Whether you’re planning a family barbecue, inviting friends over for dinner, or just making the most of the longer evenings while we have them, summer is always a great time to have guests over. Now, while hosting isn’t about having a perfectly styled (and clean!) house, or a magazine-worthy dining room, it is about making sure your home (and dining room, magazine or not) can actually serve the people you have over. Most guests won’t ever notice if your cushions don’t match, or if the table isn’t set with elaborate cutlery. What they will remember is how comfortable they felt, how easy it was to relax, and the conversations had long after plates had been cleared away.
If you enjoy entertaining, or maybe just want to do more of it, a few furniture choices can make a real difference to your set up. Here are five pieces that can help make hosting easier, more comfortable, and overall, more enjoyable for everyone!
1. Make Room for Everyone
We’ve all been there, and on both ends of the spectrum; someone brings along a partner nobody was expecting, people who had to cancel can suddenly make it, or for some reason, everyone seems to gravitate into the same space that’s just too small for the people in it (hint; it’s usually the dining room). All of a sudden, you’re trying to squeeze extra chairs in where there really isn’t the room for them, everyone is a bit too close for comfort, and you’ve got knees and elbows knocking. Happens to the best of us, trust me.
This is where an extendable dining table really comes in handy. Instead of taking up valuable space that you might need day to day, it gives you the flexibility to create extra room only when you need it. Two of our favourites are the Catania, which extends from 1.8m to 2.6m, and the Lucia, from 1.3m to 1.7m.
2. Keep Everyone Comfortable Around the Table
Take a moment for me, and think back to the best dinner party you’ve ever been to. Or, consider the worst, and think about what stood out. Did people rush away the moment the meal was finished? Hopefully not — that’s definitely something you want to avoid. The most memorable evenings are the ones where people stay chatting for hours, sharing stores, and forgetting to check the time (but not forgetting to keep everyone’s glasses topped up!).
Comfortable dining chairs make a much bigger difference than you might think. Supportive seating encourages your guests to linger, which really sets a dinner apart from a meal. Upholstered chairs or well-designed supportive seats can make longer gatherings that much more enjoyable for all involved.
3. Keep Hosting Clutter-Free with Smart Storage
One of the less glamorous parts of entertaining is the ardous task of simply finding somewhere to put everything. Serving dishes, bottles, candles, placemats, and cutlery all have to live somewhere before (and after!) your guests arrive.
A sideboard is great in this situation; it helps to keep everything organised, and close at hand, without taking up space on your dining table or kitchen worktops. It also handily doubles as a serving station, which works in your favour.
4. Make the Most of Outdoor Living
With the summer we’re having, it’d be foolish not to make the most of it! When the evenings are long, and it’s actually pleasant outside, take advantage, and allow your garden, balcony, or patio to become an extension of your living space with the right furniture.
A sturdy (and extendable!) outdoor dining table like the Lazio is the perfect setting for al fresco meals, especially when paired with the Modena chairs. A relaxed seating area, like our Modena Sofa is an ideal spot for evening drinks, catching up with friends, and enjoying the weather while we have it. If you really want to take it to the next level, add a few cushions, a blanket or two, and you’ll have a space people will never want to leave.
5. It’s the Little Details That Guests Remember
At the end of the day, great hosting isn’t about impressing people, and nor should it be. It’s about making them feel welcome, and more often than not, it’s the smallest details that contribute to this.
Think about how people will move around your space, and make sure there’s room to chat without anyone having to squeeze past furniture. Keep a side table nearby for drinks (and some coasters, if you’re fancy), light some candles, and have some throws ready. These simple touches really help to make people feel relaxed, and that’s what people will remember long after they’ve left.
Create a Home That’s Ready for Every Occasion
If nothing else, remember that the best homes aren’t the ones that look perfect; they’re the ones where people feel comfortable enough to put their feet up, stay for another cup of tea, and lose track of time. Good furniture can’t create these moments on its own, but it can make them easier.