entertaining
During the cold winter months, nothing feels better than curling up on your living room chair
favourite
COSY IT UP
Inspiring informal soirées
D
by MICHELLE HOPKINS
uring the cold winter months, nothing feels better than curling up on your favourite living room chair. Why not re-create that same cosy and informal atmosphere when planning your next soirée? Everyone knows parties somehow end up around the kitchen island, which is a great space for informal, relaxed get-togethers. “The food can be set up beautifully on the island, and guests can pop over and fill their plates as they wish,” says Sarah Gallop, principal at Sarah Gallop Design Inc. “Decor is a key element here as well, and again with dishes of varying heights and colours and materials depending on the theme of the gathering. To avoid awkward back tracking, leave space between dishes and have a logical order to the placement of dishes, napkins, food and condiments.” Couch parties are also pleasurable. However, the food offering is pretty important with this type of entertaining – nothing messy, just simple bite-sized foods that are not going to end up on someone’s lap. Sometimes, says Gallop, “a coffee table can be very intimate yet comfortable, as the seating is usually much more lounge-like.” When planning for your coffee table entertaining, Gallop suggests using serving dishes with varying heights to add visual interest, plus it is a good use of space — a vertical set-up takes up less real estate. This could be tiered
18
RENO + DECOR |
DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022
dishes, or dishes placed on something to elevate and vary the heights. By mixing up your collection of dishware, you will bring instant charm and a playful look to the table that’s totally you. It’s also a great way to incorporate a pop of colour. “Reflective surfaces, such as glazed dishes, glassware, crystal and metals can reflect the light as well and greatly enhance the mood,” says Gallop, adding a plate that offers a wine glass holder saves extra space. “In addition, the use of lights helps, too. Think small strings of battery-operated LED lights in glassware, or around dishes, or candles of variable heights — these always boost the ambience,” says Gallop. For continuity with whatever the central theme is, consider all pieces – serving dishes, eating dishes, glassware, decor, and napkins – and don’t forget to be a little whimsical.