In People’s Homes

Get Ready For Guests

It’s finally time to throw open the doors to entertain friends and family again. Whether they’re visiting from near or far, nothing welcomes loved ones in from the cold quite like a house filled with festive cheer, from a tree twinkling with fairy lights to a mantlepiece festooned with lush foliage and a table bedecked with sparkling treasure. When it comes to hosting at Christmas, it’s all about creating comfort and joy, while making guests feel right at home. Here, we round-up the small refreshes and little touches that can make a big difference, from fluffy towels to five-star bedlinen and fold-out sofa-beds. But be warned: nearest and dearest may never want to leave… Christina Lundsteen Paula Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Bolster Pink, Flows Rug Multi by Linie Design, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Collection, Washed Linen Bed Linen Cinnamon by Heal’s, Washed Linen Bed Linen Mustard by Heal’s, Utility Footstool Large Vintage Cognac Leather Lacquered Oak Frame by Fogia, Barba Armchair Karakorum by Fogia, Oswald Sofa Bed by Heal’s, 9602 Floor Lamp by Gubi, Brew Tray by Tom Dixon, Nordic Bistro Mug by Broste Copenhagen, Warm White 480 LED Indoor or Outdoor Micro Lights Copper Cable by Noma, Deko Decorations Dusky Pink Set of 6 by Broste Copenhagen Offer a turn-down service Good times can only be enjoyed after good sleep. Which is why it’s crucial to create a restful space where guests can recharge and reclaim a little shut-eye between festivities. For those who don’t have a spare-room, a sofa-bed can be a smart way to maximise space and accommodate guests, styled-up with cushions by day and folded-out with bedding by night. The smart Oswald, pictured, quickly and easily converts into a king-size bed while featuring hidden storage for stashing away luggage and keeping multi-functional spaces free of clutter. For extra style (and added comfort), swap out old sheets with crisp new bedding in seasonal colours and patterns, and layer with cosy throws in soft and textured materials. Matera Large Corner Sofa by Heal’s, Pearl White Soup Bowl by Costa Nova, The Voice Within 01 Print from Mae Studio by Paper Collective, Christina Lundsteen Abigail Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Carla Cushion, Edinburgh Weavers Circles Cushion, Optical Cushion Ocre by Niki Jones, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Company, Sheepskin Rug Small Long Wool by Nature’s Company Spruce-up the sofa A scattering of new cushions can really freshen up your sofa for visiting friends, adding colour, interest and depth. But think about a wintery palette of warm and toasty tones rather than clichéd shades and motifs for the coolest way to change things up. Here, we’ve layered the Matera sofa with luxurious cushions featuring rich reds, earthy yellows and icy blues that complement the ochre tones of the furniture. With interesting patterns from innovative designers, they provide a conversation-starter over Christmas, too. Round Bud Vase by Heal’s, Waffle Towel Charcoal by Heal’s, Spa Towel White by Heal’s, Ripple Clear Carafe by ferm LIVING, Ripple Smoked Grey Tumbler Glass Set of 4 by ferm LIVINGCreate a ‘spa-throom’ A few easy updates can transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis your guests can retreat to away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Stock-up on quality towels in soothing shades and luxurious textures – our pick are these for all the luxury of a five-star stay – together with high-end soaps for a spot of pampering and a designer diffuser to make the whole room smell wonderful. Everyone will be fighting for the bathroom. Massimo Bobble Vase by Abigail Ahern, Botanicals Winter Spice Brick Candle by Heal’s, Winter Spice Tall Pillar Candle with Botanicals by Heal’s, Pillar Candle by Heal’s, ‘Christmasify’ a corner Even if you’re not going all-out with a tree and all the trimmings, you can still help guests to feel cosy and festive, even in the most compact of spaces. Style up a single corner instead to add a touch of sparkle to a space: a sideboard or a mantlepiece can provide a platform for decorative touches while creating a focal point in any room. Simply add a collection of candles – varying heights create interest – and a statement vase filled with natural foliage foraged from the garden, plus a few tree decorations here and there. A tangle of fairy lights is a nice touch, too, while a smattering of tealights finishes things off. The more corners you can create, the merrier. Gift your guests Create boutique hotel vibes from the comfort of home with a gift or two for guests left at the end of their bed: consider the Bitter Orange & Cassis Dusk Candle for creating a festive scent; the Milk Chocolate Stirrer for making a late-night cup of cocoa; and the Lambswool Hot Water Bottle for popping between the sheets. It’s the details that make a stay, whether at a hotel or in the home of a good friend, so pick something you know they’ll love to make them feel truly special. Three more tips 1 Invest in a coat rack and shoe tidy ahead of the holidays to keep your hallway sleek and streamlined. First impressions count, so ensure your reception makes an entrance, even when you’ve got a full house. 2 Stock-up on games for rainy days during family stays. The collection from Printworks, including Backgammon and Yatzy, is so smart you won’t want to stash it away. 3 Hang a wreath on the front door and festoon it with our decorations. It sounds simple, but it’s the first thing guest will see as they arrive, so give them a sign of things to come with a festive flourish that says: ‘home for Christmas.’

