edition 14.

Summer is a major hosting season with parties, BBQs, weddings, and summer drinks all on the card. Founder of Sauveur, Matthew Shaw, answers some crucial questions on hosting in style over the summer season.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE FOR ARRANGING SEATING PLANS FOR SMALLER DINNERS Seating plans can work wonders for small dinners too! They don’t necessarily need to be as fully engineered as a large-scale wedding seating plan but it always pays off to think through who may want to sit next to each other. At a smaller, more casual dinner, this may just be thinking through which friends haven’t seen each other in a while. Even if there’s not much thought to it, a dinner begins smoothly when the host takes charge and tells people where to be seated instead of having everyone hover awkwardly.
I’m very much from the school of thought that you should mix everyone up and, crucially, not sit couples next to each other. A well thought out seating plan works wonders for a dinner party so do think through what people have in common or might want to talk about. It’s also important to ensure everyone has someone they know in the vicinity.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH LIGHTING ACROSS THE EVENING Lighting is absolutely crucial to any occasion or event and not enough hosts pay attention to this. This depends on the space you are hosting in but, in my opinion, the main lights should never be on. The key to great lighting is having multiple sources so turn off that main light and make sure all your different decorative lighting is on. This will create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Candles should be lit before your guests arrive. I always find it clunky to rush around and light candles before dinner or as natural light dims. When it comes to candles, the more the merrier! Ensure plenty run down the table if you are hosting dinner and don’t forget the other places your guests may go: hallways and loos also deserve candle coverage.
As the evening progresses you may want to dim the lights slightly or bring out more candles. You will want to feel the vibe here and sense if your guests (and you!) are settling in for a longer evening or if you gently want to wrap up.
AND WHAT ABOUT MUSIC Guests should enter a space with music. The moment your guests step into the room you want to set the tone for the evening and make them feel welcomed and taken care of. This shouldn’t be loud or dominating but there is nothing worse than arriving at a silent party, especially if you are one of the first to arrive.
Similar to lighting the host should understand how the occasion is developing, you may want to increase the volume or change the style of music after dinner or wind it down.
WHAT CURRENT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING FOR DECOR AT MORE INTIMATE EVENTS I think people have seen a lot of rustic decor and are keen to explore new ways of tablescaping. This doesn’t need to be overly elaborate. Simply, impactful touches can be great. We’ve seen a lot of statement tablecloths which then allow for simpler tableware, heavy use of candles is a timeless way of decorating a table but you can also opt for fewer candles in statement holders.
We’ve also seen and produced some more original tablescapes recently which stand out: using beautiful vintage books from a charity shop piled high down the table to provide height and celebrate an author, table lamps, and of course bowls or platters of fruits and vegetables are having their moment and work a treat.
CAN YOU ASK PEOPLE TO PICK UP INGREDIENTS YOU’VE FORGOTTEN ON THE WAY This is completely down to you and who you ask! If a close friend is attending that is absolutely fine but don’t start firing off a last minute shopping list to your guest list. This does not build confidence in the evening ahead!
WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU’VE RECEIVED AS A HOSTING GIFT Company in the kitchen and someone who emerged on an emergency drinks search. The most important gifts you can ask for.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH BRINGING A PLUS ONE If you are bringing a plus one you really must think through who will be there and who will fit in. If in doubt, ask your host! It is much better to plan this in advance and double check with them than be the guest who brought the dodgy plus one, or be the dodgy plus one!
SHOULD YOU ASK PEOPLE TO TAKE THEIR SHOES OFF Your house, your rules! As a no shoes house I firmly believe this is okay but you must also be realistic. If you have forty guests coming for drinks that might not work (and you may not have space for forty pairs of shoes)
WHAT ARE THE CRUCIAL INGREDIENTS TO A GREAT SUMMER PARTY A relaxed atmosphere, no stress on timings, and comfort.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR GUESTS COOL Ask yourself what would frustrate yourself if you were hot and bothered at a party and do the opposite. Sometimes, when it is particularly hot, you can be fighting a losing battle but guests will appreciate any help you give them. Ensure there is shade, provide plenty of water (and make sure guests don’t have to ask for it!) and don’t rush or stress your guests.