DB's Digest - October 🍂
5 Tips for Autumn Entertaining
Flickering candles, clinking of glasses, low-effort platters where everybody helps themselves and laughter that rolls down the table. Welcome to hosting DB style, where you're relaxed enough to enjoy it.
Of course, like everything in life, it requires a bit of planning. But the main thing about entertaining for me, is that I like to be present when my guests are arriving not stuck in the kitchen missing all the fun! So here are my five rules for effortless entertaining that I hope are helpful for you too.
SET THE TABLE THE NIGHT BEFORE -
Once the children are all in bed, the emails have stopped pinging, I always enjoy the solitude and the process of laying the table the night before. I always begin with a beautiful linen tablecloth, which I'll mist with some water to remove any stubborn creases.
The joy of laying the table the night before is that you'll have time to do any jobs that are needed - maybe cleaning some silverware or getting a few extra flowers.
CHOOSE FLOWERS IN ADVANCE -
In London, I like to go to the Flower Market the day before the event (or even a couple of days before so the flowers look their best). You can buy in bigger quantities for much less expense. But if you're using my bud vases, you really can get away with buying supermarket flowers as they make them look so stylish. Stick to a colour theme for maximum impact.
BE SEASONAL WITH YOUR TABLE DECOR -
Autumn lends itself to creativity and adding mini pumpkins, gourds or even dried leaves to your table decoration will add finesse to any dinner. Our signature bubble tableware in burgundy looks exquisite mixed with Autumn's rich colours.
CHOOSE RECIPES YOU CAN PREPARE IN ADVANCE -
I don't want to be worrying about food prep once my guests have arrived so I always try to choose dishes that can be prepared or assembled in advance and eaten at room temperature. I'll often make a soup to begin which just has to be reheated. And for mains, at this time of year I love slow cooked roasts which can be left in the oven and then tumbled on to sharing platters.
I don't want to be worrying about food prep once my guests have arrived so I always try to choose dishes that can be prepared or assembled in advance and eaten at room temperature. I'll often make a soup to begin which just has to be reheated. And for mains, at this time of year I love slow cooked roasts which can be left in the oven and then tumbled on to sharing platters.
When it comes to pudding one of my favourites is still The Ivy restaurant's Iced Berries with hot white chocolate sauce. It's so decadent but literally takes about 5 minutes to make. And more often than not, I'll simply serve a delicious selection of cheese piled on to one of my cake stands.
DO A TABLE PLAN -
Although it feels bit formal, I think guests really like a table plan as sometimes they don't know where to sit. The only rule I stick to; I never put husbands and wives next to each other. Recently I've started putting the girls at one end of the table and the boys at the other and everyone seems to appreciate it!
Ilove these hand painted candles from Bougie Wax. They come in lots of different seasonal designs or can be customised to any design of your choice. I'm loving these mushroom and leafy ones for Autumn.
Ambar's collection of contemporary merino wool throws which have been specially designed for Heal's look so stylish draped over a chair or the back of a sofa. This moss and off white stripe is particularly chic.
I've had so many compliments about my Alienina woven cashmere bag. Handwoven in Italy, the slouchy style seems to work well with so many outfits. I’ve invested in a smokey grey colour for this season.
Victoria Beckham's new Luminous Coverage Concealer Pen has been made with skincare supremo Augustinus Bader, so it offers skincare benefits as well as covering dark circles under the eyes. Seriously one of the best concealers I've tried. It glides on and leaves a radiant finish to the skin. I wear the colour LM2.
DO A TABLE PLAN -
Although it feels bit formal, I think guests really like a table plan as sometimes they don't know where to sit. The only rule I stick to; I never put husbands and wives next to each other. Recently I've started putting the girls at one end of the table and the boys at the other and everyone seems to appreciate it!
Ilove these hand painted candles from Bougie Wax. They come in lots of different seasonal designs or can be customised to any design of your choice. I'm loving these mushroom and leafy ones for Autumn.
Ambar's collection of contemporary merino wool throws which have been specially designed for Heal's look so stylish draped over a chair or the back of a sofa. This moss and off white stripe is particularly chic.
I've had so many compliments about my Alienina woven cashmere bag. Handwoven in Italy, the slouchy style seems to work well with so many outfits. I’ve invested in a smokey grey colour for this season.
Victoria Beckham's new Luminous Coverage Concealer Pen has been made with skincare supremo Augustinus Bader, so it offers skincare benefits as well as covering dark circles under the eyes. Seriously one of the best concealers I've tried. It glides on and leaves a radiant finish to the skin. I wear the colour LM2.
Allow yourself to be blown away by Van Gogh's most celebrated paintings at this special exhibition at The National Gallery to mark its 200th Anniversary. Running until January 15th 2025, the Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers Exhibition
is the gallery's first exhibition devoted to Van Gogh and includes all of his legendary paintings including the artist's Sunflowers, Chair and Starry Night. It's probably the only chance we'll get to see so many of his most glorious paintings under one roof.
