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Hostess With The Mostest: Friendsmas Edition
Sorting out the food is only half the fight – a truly memorable ‘Friendsmas’ dinner also calls for a cool and festive tablescape. To help you get a jump start on yours, we’ve rounded up the best bits, and called on Matilda Bea –@MatildaBeaa on Instagram and TikTok – to share her top tips.
Images: @MATILDABEAA
I TRY TO MAKE MY DINNER PARTIES AS PERSONALISED AND THOUGHTFUL AS POSSIBLE, AND I FIND INDIVIDUAL NAME PLACES AND MENU CARDS GO A LONG WAY. PAPIER IS ALWAYS MY GO-TO AND I REALLY LOVE THE BRAND'S COLLABORATION WITH MATILDA GOAD.
IF THERE'S SPACE, A BUFFET ARRANGEMENT ON THE COUNTERTOP IS MORE CASUAL AND ENCOURAGES MORE INTERACTION BETWEEN YOUR GUESTS. DON'T BE AFRAID TO MIX DELI OR STORE-BOUGHT FOOD WITH HOME-PREPARED DISHES - NOBODY HAS TO KNOW!
THE EASIEST WAY TO ELEVATE A TABLESCAPE IS TO USE CANDLES IN A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT SHAPES AND COLOURS. PAIR THEM WITH AN ARRAY OF CANDLESTICK HOLDERS, TOO. I LOVE THE BIAS EDITIONS WIGGLY CANDLESTICK HOLDERS BUT THERE ARE PLENTY OF AFFORDABLE AND FESTIVE OPTIONS IN FLYING TIGER, PRIMARK HOME, ANNA + NINA AND ARKET.
@MATILDABEAA
TO SAVE TIME I ORDER DESSERT FROM SOME OF MY FAVOURITE BAKERIES SUCH AS PRIMROSE BAKERY, LILY VANILLI AND APRIL'S BAKERY. IF YOU'RE GOING FOR SMALL TREATS, HOLD OFF ON SPLURGING ON FANCY CHOCOLATES AND BUY AN ASSORTMENT OF YOUR FAVOURITE SHARING-SIZED BAGS AND ARRANGE THEM IN PRETTY BOWLS OR GLASSES.
FOR A QUICK AND EASY FESTIVE ARRANGEMENT, DRIED ORANGES AND CINNAMON STICKS ARE AN EASY WIN. THEY ALSO SCENT THE HOUSE AND MAKE IT FEEL MORE CHRISTMASSY. THIS YEAR, I'VE CREATED A FLORAL GARLAND FOR MY STAIRCASE AND FIREPLACE USING LEFTOVER PINE CONES, DRIED FLOWERS, RED BERRIES AND FAIRY LIGHTS.
WELCOME DRINKS ALWAYS GET THE PARTY STARTED. FOR A FESTIVE TOUCH, I LIKE TO FILL CLEAR CHRISTMAS BAUBLES WITH THE DRINKS FOR MY GUESTS TO POUR OVER ICE.
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