Our buyers’ guide to spring entertaining

Take the indoors outdoors  

“Warm weather can be slow to arrive in the UK, so we have to gradually coax ourselves outside,” says Eleanor. “Plush outdoor accessories make that a lot easier. Dress your garden furniture with linen and cotton throws by from & Tradition and HAY, rugs by Seletti, and outdoor cushions by Amuse La Bouche. They’ll make your outdoor space an inviting extension of your home so that the transition is an easy and much more comfortable one.”

Wool blanket by &TRADITION

Try no-effort tablescaping

“Mixing and matching tableware is an easy way to look as if you’ve spent hours on tablescaping,” says Eleanor. “Think clashing tablecloths, pick-and-mix linens and napkins, and what I like to call ‘extra-extra serveware’: those brilliantly designed centrepieces that add personality to a table. It’s minimal-effort eclecticism that means you can spend more time at the table, and less time trying to make everything look nice.”

Linens and placemats by HAY

Invest in conversation pieces

“Fun, artfully designed items can create a great focal point and will always spark joy and conversation around the table,” says Eleanor. “Dinosaur Designs is fantastic for this: their trippy, globular serve bowls look like they’ve been taken from The Flintstones. Kitsch pitchers are brilliant, too. Ichendorf pieces are so charming and great for entertaining. Their newest collection features tiny little toadstools, animals and cacti. Fill it with pre-made cocktails and everyone will be in high spirits from the start.”  

Glass ornament by HELLE MARDAHL STUDIO

Save room for after dessert  

“After-dinner games will always be a hit,” says Eleanor, “especially after dessert and a few cocktails.” Her game of choice? “Our Place has a brilliant conversation-starter card game called ‘Let’s Dig In’. Questions are organised into three courses: starters, main and desserts, so that they go deeper and encourage stronger connection throughout the game, ending on a high note with hilarious and make-believe scenarios. It has everyone in stitches once politeness is put to the side.”

HAAS Brothers cards by LOBJET