The Collection

How To Host In Style

Darker nights called for a considered but cosy approach to entertaining. Here are our top tips for an unforgettable get-together...

Autumn Entertaining The Salvesen Graham Way

Set the tone for a relaxed evening by enjoying the preamble; hair and makeup will always feel more like a pleasure than a chore when done at a dressing table. Ensure yours has plenty of good light, a comfortable chair, such as our Dressing Table Chair and always have a glass of something cold to hand. To feel your best as the night wears on, take your pick from the collection of party wear at Seraphina.

For an atmosphere your guests will want to linger in, take a layered approach to illumination with cosy candlelight and lamps. There’s nothing more inviting – or flattering – than the soft flicker of candles, so be generous. The jewel tones of our Cane and Avenue Candle Holders feel decadent and work well with tonal and contrasting waxes.

To elevate your lighting, Candle Shades are an opportunity to create a more playful scheme. Warm bulbs will make your space instantly inviting, as will the colourful flair and heritage design of our Bamboo and Column Lamps. To keep things interesting, consider lighting lamps tucked into shelving units, on walls or on side tables. Shades in tactile fabrics add dynamism; our Little Check Shades are a fun touch which create a soft, diffused light.

Winter flowers may not have the froth and frivolity of spring’s but don’t dismiss their impact. An winter wreath makes a wonderful centrepiece, while clusters of single stems look striking. Take your palette cues from the fiery hues outside; russet dahlias and chrysanthemums are some of the season’s best. Kitten Grayson Flowers is our go-to when it comes to floral inspiration. A towering foliage arrangement is another dramatic backdrop idea; try green kangaroo paw branches and eucalyptus in tall vases for an elegant mantelpiece arrangement.

Consider your tablecloth first, remembering that the shade will read differently in dim lighting, then layer up using complentary linens, chargers and crockery. Lay London’s eclectic cloth prints are, quite literally, perfect party material and while Toast’s selection of tableware always delivers.

Mismatched utensils create visual interest and can help take the formality out of the occasion. Candlelight adds magic to any table setting and Wax Atelier's collection can always be relied upon to add elegance. Embellish some of your candles with sweet shades, lighting them ten minutes before your guests arrive so they have time to mellow.

Take a relaxed but chic approach and pile stylish trays with everything your guests need to be their own mixologist. Never skimp on ice and lemon slices and always decant liqueurs into pretty jugs and bottles. The right platter – or indeed tray – will make even shop-bought food bits more appealing. Slivers of coral smoked salmon on rye bread will pop against a ruby red tray, while crostini and croquettes will look even more mouth-watering set against a glossy midnight hue.