Entertaining
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What makes a party that people will remember?
Lucy Clayton considers what makes a party swing, with reference to Regency ballrooms, Salvador Dalí's cookbook, and Truman Capote's legendary Black & White Ball
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Sophie Dahl on how to be a thoughtful host to your guests
Our columnist reflects on the etiquette of hosting over the festive season, and how to treat your guests as you would wish to be treated
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The stylish party foods to know now
Throwing a festive bash? Ditch the blinis and go for something more on trend
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How to be a good host (and a good guest) over the festive season
Some people aren't natural hosts and others make terrible guests. As we all prepare to welcome and be welcomed into each other's houses this season, here's the ultimate guide to not being a pain, whether you're hosting or being hosted
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Dear Fiona: how do I fit more guests into my house than I have room for?
Our resident columnist Fiona McKenzie Johnston helps a reader stop panicking about hosting a magical family Christmas in a not-quite-big-enough house
News
The best two player card games that are easy enough to pick up immediately
From Gin Rummy to Irish Snap, pick up the rules for these two-player card games in a flash
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How to throw a Diwali party
Interior designer Shalini Misra has been throwing a Diwali party for the last 30 years. Dubbed “Diwali Auntie” by friends and family, she shares her tips for how to throw a Diwali party
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At home with an ebullient gallerist-turned-chatelaine and entrepreneur in the Loire Valley
In an extract from his new book How They Entertain, Pierre Sauvage speaks to Flore de Brantes about her ‘personal protocol’ for entertaining, her favourite recipes and her unique approach to restoring and decorating her ancestral home
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How to be a good host: a food writer's rules for easy gatherings
In an extract from her book ‘The Good Host’, Argentine food writer Juana Pepa lets us in on her hosting tips that make having guests a breeze
Entertaining
Simple dinner party games for adults to memorise
Become the life and soul of the party with these simple dinner party games
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Dear Fiona: I panic when people come over – how can I make it effortless?
Our resident agony aunt Fiona McKenzie Johnston helps a reader get over their fear of entertaining at home
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How to be a great host – according to a professional
Matthew Shaw, founder and creative director of luxury event planner Sauveur offers his top tips for stress-free entertaining
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Why you should have dinner in every room of your house
And what interior designers can teach us about the moveable feast – from bath salons to indoor picnics and the chicest breakfast in bed
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Olympia & Ariadne Irving's dos and don'ts of entertaining
The co-founders of Carolina Irving & Daughters share their essential tips for being the host with the most
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The key to easy summer entertaining, according to those who do it best
From playlists to personalised place cards, Tanya Burr, Paula Sutton and Noor Murad share their key takeaways for al fresco fun
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The Collagerie guide to throwing a Christmas party
Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood share their hosting tricks
Decoration
How to improvise a dinner party when you don't own anything
Tips, tricks, hints and hacks to throwing a dinner party
Entertaining
Garden party ideas for any type of outdoor space
How to turn your garden into an enchanting party venue
Entertaining
A post-lockdown refresher on how to host a dinner party
It's been months since we've been allowed anyone in our houses, so we all need a little reminder of how to be a good host. Here's what you need to remember, with some added insight from Shalini Misra
Eating & Drinking
How chef Ben Tish hosts a romantic meal for two
Find out how a professional does it at home