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Entertaining

Decoration

How to be a good host: a food writer's rules for easy gatherings

In an extract from her book ‘The Good Host’, Argentine food writer Juana Pepa lets us in on her hosting tips that make having guests a breeze
Entertaining

Simple dinner party games for adults to memorise

Become the life and soul of the party with these simple dinner party games
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Dear Fiona: I panic when people come over – how can I make it effortless?

Our resident agony aunt Fiona McKenzie Johnston helps a reader get over their fear of entertaining at home
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How to be a great host – according to a professional

Matthew Shaw, founder and creative director of luxury event planner Sauveur offers his top tips for stress-free entertaining
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Why you should have dinner in every room of your house

And what interior designers can teach us about the moveable feast – from bath salons to indoor picnics and the chicest breakfast in bed
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Olympia & Ariadne Irving's dos and don'ts of entertaining

The co-founders of Carolina Irving & Daughters share their essential tips for being the host with the most
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The key to easy summer entertaining, according to those who do it best

From playlists to personalised place cards, Tanya Burr, Paula Sutton and Noor Murad share their key takeaways for al fresco fun
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Sophie Dahl on how to be a thoughtful host to your guests

Our columnist reflects on the etiquette of hosting over the festive season, and how to treat your guests as you would wish to be treated
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The Collagerie guide to throwing a Christmas party

Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood share their hosting tricks
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Dear Fiona: how do I fit more guests into my house than I have room for?

Our resident columnist Fiona McKenzie Johnston helps a reader stop panicking about hosting a magical family Christmas in a not-quite-big-enough house
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What makes a party that people will remember?

Lucy Clayton considers what makes a party swing, with reference to Regency ballrooms, Salvador Dalí's cookbook, and Truman Capote's legendary Black & White Ball
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How to improvise a dinner party when you don't own anything

Tips, tricks, hints and hacks to throwing a dinner party
Entertaining

A post-lockdown refresher on how to host a dinner party

It's been months since we've been allowed anyone in our houses, so we all need a little reminder of how to be a good host. Here's what you need to remember, with some added insight from Shalini Misra
Eating & Drinking

How chef Ben Tish hosts a romantic meal for two

Find out how a professional does it at home
Entertaining

How Margot Henderson of Rochelle Canteen hosts Christmas day

Chef Margot Henderson is a master of effortless entertaining, regularly hosting parties at home and professionally through her catering company Arnold & Henderson. She shares what Christmas day looks like at the house she shares with husband, chef Fergus Henderson of St John
Design Ideas

How to set your table like Valentino

When you are next setting your table for dinner you can think, what would Valentino do? Fashion designer Valentino Garavani shares his settings inspirations, which usually include objets d'art, rare china, and flowers from his garden.