Entertaining Made Easy: Hosting With Style

The Style of Showing Up

The days are getting longer and the air is taking on that familiar warmth, so naturally, our homes begin to open up. Doors left open, sandals kicked off, drinks poured without occasion. There’s a relaxed simplicity to this time of year, a sense that connection can happen anywhere at any time. Whether it’s a few friends dropping by after the beach or a long-overdue family lunch, creating a welcoming space doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to feel like you.

Create a Relaxed Vibe With Lighting and Layers

The atmosphere starts with the little things that quietly shape how a space feels. Think tea light candles scattered across the table, fairy lights draped along the fence, or a string of bulbs stretched over the back deck, simple additions that shift the mood instantly. If it’s a cooler evening, a fire pit can bring warmth while doubling as a natural gathering point. Your table doesn’t have to be elaborate, sometimes less is more, opt for a wooden board running through the centre layered with linen napkins, ceramic dishes and a few glass tumblers is enough. Add a bowl of lemons or a bundle of greenery from the garden to bring in colour and a lively element.

Keep It Flexible and Functional

A good hosting setup works with how you actually live. Pull in a bench for extra seating or turn a tray table into a drinks station. If you’ve got an outdoor kitchen, fill the sink with ice and turn it into an esky. Let stools and cushions move around with the group. Hosting doesn’t need a full plan, just make the space feel like it’s ready for whatever kind of catch-up unfolds.

Hosting Is a Feeling

People won’t remember your matching napkin rings. They’ll remember how your place felt. Calm. Welcoming. Easygoing. That’s what styling is really about, making your space work for you so you can actually enjoy the moment. So pour yourself a drink, take a seat, and get amongst it.