Entertaining is the sum of equal parts preparation, presentation, and inspiration. It offers us a means of connecting with good food and company, lifting our spirits and wrapping guests and family in the warm embrace of good intentions. It comprises the love we invest into even the smallest meal, as well as our passion to bring pleasure to others - entertaining is the essence of who we are and the best of what we offer those we care about. And what better place to do it in, than in a dwelling that speaks volumes about who you are – your home?
Most modern homes are designed around creating wonderfully practical and charming spaces in which to entertain. The trend is to create open-plan living areas, comprising a lounge, dining area, family room and kitchen, which open up onto a covered patio, with adjacent pool and luscious green garden. This popular open-plan layout creates a seamless flow between the living and entertainment areas, ensuring that at no one time, the hosts are cut off from their guests.
This open-plan layout also allows for an effortless flow between the outdoor and indoor areas – bringing the fresh tranquility of nature indoors and allowing home owners to make the best of outdoor entertaining – a fantastic occupation during the hot summer months. Various installations, such as built-in braais, concertina doors and luxuriously comfortable outdoor loungers and furniture, amalgamate to make these experiences as comfortable and indulgent as possible.
Entertaining well however, does not solely rely on the set-up of the venue, to a large extent; it also relies on creating the right atmosphere. Setting the right ambience for an event can be done in a plethora of various ways – all of which rely heavily on the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.
What you see is often one of your first experiences of an event, and it can be a very effective means of setting the initial tone. Here colours and textures play a major role, as does lighting. Whether it is a romantic candle-lit dinner or a relaxed evening braai – lighting has the innate ability to really create the right vibe.
Creating a setting that is visually appealing offers a wonderful opportunity to be creative with table settings and various decorations. These will largely depend on what kind of event you are celebrating, however what ever it is, there is a wide selection of various décor items, cutlery and crockery to choose from to suit any theme or budget. These can also include various items that appeal to your olfactory senses, such as fresh flowers, scented candles and incense.
Music is another powerful tool that can be used to establish a mood. Music is a very emotional thing, and hence it has a great ability of generating emotional feelings and sentiments within us all. Whether it is a laid back, formal, family-orientated or festive occasion you are celebrating – there is undoubtedly the right type of music that will illuminate the desired sentiments. Today, there is a plethora of various impressively hi-tech home entertainment and automation products on the market that will not only entertain you with good acoustics, but will also regulate various lighting options to suit the desired mood.
Lastly, and probably most importantly – your sense of taste would be appeased with good food – the pivotal factor of all good home entertaining! – Antonella Desi
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