We recently hosted nearly 30 people at home for my husband and his twin brother’s 40th birthdays. I’ve always loved dinner parties; it just feels so much more personal than anything in a restaurant. But it did take planning and preparation! Read on for some learnings…
TIP 1
Space & Seats
Choose benches not chairs. They make it so much easier to seat a big group especially with last minute additions. We rented the tables and benches from Raj Tent Club. They’re beautifully made in Jodhpur. Clear away as much furniture as possible but keep side tables for guests to perch a drink.
TIP 2
The Menu
Skip the starter. Nobody wants to sit down too long. We handed round big plates of charcuterie and roasted spiced nuts with drinks. Focus on one hot main course and then side dishes that can be served cold or warm. My mother-in-law cooked an enormous chicken cacciatore then for sides the boys made jewelled couscous, winter slaw, slow-cooked aubergines the night before.
TIP 3
Styling
Renting plates and glasses is money well spent. It eases the washing up (just give them a rinse) and it’s a fabulous way to add colour and joy to the table.
A single flower in bud vases is stunning on a long table. These anemones took 3 days to open so allow for that at this time of year. I added pomegranates and plums for more colour.
$124.00
- Description
- Care
- Composition
A classic off-white tablecloth with vibrant dahlia flowers in berry, coral and amber falling through its length. Rosanna drew this design based on those she grew on her terrace in Jaipur as well as the Jowey Winnie pom pom dahlia that she loves to arrange in the autumn back in London.
Block prints are usually regular and symmetrical in design but this tablecloth is unique with a naturalistic layout of flowers placed at random. Rosanna spent many happy hours with the highly skilled blockprinters perfecting this layout for her first design and is delighted to bring it back for the second collection.
Tablecloths are shipped in specially printed dahlia drawstring bags made from excess fabric.
Due to this piece’s print layout, no two tablecloths are the same.
Pictured: 180cm x 350cm (table is 92cm x 220cm)
Sold in two sizes:
170cm x 270cm
180cm x 350cm
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Do not bleach. For air drying, please avoid direct sunlight. To tumble drying, please use a low heat. The product can be ironed on a low setting and dry cleaned. Full care guidelines here.
100% Indian cotton
TIP 4
Something Sweet
Always do puddings that can be made ahead. In this case, I baked a towering birthday cake (try this similar recipe) and my signature triple chocolate brownies.
TIP 5
And Finally...
Hand a flash camera around the guests... Encourage speeches... Warn your neighbours!
Credits
Plates & glasses: The Social Kitchen
Candlesticks: Addison Ross
Benches & tables: Raj Tent Club
Candles: Candle Flair
Dress: Needle & Thread
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