Each space in your home has something different to offer, so why not take your next event beyond the dining area?

Words: Ingrid Lamb

Contemporary open-plan layouts may be spacious, but there is something to be said for utilising each area of your home for the unique features that is has to offer.

Whether you are planning your next renovation, or thinking about where in your home to host your next impressive soiree, it can help to keep your entertaining style in mind and think about the different atmosphere you would like to create.


Considering a dinner under the stars? Taking the time to create a magical outdoor dining area will not only keep guests comfortable, but also help everyone to get swept up in the moment.

It’s all about thinking through the details. Invest in a sturdy outdoor table setting. Wrought iron chairs can look charming contrasted with a marble table. Consider the lighting – adequate overhead lighting paired with lowlights throughout the garden will create pockets of interest without distracting from the meal. Finish by decorating with some beautiful outdoor candles – perhaps mosquito-repellent citronella to ensure unwanted guests don’t join the table!


Hosting a pool party? Consider your guest list – are children likely to be attending? A pool can add a playful element to any party but good fencing and visibility will help to avoid any mishaps. A perfectly manicured and raked lawn will be soft on bare feet and lounging areas, covered in weatherproof fabric, will give parents a much-needed site of respite.


While open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas allow more space for an entertainer’s kitchen, why not consider partially closing off a dining area for more intimate affairs? This allows for a large, easy-to-navigate kitchen that is out of sight from guests. A smaller dining area can create a cosy corner that helps guests to feel more at home.


A quiet area, away from the rest of the house, is the perfect spot for a movie night. Plenty of soft cushions, fluffy throws and perhaps the odd ottoman or side table will help to create a comfortable area for your guests to sit back, relax and enjoy the show – don’t forget the snacks!