We've officially entered our hosting era on the Ideal Home desk, and it's partly inspired by hosting guru Laura Jackson. The TV presenter and co-founder of interiors marketplace, Glassette, has inspired us with her favourite savvy hosting tips that offer that organic quiet luxury aesthetic, on a down-to-earth budget.
Entertaining at home is in full swing this year, with many of us sacrificing holidays abroad for the British seaside or even our own gardens. And it's easier than ever to invoke the holiday spirit with some homespun hosting tips - you can even take yourself to Sicily with the Italian Nonna Chic trend.
In the brand new series, Britain's Best Beach Huts, we see Jay Blades and Laura Jackson explore the UK coastline for the best-decorated huts - from a 1940s vintage emporium to a premium bolthole on the country's most expensive beachfront. With ample inspiration to make the most of a Great British Summer, we're also looking to how we can host at home to enjoy every single second of the sought-after sun.
So whether you have a small garden to work with or a ready-made outdoor kitchen and living room, follow Laura's tips for hosting a la British seaside.
How to host a garden party like Laura Jackson
Hosting at home has never been simpler thanks to many thrifty tips that mean you don't have to spend much money to create a party for your friends to write home about. Whether you're looking for budget garden ideas to enjoy your own space or if you're lucky enough to relish in dining on the beach front, you can easily put together a picnic-esque set-up.
'We've got some gorgeous landscapes, amazing people, brilliant chefs and restauranteurs in this country,' gushes Laura Jackson. 'I think it's just it made me realize how I want to spend more time in the UK as a whole.' We didn't need any more convincing!
1. Make your own napkins
One easy way to make a tablescape feel complete is with napkins - but not the paper kind. Cloth napkins, particularly linen, make an outdoor dining set-up look restaurant quality and will make guests feel like you've gone to the utmost effort.
You can of course buy these new, but Laura suggests 'go to your nearest linen shop. There's a really big cheap one near me in London.'
'I think just going and getting really inexpensive materials and making your own. Even Etsy will sell off-cuts which are more sustainable.'
You don't have to worry about owning or knowing how to use a sewing machine either. 'I just used to tear it. I used to cut it and then peel the edges off so they're all nice and frayed, so you never have to get them tailored,' advises Laura. The result? A table design that looks chic and purposefully off the cuff.
Buying linen by the yard is a great way to maximise the amount of fabric you have to work with. Napkins, tablecloth, you name it - you can make it.
If DIY isn't your thing, then these Dunelm frayed edge napkins replicate the handmade look. The set of four means you will have enough for a small gathering, and you can even mix and match with other patterns for an elevated approach.
If you're looking to treat yourself with table linen that you'll have for years to come, then these naturally dyed napkins certainly fit the bill. While all different colours, the tonal effect is stunning.
2. Elevate ice cubes
When hosting at home, the attention is really in the detail. Small, inexpensive touches will have the biggest impact when wowing guests, or just making the mundane moments at home feel extra special.
Ice cubes are simple to amp up depending on the theme of your menu, or drinks. Laura recommends 'making an ice cube with edible flowers. It's all of those little touches that you can do to make something feel really special.' The larger the ice cub, the more room you have to make a statement, so we recommend opting for a playful sphere style like this from Amazon.
Not only do they take almost no time at all to prepare but they can also be frozen and kept aside for way past your event. This way you can make sure your garden bar is kept stocked up and you can enjoy a slice of the good life day to day.
3. Decorate your own tablecloth
Hosting, or enjoying, elaborate dinners with children can be a challenge, which is something that Laura knows all too well. The key to making dinnertime pleasant for both adults and kids is all in providing them with an activity to make it feel like playtime. However, you might not want toys strewn across your tablescape.
Instead, Laura suggests opting for 'brown paper that we let the kids draw on if we're wanting to do a pizza night or even a dinner party.'
This keeps the kids busy with colouring but also leans into the down-to-earth cafe aesthetic that is popular for casual summer hosting.
4. Go picnic style
No room for a garden table? No worries - just sit on the floor. Whether you're hosting in your garden or on the beach, laying down a blanket and some outdoor cushions creates a casual environment perfectly positioned for catching up with friends and family.
It's also a quick and easy way to elevate a regular weeknight meal. 'Having dinner on the floor as a picnic is always really nice,' enthuses Laura. 'Whenever I'm thinking about what can I do for the kids tonight and it's been warm, we've just had a picnic in the garden. Just put down a blanket and some indoor cushions.'
Nothing screams summer hosting like natural materials such as cotton. This cushion will add the finishing touch to a sofa or bed but can also be brought outside for afternoon lounging.
Ticking stripes are having a moment, so why not incorporate them into your outdoor dining set up? These cushions will look equally as stylish on the grass as they will indoors.
An affordable blanket that you don't mind potentially getting mucky outside? This IKEA option ticks all of the boxes. The neutral tone also makes a versatile foundation for all styles of picnic.
5. Make use of your beach treasures
Trips to the seaside are useful for more than just R&R time, it's also a chance to stock up on table accessories for free.
Laura's genius idea to 'put things in shells. Whether that be salt and pepper or even butter,' is a great way to bring a holiday aesthetic to hosting at home, and will act as a centrepiece for the rest of your table decor.
You can also use shells as a makeshift mini bowl for presenting your meal - just make sure you wash them thoroughly first.
6. Don't forget lighting
Ambience is everything when hosting, even if summer nights offer plenty of light much later on. When the sun starts to set, set the mood with lamps and candles, instead of turning the big light on.
'Focusing on lighting is always great,' says Laura. 'Whether it's one of those little Tala lamps or even candles, you can turn it right down. I think it's all of the bits and bobs that can really elevate a dinner.' You can even DIY your own garden lighting with a touch base and lightbulb which is great if your budget is smaller.
Custom building your own table lamp is the best way to save some money while still creating a bistro-inspired tablescape. Pair this Amazon base with a fabric lampshade for a homely look.
Easy to turn on and quick to recharge, this Pooky lamp is as practical as it is pretty. We love how you can switch out the lampshade for a custom look.
Anything Laura recommends, we love. This Tala lamp leans on the camping aesthetic with a premium touch - perfect for garden party hosting.
There we have it, follow in Laura's footsteps for a dinner party that is equal parts stunning and savvy.
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