As any seasoned host will know, half the fun of throwing a dinner party is the prepping beforehand.
Whether it’s the menu, planning your tablescape, stemware and a welcome cocktail; or knowing you have the right dining table or bar stools so everyone’s seated comfortably – and the conversation and can flow over a long, lazy lunch, or late into the evening.
After all, having everything to hand and sometimes the simplest of things can make a big style impact.
Here’s what’s on our entertaining wish list…
1. ProCook Cast Iron Casserole Dish – Ice Blue, £65 (24cm round), ProCook
With casserole season coming into full swing, one of the joys of a pastel coloured, cast iron dish is knowing it makes a great centrepiece when you’re plating up at the table. With gloss enamel exterior, oven safe and suitable for hobs, including induction.
2. Madeira Stoneware Reactive Glaze 16-piece Set in Midnight Blue, £99, ProCook
Very of the moment and versatile, glazed stoneware can go from brunch to buffet to a beautiful themed tablescape. And with four dinner plates, side plates and cereal bowls which can double up for pasta, this speckled blue and ivory set ticks all the right boxes. Durable and dishwasher safe.
3. Autumn Red Dinner Candles – 18cm, £1.50 each, other coloured candles from a selection, Heavenly Homes
With nights drawing in, autumn is the season for ambient candlelight. And with a choice of autumnal hues, these dinner candles can be bunched together for a decorative table setting with a co-ordinating ribbon.
4. Drink Responsibly, Don’t Spill Bone China Plate, £20 (was £40), Avalon Home
A conversation starter, chances are your guests will find Happy Hour even more convivial with these witty side plates for nibbles or starters.
5. Laurel Drinks Cabinet, £50, rest of items from a selection, B&M Home, in-store
A solid drinks cabinet with room for storing wine, cocktail glasses and spirits, this drinks cabinet is a must for budding mixologists.
6. Evelyn Olive Green Velvet Bar Stools, £279 each, Danetti
Fashioned in a luxe-looking recycled velvet, these olive green bar stools have boutique-style hotel bar; or bijou space written all over them. With a plush cushioned seat and gently curved backrest for extra comfort, think coffee mornings or wine and cheese night.
7. Four Golden Wine Glasses, £55, Cox & Cox
With a wine-tasting on the cards, chances are you might need to invest in some new stemware to complement a favourite bottle of wine. These honey-toned glasses are perfectly placed for whites, rosé or even orange wines.
8. Malin Dark Wood 4 Seater Dining Table – Dark Mango Wood – £799; Anya Dining Chair – Natural Fabric, £179 each, Danetti
This decorative dining table with an eye-catching fluted base makes a statement before anyone’s pulled up a chair. Sculptural with a focus on quality and design, it’s made from sustainably sourced mango wood… and the rich dark tone is tailor-made for ivory dining chairs in a chunky chenille with upholstered legs to lean into the autumnal, cosy vibe.
9. Portland Iron and Glass Drinks Trolley, £185, One.World
A drinks trolley is worth its weight in gold when you consider it can be wheeled out for parties, double up as a display unit for decanters, vases and curios. Not to mention storage for spirits, glassware, ice bucket and a prized bottle. Cheers!
