This document discusses the trend of embracing a "homely" or domestic aesthetic for entertaining and events in 2014. It notes that many people enjoy relaxing at home more than going out, and that top brands are now incorporating home accessories and a cozy, personalized feel into their events. Some examples given include Louis Vuitton using hand-illustrated tablecloths and a wedding atelier decorated with antique furnishings and floral installations. Vendors have emerged to meet this need, like florists using printed china and fashion houses expanding into home goods. Embracing items and styles from brands like Oscar de la Renta or House of Hackney is suggested as a way to add drama and personality to events. Overall the

1. In truth, how many of us
would admit to secretly
being homebodies? By
which, I mean fans of tea served in
our (whisper it, chipped) favourite
china cup and brewed just so;
sticklers for sharing dinner with our
families rather than solo dining
straight from the fridge; and just as
likely to blow hundreds of Dirhams on
a silken cushion in a ravishing
geometric print as a Saint Laurent
blouse. Not the intrinsic visions of
scruffy evenings with a box set and a
take-away that no doubt sprang to
mind; although these certainly had
their charm, especially when silk
pyjamas for outerwear were trending in Spring/Summer 2013.
But praise be, it seems like finally the Gods are on our side,
fellow home-lovers. Not merely a slogan-tee worn by the likes of Cara
Delevingne and Rihanna, being one of the ‘Homies’ is set to be a
huge trend for entertaining this year. With the converging of trends
in event design, at-home hosting, decorating tastes and lifestyle,
it is small wonder that from table linen to furnishing, rental
options and venues, values of character and comfort are
ruling the roost. For myself and my creative team this
makes a lot of both financial and aesthetic sense.
After all, you invest a great deal of time and
money on making your home reflect your
idiosyncratic style, so why look anywhere else
when searching for just the right
inspiration for a personal soiree?
This does not necessarily
mean entertaining
at home. Just think of the epic
dishwashing and inevitable marks on
your ivory shearling carpet! Yet it can be a
game changer for a distinctive and striking
party, a brilliant way of injecting your personal
look and making an event ultra-memorable. This
may very well be why brands have been harnessing
such homely accessories and embellishments at their
events of late; instantly creating a conversation point, a
connection with the guest achieved simply by adding a
dash of vibrancy and a cutting-edge into their parties. Think
of Louis Vuitton’s recent Townhouse opening in London –
all hand illustrated tablecloths in rainbow shades, or the recent
Quintessentially Weddings Atelier with its faded grandeur
of a high society mansion, reimagined in antique
furnishings, floral installations straight from an Erdem
gown and mirrors adorned with calligraphy in place of
the traditional signage.
Vendors and décor designers have been quick
off the mark to meet this new need: florists using
printed china vases in variegated shades of blue create
impact, whilst traditional fashion houses carry on the
work of Ralph Lauren making the foray into choice
homewares. Oscar de la Renta’s Bajan getaway chic,
maximalist British brand House of Hackney, the endlessly opulent
penchant for gold and bombastic pattern of Versace recently
showcased at Beyonce’s New Year bash – enlisting items from
each is a wonderful way to add drama and a haute bohemian
feel to your gathering. What’s more, besides
simultaneously creating your own meaningful,
multidimensional signature style and ensuring
your party stands apart, this new homeliness is
starting to transcend into menus. It is no
coincidence that this year is set to be that of
‘Soul Food’ according to futurologists. In
essence, this is food that makes you feel
good from spiced fried chicken to ice
cream cake bombes, thus making
you cheerful company. And
we can all identify
with that.
ENTERTAIN
Above: A blooming
good welcome will
create the right first
impression. Right: Cult
brand du jour House
of Hackney blend
sweet with street.
Harper’s BAZAARINTERIORS|117
MARINAISHEADOFEVENTSATQUINTESSENTIALLYEVENTS.CONTACTMARINA@QUINTESSENTIALLYEVENTS.COM
MARINADECOATGOUREDEN knows a little
something about parties. Here she celebrates
a distinctly domestic vibe for celebration in 2014
L'art de
VIVRE