Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Carolyn Fisher, a seasoned host renowned among her social circle for creating memorable gatherings that make every guest feel genuinely welcomed. Over a cup of tea, Carolyn shared her insights into what truly makes a great event, and the essence of hosting that leaves a lasting impression on her guests. As the festive season approaches, it’s a timely reflection on how we can all elevate our hosting game.
Impress your guests with an Elegancia-built entertaining haven.
Carolyn and her husband, Peter, have transformed their home into a haven for celebrations, ranging from intimate dinner parties to grand festive gatherings. Their annual Sunday evening Advent celebrations are a cherished tradition, drawing friends and family together in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Carolyn’s approach to hosting is refreshingly simple yet profoundly effective. She believes that the magic of a great event lies not in lavish decorations or gourmet meals, but in the genuine warmth and care extended to each guest.
The Art of Simple Pleasures
Carolyn emphasises that hosting is not about reinventing the wheel but about focusing on the basics: food, drinks, candles, flowers, and maintaining low expectations. “We don’t do anything extraordinary,” she says with a modest smile. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel at ease and valued.”
Food is, of course, a central element of any gathering. Carolyn and Peter prefer to prepare the majority of dishes themselves, ensuring that they are both delicious and efficient to serve. “We like to stick to familiar, comforting flavours, especially in winter,” Carolyn explains. “Dishes that can be enjoyed with one hand, because our guests are often mingling.”
One of their crowd-pleasers includes Vietnamese Flank Steak Sandwiches, which combine robust flavours and ease of preparation. For more informal gatherings, they might serve tomato soup in mugs with open-faced cheese melts—simple yet satisfying.
Inclusive Drink Options
Drinks are another area where Carolyn and Peter excel in making guests feel special. They typically offer a few signature cocktails alongside a variety of wines and non-alcoholic options. “Not everyone drinks alcohol, and we want everyone to feel included,” Carolyn notes. A refreshing non-alcoholic lemonade mixed with club soda is a popular choice, ensuring that all guests have something delightful to sip on.
Investing in the Essentials
A crucial tip Carolyn shares is the value of investing in real dishes and glassware. “Having sturdy, identical sets of dishes has saved us so much money and hassle over the years,” she says. They also use dry-erase markers to label glasses, a simple yet effective trick to reduce waste and keep things organised. This attention to detail enhances the guest experience, making it feel more personal and considered.
Creating Atmosphere with Candles and Flowers
While Peter focuses on the culinary elements, Carolyn is the maestro of atmosphere. She believes that a warm and inviting environment is crucial for a successful event. “Candles and flowers are my go-to,” she shares. “Candles provide a cosy glow and help hide any less-than-perfect corners, while fresh flowers bring a touch of nature’s beauty into our home.”
Carolyn’s philosophy is that hosting should not be about stress or perfection but about creating a space where people can connect and enjoy each other’s company. “A clean house is nice, but it’s not the be-all and end-all,” she laughs. “We just want our guests to feel relaxed and appreciated.”
An Invitation to Connect
As our conversation wrapped up, Carolyn offered a final piece of advice for aspiring hosts: “Invite someone who needs an invitation. Whether it’s a neighbour or someone new to the area, be open to welcoming others. The connections you form can be truly rewarding.”
Her words resonate with the spirit of the season, reminding us that the heart of hosting is about bringing people together. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or a cosy gathering, the key is to focus on what truly matters—making your guests feel valued and loved.
As you prepare to entertain this festive season, take a leaf out of Carolyn and Peter’s book. With a little thoughtfulness and a lot of heart, you can create events that your guests will cherish long after the last candle has been blown out.
Happy hosting!
Sarah Dale
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