Hosting Tips for Your Next Long Lunch ~ with Lisa Danielle

On a balmy afternoon in February, long-time friend of Spell Lisa Danielle hosted a heavenly soiree at The Range ~ a sun-drenched property tucked away in the Byron Bay hinterland.

Whether you are celebrating beneath the sun or enjoying the cozy indoors, Lisa offers some of her top hosting tips for your next long lunch enjoyed amongst friends.

1. Set the mood

Take a little time to consider how you would like your guests to feel when they arrive ~ perhaps you want to evoke a sense of summer by the European seaside or transport your guests to a botanical and earthy celebration in your courtyard. Setting a theme will provide a perfect starting point to your planning and make each and every element feel thoughtful!

2. Decor Details

At the forefront of everyone’s Insta feeds and at the heart of every gathering is the table setting. Your setting doesn’t need to be styled too perfectly ~ fuss free and imperfect tablescapes are definitely having their moment this year! Don’t be afraid to mix statement glassware with contrasting tones and textures, and opt for uniquely shaped candles to create an eye-catching space for your guests to pass plates and share stories.

3. More flower, More power

I surely don’t need to convince you of the wonders of florals when it comes to table styling! Flowers can bring your theme to life and are the perfect finishing touch to a picturesque table. The added scents are a delicious bonus as well!

1. Set the mood

Take a little time to consider how you would like your guests to feel when they arrive ~ perhaps you want to evoke a sense of summer by the European seaside or transport your guests to a botanical and earthy celebration in your courtyard. Setting a theme will provide a perfect starting point to your planning and make each and every element feel thoughtful!

2. Decor Details

At the forefront of everyone’s Insta feeds and at the heart of every gathering is the table setting. Your setting doesn’t need to be styled too perfectly ~ fuss free and imperfect tablescapes are definitely having their moment this year! Don’t be afraid to mix statement glassware with contrasting tones and textures, and opt for uniquely shaped candles to create an eye-catching space for your guests to pass plates and share stories.

3. More flower, More power

I surely don’t need to convince you of the wonders of florals when it comes to table styling! Flowers can bring your theme to life and are the perfect finishing touch to a picturesque table. The added scents are a delicious
bonus as well!

4. Think about the extras

The small special touches you add, will stay with your guests long after they have departed. From the details of your floral arrangements ~ adding fruit to our Utopia dinner table setting was such a wow factor! ~ to the themed tunes you have prepped on a playlist for your guests, there’s no detail too small that won’t add to the ambience you are creating!

5. Create conversation and connection

A welcoming introduction is key ~ don’t shy away from telling the first story or connecting new friends that have commonalities they have yet to discover about one other! I particularly love an activity that includes everyone in on the fun. From being involved in the cooking, having someone perform live music, flower arranging, or painting the landscape, it brings everyone together and keeps the conversations and laughter rolling long into the night!

6. Wear it well

A long lunch creates its fair share of duties on a host’s to-do list, but remember to set enough time aside to de-stress and dress yourself before your guests arrive! Even though you may have been preparing all day, that moment of pampering will transform you! The electric bohemian tones of the Tyler Shirt and Tyler Wide Leg Pants transported me right to the Spanish Finca inspired Utopia I dreamt up when planning and I was ready for our fun to begin!

4. Think about the extras

The small special touches you add, will stay with your guests long after they have departed. From the details of your floral arrangements ~ adding fruit to our Utopia dinner table setting was such a wow factor! ~ to the themed tunes you have prepped on a playlist for your guests, there’s no detail too small that won’t add to the ambience you are creating!

5. Create conversation and connection

A welcoming introduction is key ~ don’t shy away from telling the first story or connecting new friends that have commonalities they have yet to discover about one other! I particularly love an activity that includes everyone in on the fun. From being involved in the cooking, having someone perform live music, flower arranging, or painting the landscape, it brings everyone together and keeps the conversations and laughter rolling long
into the night!

6. Wear it well

A long lunch creates its fair share of duties on a host’s to-do list, but remember to set enough time aside to de-stress and dress yourself before your guests arrive! Even though you may have been preparing all day, that moment of pampering will transform you! The electric bohemian tones of the Tyler Shirt and Tyler Wide Leg Pants transported me right to the Spanish Finca inspired Utopia I dreamt up when planning and I was ready for our fun to begin!