PLAN THE PERFECT FESTIVE PARTY THANKS TO OUR EXPERTS, WHO SHARE THEIR TRIED-AND-TESTED PARTY TIPS
MEET THE EXPERTS
THEODA SOLMS ILES, INTERIOR AND EVENT STYLIST (THEODA.CO.UK)
‘I love styling with place settings. I tone down the formality by adding an imperfect touch, like draping napkins.’
DEBBIE MARKS, LUXURY EVENT DESIGNER AND STYLIST, AUTHOR OF EXTRAORDINARY PARTIES (QUBELUXE.COM)
‘I’m on a mission to make it easy for people to entertain, enjoy the experience and relax into every moment.’
JONATHAN CARTER-MORRIS, CO-FOUNDER OF HOSPITALITY GROUP CAVIAR & CHIPS (CAVIARANDCHIPS.CO.UK)
‘Breaking bread together creates bonds and a sense of community. We’ve done it since the dawn of time’
TIt’s party season, and what better way to celebrate than putting on the glitz and ritz at home? From drinks to decorations, canapés to chairs, there’s plenty to think about. We asked three experts – an interiors stylist who styles big events for big brands, an event designer and stylist, and a co-founder of a hospitality group –to share their party tips…
‘I get so excited about the look I’d like to give a celebration,’ says Theoda, while Debbie loves to surprise her party people. ‘Transforming your home into a Christmas party space is all about changing your environment into a warm and cosy space that makes guests smile everywhere they look,’ says Debbie. Theoda adds, ‘The final effect is exciting, of course, but it’s all in the planning.’
‘It’s such a great time of year,’ agrees Jonathan. ‘It’s when friends, family and loved ones spend time with each other and celebrate with food and drink.’
PARTY SPACE
‘Having one large room is a bonus and a luxury,’ says Theoda, ‘but if you’ve separate rooms, you’ll need to factor each into your party planning and décor. I tend to host larger groups during the summer when you can use outdoor space and during the festive period, I keep soirées to smaller numbers, often having more than one party to be able to invite everyone.’
‘Make as much room as possible,’ says Debbie. ‘Move any chairs to the edges of the room, you’ll have more space for your guests to roam around.’ Theoda also suggests pushing your dining table against a wall. ‘This will create more room for mingling, and you can still use it for food. Clear clutter off consoles and sideboards to decorate but allow space for guests to put down their empties.’
