Hosting isn’t just about dinner parties—it’s also about setting the scene, creating a vibe, and making sure the wine never runs out
They say good hosts make guests feel at home. However, great hosts make them never want to leave. Whether you’re curating the perfect dinner party or hosting an impromptu soirée, being the hostess with the mostest is an art form—one that requires equal parts charm, good lighting, and a few fabulous essentials.
So, I couldn’t help but wonder… do we throw parties to impress others, or to convince ourselves that we, too, belong in an Architectural Digest spread?
Either way, here’s your ultimate guide to hosting in style, because if you’re going to do it, darling, do it chicly.
READ: The art of handaan: Turning gatherings into timeless expressions
Statement tableware that subtly says effortlessly chic
A flimsy wine bucket? Please. Find a beverage tub that not only keeps your wine and bubbly perfectly chilled but also doubles as a statement piece because your drink station deserves main character energy.
Local and handcrafted from high-grade cast polymer with polyester resin, this tub is as durable as it is chic. Whether it’s perched on your dining table or holding court on your bar cart, it brings sophistication with a side of “I totally have my life together.” And if the night gets a little chaotic? At least your drinks stay refreshingly cool—because someone’s gotta hold it together.
Stylish serveware
Let’s be real—presentation matters. A well-styled charcuterie board isn’t just sustenance; it’s a statement, too. Pile on the creamy brie, drizzle some honeycomb, scatter those artisanal crackers, and suddenly, your table looks like it belongs in a lifestyle magazine (or at least on everyone’s IG stories).
And then there’s the statement serving bowl. Picture a sleek ceramic bowl for your lemony pasta, a sculptural wood dish for your truffle popcorn obsession, or a hand-thrown stoneware piece making your “I just threw this together” salad look like a masterpiece. The right serveware says, “I have taste,” without you ever having to.
Pretty (but practical) glassware
The secret to unforgettable hosting? Thoughtful details that feel effortless yet leave a lasting impression—starting with glassware that makes a statement.
Klevering’s playful yet sophisticated martini glasses bring just the right amount of vintage charm, with sculptural stems and an eye-catching design. A classic martini, a refreshing spritz, or even a dressed-up mocktail instantly feels more special in these beauties.
Drinks that keep the conversation flowing
Your 20s were for questionable vodka sodas. Your late 20s? That’s for a wine that’s a little wild, a little unexpected, and effortlessly cool—just like your guest list. Echeverría No Es Pituko Rosé 2023, which literally translates to “it’s not fancy,” is proof that great wine doesn’t need additives or overcomplication. This natural, unfiltered Chilean rosé skips the unnecessary processing, letting its raw, vibrant flavors shine. Think wild raspberry, watermelon rind, and crushed herbs and flowers—like a sun-drenched summer afternoon in a glass.
Serve it chilled, pour generously, and watch as your guests start dramatically reconsidering everything they thought they knew about rosé.
Lighting that sets the mood
Lighting is the unsung hero of a great gathering—it sets the scene, flatters your guests, and makes everything (and everyone) look a little more magical. Overhead fluorescents? Absolutely not. Instead, embrace the kind of warm, dim lighting that feels like a soft-focus filter in real life.
A well-placed table lamp, a cluster of taper candles, or even a chic pleated mushroom lamp can instantly transform your space from everyday to effortlessly elegant. The goal? To make your apartment feel less like a waiting room and more like the kind of intimate, glowing atmosphere where cocktails flow, secrets are spilled, and no one wants to leave.
A signature scent that sets the mood
Every great host knows that ambiance is more than just what’s on the table—it’s in the air, too.
Scent is the first thing guests notice when they walk in, and this one? Instantly memorable. Previously a limited-edition favorite, De Nîmes is now a Boy Smells staple, blending almond, rhubarb, violet, ambergris, blueberry, and juniper.
The mix of soft florals, warm woods, and subtle seaside minerality creates an inviting, intimate atmosphere—like a cozy dinner party in the South of France. Light it an hour before guests arrive for that “my home always smells this good” effect.
Effortless elegance in the tablescape
View this post on Instagram
The best tablescapes aren’t just about pretty plates and glassware—it’s the little details that make everything feel effortlessly put together, too. And nothing pulls it off better than fresh florals and greenery.
Even the simplest arrangement can change the whole mood. A few wildflowers? Cool and casual. Eucalyptus? Instantly chic. It’s that perfect balance of styled-but-not-trying-too-hard.
But it’s not just about the look. Fresh flowers add a soft fragrance and an energy that makes even a low-key dinner feel special. Set them out before guests arrive, and suddenly, your table (and your hosting game) feels next-level.
Playlist perfection
The right playlist sets the tone, keeps the energy effortless, and makes the whole night feel seamlessly put-together. Think indie pop for a little charm, soft jazz for understated sophistication, and vibey house beats to keep things flowing. The key? A mix that feels natural, never overpowering, but always enhancing the moment.
Rather than hitting shuffle, curate a full playlist that flows from cocktails to candlelight and late-night conversations. Start with breezy, feel-good tracks as guests arrive, ease into something richer during dinner, and wind down with smooth, soulful beats as the night fades. And for the finishing touch? Give it a clever name—because a well-crafted playlist isn’t just heard, it’s felt.
The take-home treat
This is optional but seriously iconic. A thoughtful take-home treat is the perfect final touch, giving guests a little something to remember the night by.
Think mini bottles of homemade cocktail mixers for a nightcap encore, beautifully wrapped cookies for a sweet post-party indulgence, or a few candid photos from the night printed and slipped into an envelope—because nothing beats a stylish, tangible memory. It’s a simple, chic way to say, “Loved having you—let’s do this again soon.”
