and layering pieces from a similar palette
“I bring interest through different textures and elements – linens, stoneware crockery, beautiful glassware, playful cutlery, jute placemats, candlesticks and fresh flowers.”
My go-to outfit for alfresco hosting is…
“…usually some silky pants or jeans with a dressier top and a cardigan for warmth. Alfresco dining in the UK means layers are essential.”
My advice to anyone hosting an alfresco lunch or dinner party for the first time is…
“…alfresco dining is susceptible to the elements, so you may need to weigh down your linens and vases or use candles that won’t blow out in the wind. Battery lamps can also work well as an alternative. Music is essential for setting the mood, so a portable speaker is ideal.”
Recently I’ve been loving creating grazing tables
“It works perfectly for a drinks party or for starters or desserts as a playful and showstopping option. Outdoor dining really lends itself to unfussy, European dishes like tarts, burrata and anchovies on toast or big, beautiful salads. I love dishes that can be prepped in advance and served at room temperature, so you can focus on being at the table rather than in the kitchen.”
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