In People’s Homes

Get Merry With Our Warming Mulled Wine Recipe

The quintessential festive tipple, no Christmas party is complete without a warming glass of mulled wine. So to help you get the perfect blend of sugar, citrus and spice, we’ve concocted our own yuletide guide to this classic Christmas cocktail. Ingredients: 2 oranges The peel of one lemon 150 g caster sugar 5 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick (and extra to serve) 1 bay leaf 1 star anise 2 bottles of red wine (Syrah or Malbec) Brandy (optional) The method: To make the syrup, in a large saucepan place the sugar, spices, lemon peel and the peel and juice of one of the oranges. Add a dash of wine, just enough to cover the sugar, place on a mild heat and bring to the boil making sure to stir occasionally. Once the syrup is nice and thick, turn down the heat and add the rest of the wine plus a glug of brandy. Wait until the mulled wine is heated through, taste and add more brandy if preferred. To serve, cut the second orange into rounds and add to each glass as garnish alongside a cinnamon stick (optional). Your choice of vessel really depends on the occasion. While some prefer to keep things sophisticated with a traditional stemmed glass, there’s something so right about serving your mulled wine in a designer mug. We’ve opted for a stemless wine tumbler and carafe to give an informal yet elegant look to Christmas drinks. Tips & tricks: • Put loose spices and ingredients into a muslin cloth and tie to ensure all the flavour is released without the residue. • With so many flavours going on, we recommend using a fruity, full-bodied wine such as Syrah or Malbec to punch through the sugary sweetness. • Alternatively, if you’ve got a bottle of red lying about that you regret buying, now’s the perfect time to get rid of it – mulling will help cover up the taste of cheap plonk and a drop of brandy will ensure your guests are none the wiser. • Try switching brandy with ginger wine for a fiery finish or sloe gin to really bring out those berry flavours. • Don’t forget the longer you heat your mulled wine the more alcohol you’ll burn off. It’s all a matter of how merry you wish to get, so we’ll leave it up to your better judgment.

