Home Is Where the Party Is…
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
Entertaining at home is an art many of us perfected over the pandemic, hosting small groups according to the rules of the day while the restaurants were closed. As many of us learned, it is an art that requires great food, compelling company and an atmosphere of relaxed fun. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or an elegant soirée, the key to dinner party success lies in truly delighting your guests. This week, we’ve gathered insights from three expert entertainers, London-based florist, Ronny Colbie, Emma Campani, Head of Marketing at Plain Jane Events, a full-service creative events agency, and Dan Pamment, Director of Maven Odyssey, the specialist entertainment agency, to provide you with must-know tips for hosting unforgettable gatherings at home.
Ronny Colbie, a seasoned host from the Cotswold countryside, knows the secret to creating an unforgettable atmosphere when entertaining at home. “City slickers are best kept busy,” he says, “so provide them with luxurious comforts, from the food to the decorations, that seem effortless.” He believes in the power of simplicity; classic dishes that don’t keep you tied up in the kitchen. foraging for local ingredients and using handpicked items from the surrounding countryside. Combined, these elements can make your meals not only delicious but also a memorable conversation starter. “Whether it’s fresh nettles for pesto, wild garlic for soup, or homegrown veggies and herbs, these unique touches will leave a lasting impression on your guests,” he says.
In terms of style, Ronny suggests embracing the lived-in feel of a countryside home. “Farmhouse tables, eclectic furnishing, layers linens and rugs create a cosy feel for both ourselves and our guests,” says Ronny. He and his family also always ensure there’s a roaring fire in the winter months, which he says allows everyone to feel instantly relaxed. “When I was a child,” he says, “I read a fabulous book by Kate Spade called ‘All in Good Taste’ which was basically the bible when it came to rules of entertaining. Having a roaring fire I recall being a rule of thumb to never be ignored when you have guests due to arrive!”
And let’s not forget the power of flowers. “Being a florist does rather set the expectation that I’ll have some stunning blooms throughout the house,” says Ronny. “For me, flowers enhance a space, adding a sense of calm and evoking happy memories,” he adds. For Ronny, florals should always be seasonal; vases of peonies in the spring, roses come the summer, and berries and mixed foliage in the cooler months. “A few small touches throughout your home, fragrance, flowers, food, all make for a memorable time for the guests you welcome into your home,” says Ronny, adding, “taking pride in your home never goes unnoticed by your guests.’
Emma Campani from the Plain Jane Events team revels in adding a touch of “pizzazz” to her clients’ events at home. Whether she’s throwing a casual get-together or aiming for full-blown extravagance, she likes to work to a four-point strategy, “to help you to prepare to entertain like never before.” First comes decoration. For Emma, “considering additional decor is a must to set the tone of your event.” It also adds personality and style, whether you opt for a themed extravaganza or a casual evening in, thoughtful decorations will go a long way to create a memorable night.
Closely connected but warranting its own quarter in the four-point rule is lighting. For Emma, “it’s the magic wand that can instantly set the mood in your space, from cosy and quiet to lively and electric.” She recommends candles and dimmed lighting from multiple sources, which can have a “huge effect on the atmosphere.”
The third rule is music. Emma says that, “crafting the perfect music playlist is like adding the groove to your room’s decoration, setting the vibe that makes it feel alive and gets people grooving.” Finally, and unforgettably, is food. If all of this feels overwhelming, Emma suggests reaching out to expert event managers who can turn your party dreams into reality, who can “turn your wildest party dreams into reality.”
Dan Pamment from Maven Odyssey is a pro when it comes to levelling up your home entertaining experience. For Dan, hosts should never underestimate the significance of audio quality. “Don’t scrimp on a budget Bluetooth speaker,” he says. “You want to create an inviting atmosphere and a great speaker or audio system will do this.” He believes it’s essential not to compromise on this aspect, whether it’s investing in top-notch audio equipment or even considering the rental of an audio setup for larger events.
Next, and similarly to Emma’s note on music, Dan suggests anyone planning to entertain at home should think about getting the music right. Music holds the power to shape the mood and memories of your gathering, so selecting your playlist thoughtfully is crucial. “Spotify is amazing for this and I’ve sometimes just put one track on and let Spotify do the rest,” he says, “but, if you have time and you know your guests well, some personalisation is a lovely touch for your guests.”
For larger events like birthday parties or other special occasions, how about incorporating live performances into your home entertainment? If your budget allows, this can be a fantastic way to leave a lasting impression on your guests and create an impactful evening. However, Dan advises that, “singers that can also play an instrument are great for lower-key occasions as they can adapt to smaller spaces, or an acoustic violinist brings a wonderful ambience to pre-dinner drinks.” But as the evening turns to night, “a brilliant party DJ can be the perfect way to end. Your guests will be dancing around your kitchen into the early hours!”
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