One of the greatest pleasures in life is to have friends and family around the table. Seeing new and familiar faces, a mix of all ages and from past and present, is just a joy.
When I’m planning a gathering, the first thing I do is put together a guest list. I like to mix things up and try not to over think it. Often the best parties are with the unexpected. As well as inviting the people I really want to see, I think about who would take pleasure in the others. I try and take myself out of the equation, but there is always somebody who I haven’t had a chance to see for a while that goes straight to the top of the list.
Putting yourself in other people’s shoes is vital. Try and see your home through the eyes of others: what cooking smells will greet them as they come in, how the lighting will be, where the comfortable chairs will be and what areas you’ll set up so that people can take themselves off to for quieter chats. These are all important factors.
Preparing in advance is essential – for me, at least. I often lay the table the night before, mixing the plates, the napkins and the candles. Nothing ever matches in our house, which is great as it means when something gets broken, it’s no sweat. In fact, you just have an opportunity to add another treasure.
