Entertaining: How to Dress Your Home For a Glamorous Get-together
Maybe you have your outfit sorted, but is your house party perfect? Dress it to impress and get your soiree off to a gorgeous start
When it comes to entertaining at home, the trend for informal dining in the kitchen and casual get togethers may still be in full swing, but how will your home hold up if you choose to host a swanky cocktail party? Chipped china and dishwasher-dulled glasses may not cut the catering mustard, but inspiration is at hand. Whether it’s a last minute bunch of flowers or an ongoing project to turn your home into the perfect party pad, here are a few ideas for injecting glamour into your cocktail soiree.
Get set for champagne
If you will be sipping fizz, not knocking back beer, think about its presentation. It’s time to stash those chipped Ikea glasses at the back of the cupboard and dig out your flutes, or else invest in a new set. Work out how you will chill the champagne bottles, too. A sink full of ice is low on glamour, but an ice bucket or, even better, a huge clam shell, as here, is suitably swish.
If you will be sipping fizz, not knocking back beer, think about its presentation. It’s time to stash those chipped Ikea glasses at the back of the cupboard and dig out your flutes, or else invest in a new set. Work out how you will chill the champagne bottles, too. A sink full of ice is low on glamour, but an ice bucket or, even better, a huge clam shell, as here, is suitably swish.
Display freshly cut blooms
Nothing says ‘I’ve made an effort’ like an impressive display of flowers. For a classy and sophisticated effect, keep it simple, sticking to one type of flower, like the hydrangeas here. Arrange them generously in a glass vase as a striking table decoration.
Discover artful ways to display fresh flowers
Nothing says ‘I’ve made an effort’ like an impressive display of flowers. For a classy and sophisticated effect, keep it simple, sticking to one type of flower, like the hydrangeas here. Arrange them generously in a glass vase as a striking table decoration.
Discover artful ways to display fresh flowers
Create a cosy atmosphere
OK, so you may not have an open fireplace quite as spectacular as this one, but the idea is the same. It’s all about creating an inviting space where your guests will feel comfortable, but also warm. An open fire does just that, providing a place to stand next to with a drink, and keeps anyone wearing a little black dress and strappy heels toasty, too.
OK, so you may not have an open fireplace quite as spectacular as this one, but the idea is the same. It’s all about creating an inviting space where your guests will feel comfortable, but also warm. An open fire does just that, providing a place to stand next to with a drink, and keeps anyone wearing a little black dress and strappy heels toasty, too.
Deck out a drinks trolley
No 1970s cocktail party was complete without a drinks trolley, and fortunately they are staging a 21st century comeback. This is great news, as these handy little trolleys are extremely useful, providing a safe and stylish location for all the drinks bottles that might otherwise be hidden in a cupboard or cluttering up a worktop.
No 1970s cocktail party was complete without a drinks trolley, and fortunately they are staging a 21st century comeback. This is great news, as these handy little trolleys are extremely useful, providing a safe and stylish location for all the drinks bottles that might otherwise be hidden in a cupboard or cluttering up a worktop.
Provide some entertainment
Few of us have space for a grand piano in the living room, but it’s a good idea to at least invest in some decent speakers and update your playlist before your party. Soft music really adds to the relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere and helps guests feel at ease.
Few of us have space for a grand piano in the living room, but it’s a good idea to at least invest in some decent speakers and update your playlist before your party. Soft music really adds to the relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere and helps guests feel at ease.
Squeeze in some sparkle
If kitchens could party then this one would be right at the top of everyone’s guest list. Shimmering tiles and extravagant feature lights make this a 24-hour party kitchen! So if you find that all your gatherings seem to gravitate towards the kitchen, consider working in some super glam touches next time you are updating its lighting, decor or splashbacks,
If kitchens could party then this one would be right at the top of everyone’s guest list. Shimmering tiles and extravagant feature lights make this a 24-hour party kitchen! So if you find that all your gatherings seem to gravitate towards the kitchen, consider working in some super glam touches next time you are updating its lighting, decor or splashbacks,
Keep lighting soft
Let’s just assume that most of us look better in soft lighting. This means the quickest way to ensure your party is brimming with beautiful people is to dim the lights or, in summer, supplement any natural evening light with plenty of flickering candles.
Let’s just assume that most of us look better in soft lighting. This means the quickest way to ensure your party is brimming with beautiful people is to dim the lights or, in summer, supplement any natural evening light with plenty of flickering candles.
Make space for mingling
If you have the space, experiment with the position of your furniture and perhaps create an area where people can comfortably stand around and chat. Little tables dotted here and there are also a good idea, providing a surface to rest drinks glasses and canapes on.
If you have the space, experiment with the position of your furniture and perhaps create an area where people can comfortably stand around and chat. Little tables dotted here and there are also a good idea, providing a surface to rest drinks glasses and canapes on.
Embrace the dark side
Create a cocooning environment that will make guests feel relaxed with luxurious fabrics and a muted palette. Dark colours are the perfect backdrop for an intimate soiree and are also brilliant at hiding the inevitable wine stains and spills.
TELL US...
How do you prepare your home for a glamorous gathering? Share your tips in the Comments.
Create a cocooning environment that will make guests feel relaxed with luxurious fabrics and a muted palette. Dark colours are the perfect backdrop for an intimate soiree and are also brilliant at hiding the inevitable wine stains and spills.
TELL US...
How do you prepare your home for a glamorous gathering? Share your tips in the Comments.
Impress your guests the moment they step through the front door by dotting pretty hurricane lanterns along the floor. The flickering candles inside will lead them into the house and towards the party. It’s a simple idea that won’t cost the earth, but makes a big, romantic impression.
Browse a comprehensive guide to lighting your home