I’ve talked a lot on Service95 about my love for hosting – whether it’s a casual drink, a sit-down dinner, or having friends stay over, there’s something about having people at mine that I absolutely love. But the more I host, the more I realise that there’s a true art to it. There are so many elements; the music, the ambience, the lighting and, of course, the food and drink!
If you’re having people over soon and wondering where to start, here are my five tips for hosting at home...
1. Always serve some fun natural wines. And for friends who don’t drink, have non-alcoholic spirit options such as Seedlip and Ghia Apéritif.
2. A good playlist is essential. Check out Service95’s Spotify for inspiration!
3. Serve up sharing plates. They’re my favourite dishes to serve, so everyone can dig in.
4. Invite friends who you think will get along. Or don’t and see what happens! Who you put in the middle of the table is very important. As per Larry David from Curb Your Enthusiasm, choose someone who can keep the conversation flowing on both sides.
5. Plan an after-dinner game to really break the ice. My favourites are Cards Against Humanity, We’re Not Really Strangers or Where Should We Begin? by Esther Perel.
Dua x