In People’s HomesStyling

How To Host A Christmas Dinner Party

Christmas is coming, and with it the perfect excuse to throw open the doors to entertain family and friends, whether drinks and nibbles in the big-build up, a full-on feast for the main event itself or a glittering affair on New Year’s Eve. But while gathering nearest and dearest in your home can be a joyful and rewarding experience, there’s no denying it can also be stressful, what with the decorating, cooking and hosting to be done. But fear not, as we’ve compiled everything you need to make it go without a hitch in one convenient place, from tablescaping inspiration to Christmas Day hosting ideas and menu-planning, plus general tips and tricks. This year, you’ll be confident in welcoming one and all (just don’t forget to upgrade your dining table – a blank canvas for your creativity). Why host a dinner party at home? Despite the effort it takes to throw a dinner party, hosting at home can sometimes be more economical than going out or ordering in, while it gives you a chance to show off your beautiful tablescape and impeccable style. Better still, there’s no need for a taxi at the end of the night for the host – meaning you can climb the stairs and be in bed the minute everyone has left. Hosting your Christmas dinner party The golden rule for any refined gathering? Plan ahead. And when you think you’ve done all the planning you can, plan some more. We’re not just talking about setting a budget – although that’s the first logical step – but setting a date and time that gives everyone plenty of warning to diarise, then sorting a guestlist by circulating (preferably printed) invites to those you want around the table. Next, think about a theme – which, in turn, can inspire the food and drink – and start buying decorations and tableware so you’re not scrabbling around at the last minute. Even little things, like dressing the table or chopping the veg the night before, can help when it comes to hosting. Why not go one step further and select dishes you can make beforehand and freeze to seal in flavour and texture? Then you only need to defrost, finish cooking and serve when guests arrive. Likewise, curate a playlist the weekend before your soirée over a glass of wine – it’s fun and will save time and faff when it comes to finding the right vibe on the night. Creative Christmas dinner party theme ideas You absolutely don’t need a theme to throw a dinner party, but Christmas is all about having a bit of fun, so it certainly won’t go amiss. There’s plenty of inspiration for Christmas dinner theme ideas on the likes of Pinterest, but the festive season lends itself naturally to concepts like a winter wonderland – think twinkling silvers, faux snow, handcrafted animals and icy blues – or ‘all that glitters’ with gold decorations at every turn. Otherwise, you could go traditional – greens and reds are making a comeback as we seek comfort and joy in nostalgia – or be creative: the underwater aesthetic is making waves with pearlescent finishes, mermaid motifs and shell designs (this lobster-inspired dec is just the thing). The world really is your oyster, so think big and get creative. Games and entertainment at your Christmas dinner party It wouldn’t feel festive without a family game or two after dinner is done, would it? Old-school favourites such as charades and quizzes always go down a storm, as do classics like Scrabble and Pictionary, otherwise the collection of beautifully-designed games by Printworks are sure-fire winners – from Backgammon and Tumbling Tower to Yatzy and Four in a Row. If all else fails, why not dust off the karaoke machine? It’s Christmas, after all. A simple Google will reveal a raft of Christmas dinner party game ideas, if you’re still stuck. Festive Christmas dinner party décor When it comes to setting the scene, Christmas decorations can add twinkle and sparkle, whether it’s in candles, fairylights, ornaments or flowers. Line pillar candles of varying heights down the length of the table or cluster together in a collection in the centre (overhead lighting should be dialled down or switched off); wind battery-operated fairylights around the back of dining chairs; and fill vases with groups of ornaments and use unique ones to add personality to each place setting. Menu ideas for large Christmas gatherings With the theme, entertainment and table sorted, it’s time to think about the type of food and format you serve up, which should initially be planned around the number of guests you have in attendance. For a big group, for example, a generous buffet that lends itself to everyone helping themselves is best. Don’t be quick to judge – the buffet is back in a big way and is being elevated for contemporary entertaining by even the most respected party-planners. Think premium cheeses, pickles and condiments; butter boards topped with spices and herbs; wafer-thin slices of charcuterie; luxurious lobster rolls; bite-sized desserts and old-school trifles (yes, really); DIY spritz stations; and posh punch bowls. For this retro presentation style, consider upgrading your serveware with things like the Tundra Sharing Platter by Musango, our Sintra Salad Bowl and the Rotary Tray from Vitra. For a tighter group – eight, say – a sit-down affair might be more appropriate with a centrepiece or sharing board placed in the centre of the table for everyone to dig in and help themselves. Forgo the traditional turkey in favour of something more fashionable like pulled pork or cauliflower wellington as a guaranteed conversation-starter. Why not present on something pretty like the Tala Ceramic Platter by ferm LIVING? For groups or six or four, you may want to dish up individual plates in the kitchen before presenting them at the table, and include a starter, main and dessert before retiring to the living room for cheese and digestifs. Our box-sets – from the grey-blue tones of Nordic Sea to our colourful collaboration with LF Markey – make refreshing your crockery for Christmas easy. As the big day itself can be quite the undertaking, we recommend keeping any entertaining you’re doing on Christmas Eve low-key, so stick to a single course for a small group or just two – oysters and Champagne is an always elegant pairing. These saucers from The Vintage List are timeless. However many you’re catering for, always remember to check dietary requirements beforehand, meaning there are no surprises when it comes to plant-based or gluten-free guests. Don’t overlook drinks, either: while you’ll have plenty of beer, wine and spirits to hand, ensure you’ve got smart softs for teetotallers or drivers, too. Sober-curiosity – whereby people are consciously choosing to drink or abstain on different occasions – is becoming increasingly popular. Remember, whoever you’re hosting and however you’re hosting them, it’s all about the company. So long as the conversation (and wine) is flowing, everyone will leave with a smile on their face. Get inspired by more Christmas dinner party ideas.