7 Entertaining Lessons From India Hicks’s Newest Book
It’s safe to say that we’re inspired by interior designer India Hicks’s artful approach to living and entertaining. Whether she’s gathering with friends in England or the Bahamas, Hicks knows how to throw a memorable, design-forward fête.
Last month, Hicks released her newest book, Entertaining, with a Side of Chaos. It’s filled with tips and tricks for those of us looking to learn how to host à la Hicks (so, all of us!). Below, you’ll find seven of our top takeaways from Hicks’s writing.
Image courtesy of Pomegranate Home
1. Placemats are a must.
In Hicks’s own words, placemats are “the backbone of a table,” and, as such, are essential no matter the occasion. Hicks appreciates that a placemat “defines space,” and ties each place setting together seamlessly. When it comes to placemat style, though, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Sometimes, Hicks will land on a placemat made of the same fabric as her tablecloth, while in other instances, she’ll engage in a bit of pattern mixing. And speaking of tablecloths, feel free to get resourceful here—as Hicks notes, even a duvet cover can make for a fantastic table covering!
2. A seating chart is key.
By no means should name cards solely be reserved for corporate dinners and formal events such as weddings; Hicks is a firm believer in making a seating chart at home as well. She appreciates that placing guests beside people whom they may not already know can lead to memorable conversations and takeaways that last long beyond a given party. She’s a proponent of separating couples at the table, too.
3. Get creative with your centerpiece.
While a vase of flowers is the de facto centerpiece for many, Hicks maintains that there are many other routes to go when it comes to jazzing up a casual table. One of her top tips? “Let food behave like flowers,” she writes, noting that produce such as tomatoes, limes, and citrus with leaves attached can be lovely displayed on a tabletop (try placing them in a chic woven bowl). Moreover, not all blooms need to live in a vase, Hicks adds. Rather, she explains, “Some of the best arrangements lie flat, weaving gently between plates.”
Image courtesy of Pomegranate Home
4. In a world of rechargeable lamps, don’t bypass candles.
While Hicks will style her tables with cordless, rechargeable lamps—which have been heavily trending in recent years—she remains partial to candles on the dining table when possible, particularly when she’s hosting a girls’ dinner for a small group. “Some evenings you would quite like the light to be kind, to be forgiving, and to do a little of the work for you,” she writes.
5. Don’t be afraid to order takeout.
Not much of a cook? Hicks isn’t either, and with that, she’s a proponent of ordering takeout to serve at a party instead of whipping up a gourmet meal. When going this route, simply amp up your presentation. “Arrange it beautifully on boards and dishes, add flowers and flattering light,” she encourages.
Image courtesy of Pomegranate Home
6. Keep your bar station simple.
Hicks offers a few key tips with regard to beverages—for one, she notes, be sure to purchase more ice than you anticipate needing. As it pertains to your drink menu, less is more. “Fewer, well-chosen spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic options feel more confident than an overwhelming spread,” she explains. Don’t forget the garnishes, either. Hicks will make sure to set out citrus slices, herbs, or olives to up the ante.
7. Always have a backup plan.
Last but not least, a good host will always entertain with a backup plan, at least when serving guests outdoors. In England, Hicks is accustomed to having to relocate an outdoor dining setup at the drop of a hat should rain begin to fall. She advises kicking off any outdoor gathering with a preconceived backup plan as to where guests (and the table) will go in the event of unpleasant weather. With that, she recommends serving “forgiving food” at these types of gatherings—after all, she notes, “stews, salads, and platters survive relocation far better than a soufflé.”
