With the festive season stretching out before us, we’ve got gathering on our minds. Sure, hosting can be a tall order – but with the right tools, it can also be a pleasure. With that in mind, we’ve drawn together a few of our favourite pieces that are sure to up the ante in any social setting. From bar carts which create a stir, to distinctive dining accessories, these are pieces perfectly primed to catch the eye every time…

 

Bar Carts

 

Drinks trolleys are a perennial friend to those who host. They instantly elevate the mood and signify a certain consideration for guests. Typically, they’ll be loaded with tipples, with ice and garnishes at the ready, too. They’re highly functional additions to a party, plus they create the opportunity to make a style statement. Our Papillon design does just that. It comes in two iterations: one large and rectangular, the other more compact and circular. Both are fitted with two shelves supported by a meandering network of flowing curves. They work beautifully in our specialist finishes, painted by hand for an added dash of character. Though, they’re especially eye-catching in our hyperchromatic ‘Butterfly’ finishes, developed specially to suit the range. Opalescent dichroic glass is the final piece of the puzzle, producing a bar cart which is sure to delight.

 

 

Mobile Cocktail Tables

 

Cocktail tables are small but mighty additions to a social setting. We find them particularly handy when they’re compact and light enough to be toted around a space so as best to meet the needs of the moment. Our Lily design scores highly in this regard, tucking against a sofa or standing strong at the periphery of the room. To maximise their functionality and visual impact, we recommend combining a few of them in varying sizes and Venetian cast glass colours. The result is a beautiful vignette that can be moved and mixed as you like to keep the effect fresh.

 

 

Smart Seating

 

Great, sprawling seating has its place in every interior, but in the case of a party, it’s the smaller seats that make all the difference. Stools add a whole lot of dynamism to a seating plan. They’re neat enough to be shifted around the space to allow for ad hoc arrangements which create a relaxed, social atmosphere. Our Lily stools are a popular choice, with their sculptural form and plush upholstered tops. The new Skye stool is an excellent option, too. It’s got a cool, contemporary feel, tempered by rich leather upholstery. Both look fantastic in a metallic finish, bringing a bit of spark to the scene.

 

 

Home Bar Stools

 

Bar stools are great for setting a slightly informal tone with a polished inflection. Of course they work wonderfully in the context of a bar, though they’re also excellent at a kitchen island. Let’s face it – the party does tend to gravitate towards the kitchen, where guest can get in on the action, swiping the best hors d’oeuvres before they’re gone. Our Vienna bar stool is an especially comfortable, Art Nouveau-inspired option. It’s a particularly sturdy stool, with a foot rail, back rest, and carver arms for comfort. If you’re looking to keep to a nimbler stool, the Phoenix is a great bet. It’s a pared-back design with nothing but a seat and a foot bar – but that’s really all it takes to get the job done, with a subtle sense of style.

 

Dining Tables for Large Groups

 

When it comes to the main event, a well-proportioned dining table is key. We make each of ours to order and can tailor the dimensions to suit your preferences, whether that’s super-sized, long and lean, or round and intimate. As a rule, oval and rounded-edge rectangular dining tables are great for gathering. The single, continuous edge wrapping around the table makes seating plans more flexible and allows everyone to engage eye-to-eye. Our Vale design is a great example, with its softened rectangular shape and smooth, rounded corners. The Skye is similarly inviting. It’s got a supremely sculptural base and a Cloud-shaped top. This irregularly shaped top breaks away from the expected, though retains a wonderful functionality with its smooth curves, orienting all the action toward its centre where everyone can partake.

 

 

Feature Table

 

First impressions are everything, so they say! If you’re looking to kick things off on the right foot, an entry table will be an excellent investment. It sets a warm and welcoming tone, especially when decked with festive foliage alongside a signature cocktail for newcomers to pick up on entry. Round tables tend to work best, allowing for an easy flow of movement. Our AVA is a great option in this regard, with its geometrically entrancing base. The Capricorn is also a classic choice with a timeless feel, plus a dash of gravitas.

 

 

Table Dressings

 

Finally, onto the finishing touches! Sprinkling a few considered accessories throughout your space will complete the festive atmosphere, offering a bit of utility along the way. Our Lily drinks coasters and placemats help to protect your furniture while bringing a playful accent to their environment. Candles are the key to creating a toasty glow and a finished feel, especially in tandem with our AVA or Capricorn holders. Pop them on the dining table or pepper them throughout living spaces to cloak the occasion with a honeyed hue – just what we need to keep warm and lifted through the winter season.

 

 

 

 

Text by Annabel Colterjohn