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‘TIS THE SEASON to entertain! Here Ruth O’Connor speaks to three women with very different styles who really know how to throw a party. Cue Jeni Glasgow’s rustic whimsy, Tara O’Connor’s stylish tablescapes and Maolisa Murray’s sparkling suggestions for every event from a formal festive dinner with family to a characterful shindig with friends.
Tara O’Connor:
With more than 30 years in the PR and events industry Tara O’Connor has hosted more meals and events than she can shake a candy cane at. Having launched her own brand The Designed Table in 2021, she brings a lifetime of experience to her stylish family gatherings and industry events.
When it comes to setting the scene at any festive gathering I like to choose either bold patterns or rich textures like velvet or linen to make a strong visual impact and give the table a luxurious feel. I always add some natural elements in the form of foraged greenery or shop bought eucalyptus to bring the outdoors in. When setting your table layer the place settings – begin with a tablecloth or a runner, and build up with placemats and charger plates. This creates a dynamic and inviting setup. Then add height with tapered candles and create warmth with tealights in votives – candles should be in odd numbers on your table.
Start by selecting a few key colours that will define your table setting. Whether you prefer a monochromatic look, or a harmonious palette of two or three colours, this will create a cohesive and stylish base. If you like a cool colour palette – a mix of green and blue with either silver or gold cutlery is a great combination. Add coloured water glasses to each place setting for a lovely contrast or to match with another shade on your tablescape.
I love to add personalised details to really make people feel welcome to my home. Add handmade name tags and menus spray-painted foliage, or acorns and other DIY elements to make your guests feel special. Use foliage or seasonal fruit like pomegranates as unique place markers, and consider reusable place names that can be stored with your decorations. Keep any floral arrangements low so that people can see each other across the table.
Preparation is everything. Look to what you have at home before you go out and buy something new. Try and be sustainable and reuse what is already in your cupboards and style them differently with accessories and florals. Treat your tablescape a bit like upcycling an outfit – see what you have already and then maybe consider the little additions to update it or make it really special. Set your table a day or two before you entertain to ensure everything is in place and to reduce stress on the day.
Jeni Glasgow:
Jeni Glasgow, a creative in the world of food, styling and flowers is the perfect guide to relaxed chic and conviviality. You’ll find her co-hosting ‘A Culinary Week’ at Chateau de La Gonette in the Luberon, France, in early September 2026.
I’m no longer interested in spending hours at the stove or taking days for decor. For me, it’s about simple, good food and easy styling elements to bring a sense of fun and whimsy. I just want to enjoy the festivities with as little fuss as possible; leaving more room for the luxury of rest, the deep comfort of family and friends, and space to savour the moments fully. No monumental effort required.
Some of my favorite pieces for the table are old, antique candlesticks, great for candles – yes – but also super as a perch for festive fruits such as pomegranates, black grapes and fat oranges too. Why not balance a big leafy cabbage or a handsome cauliflower and let your decor be dinner the following day.
I also love linen or fabric napkins and the bigger the better. Fold them, tie them loosely or toss them onto the table with wild abandon – there’s joy to be had! A handy napkin hack is to buy some good-looking tea towels – big candy stripes, bold checks and hot colours all work really well and are, most importantly, cost-effective. Plus you can use them for their intended purpose afterwards – a win-win.
I’m lucky to have old forests near my home in Co. Galway, so I forage for lichen laden branches, lengths of ivy and big bunches of berried holly. They’ll end up over mantles, twisted into loose wreaths or fashioned into a simple arrangement for the dining table.
My favourite moments at any meal are the very beginning and the very end. One is filled with anticipation and appetite and the other with bonhomie and a desire to linger a little longer at the table. There’s nothing better in my book than salty snacks, patês and pickles with a martini or glass of wine to whet your appetite. And I adore a composed plate to end a meal – a piece of cheese, perhaps a few candied nuts, a fancy pear to slice and maybe a Bon Bon or a spoon of chocolate mousse with a nip of vermouth or some such digestif to sip and savor.
For me, that’s a very merry Christmas indeed.
See lagonette.com for details coming soon.
Maolisa Murray:
Maolisa Murray, Director of Marketing, Creative and Brand at Avoca sure knows how to set a festive scene whether it’s hosting Santa and friends at a festive launch party at work or welcoming friends and family to her home in Co. Wicklow.
For me, tablescaping is all about creating a feeling before anyone even takes their seat. Anyone who knows me knows I love celebrating, adding a bit of sparkle, a bit of colour, and I’m always leaning into that playful side when I’m hosting. I like to add candles, foliage, and little touches that make the table feel magical without ever feeling overdone. Or even add some fresh herbs or cut blooms from the garden which are inexpensive and homegrown.
When it comes to decoration, I’ll always reach for colourful crockery – Pip Studio and Bloomingville pieces are favourites of mine because they add instant personality and fun. For a touch of glamour, I love adding sparkle through candle holders or glass accessories or even fun touches like adding sparklers to celebrate. And I’ll always set out my favourite glassware; when you’re opening a lovely bottle of wine, it deserves a beautiful glass which makes a big difference. These elements help create a table that feels inviting, fun, and full of character. Thankfully, Avoca is a one-stop shop for all of those finishing touches, so I can pull everything together easily. With my job I get to work with incredible stylists and take all the inspiration for my own table from how the professionals do it.
And then, of course, there’s the hosting itself. I want guests to feel welcomed in my home, so I’ll always have a welcome drink ready – something pink and bubbly. I love putting out oversized boards and sharing platters to kick off the evening in a relaxed manner and encourage sharing and conversing. I really enjoy great food so hosting for me is an opportunity for me to share that love. I let the food do the talking. My husband fancies himself as a bit of master chef and I take care of the hosting, the fluff and puff of decorating – so we make a great team. A beautifully dressed table sets the scene, but it’s the laughter, the conversation, and the feeling of friendship and connection makes hosting something I love doing.
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