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lifestyle

Fashion, Lifestyle

Closet goals: how to get an organised wardrobe this year

4th July, 2021

An organised closet really is a sight to behold. When shoes are all neatly lined up, shirts folded and divided into neat piles, everything from blouses and dresses all perfectly hung up into distinct categories it brings a noticeable feeling of satisfaction. It also makes getting dressed SO much easier. I’ve tried to implement an organisation system in my own wardrobe for this very reason. And whilst it admittedly does take a little daily tidying up, it also means I don’t have to do a huge clean up a few weeks down the track when all my clothes are threatening to take over our entire bedroom. If you want to make things stress-free on the sartorial front it’s time to do an overhaul of your wardrobe and turn it into a space that’s Pinterest-worthy and one that you’ll be happy to stare at every single day.

Here are some great ways to start…

Colour code everything

Grouping like with like is a great system to employ when it comes to your wardrobe. It makes locating everything at a glance a simple process and let’s face it, it looks really nice too.

Sub-divide into categories

Whilst colour coding is extremely handy as a sorting tool you could also try another method which is to divide everything into different categories. This means grouping all your skirts together, your t-shirts together, your jeans together and so forth. With a closet divided into distinct areas you’ll find it easier to find what you’re looking for.

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Organise jeans from light to dark

If you own multiple pairs of jeans it can be hard to keep track of them all so this year, organise them from lightest wash to darkest wash. If you’ve got the space, hang them up so you can avoid wrinkling them and thus have them ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Fold garments like a boutique

You could just throw everything into your wardrobe and hope for the best or you could take a few minutes to fold your clothes and put them away in perfect piles like a boutique would. By categorising into piles you make things doubly easier for yourself as you can immediately see what you’re looking for. Also this is the best way to store things that stretch such as woollen jumpers and tees which may stretch if hung up.

Label everything

Earn double organisation points by labelling everything. Yes, you may already know where everything is but visually it helps to have a clear idea of what you’re looking it.

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Arrange bags vertically

By lining up bags vertically as opposed to sitting them all on top of each other you not only help protect their shape but reduce the time it takes to track down a particular clutch or tote.

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Get matching hangers

Nothing says you’ve got your style sorted like staring into a wardrobe with matching hangers. Bin the old mismatched hangers you may have been using (wire especially as they can ruin the shape of clothes) and get wooden or slim velvet ones. The former looks amazing all lined up and is gentle on clothes whilst the latter allows you to fit more into your wardrobe as they take up less space, plus it has a bit of grip so you avoid things like silk blouses slipping off constantly.

Put things away in drawers vertically

If you store most of your things in drawers, instead of piling them up on top of each other, put them away vertically so you can see everything as opposed to just what’s on top. You’ll be amazed at how much more wear you’ll get out of everything simply by being able to see what you own.

How do you keep your wardrobe organised?

 

Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore this week (on location)

24th June, 2021

I’m on holiday in Port Douglas this week so I replaced my usual winter gear for one of my favourite types of clothing: resortwear! It’s warm where we are staying so it gave me the perfect reason to pull out some new additions to my wardrobe, including some great swimwear and cover-ups. I love dressing for balmy weather as outfits feel so relaxed, yet they can easily be glammed up with the right accessories. I’m quite partial to doing a bit of beach glam as it’s such a fun way to mix and match some of my favourite pieces. Here’s what I wore this week… on location.

One of the things I’ve been using as a staple look this week is a swimsuit or bodysuit paired with easy, relaxed separates. These white pants are so fresh and perfect for balmy weather. I paired it with my trusty Loewe basket bag, because if you can’t wear a basket bag on a beach holiday then when can you? I finished off the look with a chunky gold necklace and sunnies as the final touch.

Credits: Bodysuit, Venroy; Pants (similar), Seafolly; Bag, Loewe; Sandals, Gucci; Necklace, Manning Cartell; Sunglasses, Le Specs

I always pack a wrap like this whenever I’m doing a beach holiday as it’s great to wear as a skirt, and also something to throw on after a swim. Bondi Born always do really practical, yet elegant separates that are made for a holiday destination such as far north Queensland. I paired them with my fave Ray Bans and trusty white Gucci sandals.

Credits: Swimsuit (similar), Seafolly; Wrap (similar), Bondi Born; Sunglasses, Ray Ban; Sandals, Gucci; Bag, Loewe

We were heading out to dinner so I wanted to glam it up a bit. This cami is such a great piece as it’s so lightweight that it barely takes up any room in my suitcase, but it’s also just the thing to elevate a pair of linen pants. The pearl straps are just delightful and such a fun touch to this outfit.

Credits: Cami, Cami NYC; Pants, Seafolly; Bag, Sparrows Weave; Sandals, Gucci

I absolutely love this set by Venroy. It’s super comfy and the contrasting thin and thick stripes achieve an interesting effect that give this look some personality. They’re also perfect worn on separately and worked back with other pieces so I can double the use of them while I’m up here.

Credits: Top and shorts, Venroy; Sandals, Gucci; Bag, Loewe, Sunglasses, Ray Ban

Loving this textured swimsuit by Monday Swimwear. It’s a great colour and I like the ribbed effect as it adds a layer of interest to this ensemble. I paired this with my Bondi Born wrap, and this printed Aje bucket hat. These Karen Walker sunglasses have been a fun addition to my sunnies collection, they’re an interesting shape and I love the geometric silhouette as an accent piece.

Credits: Swimsuit (similar), Monday Swimwear; Wrap (similar), Bondi Born; Hat, Aje; Sunglasses, Karen Walker

See? What did I tell you about these shorts? I paired this with a one shoulder swimsuit for a glam look for the day and proved I did some great strategic packing. I always make sure that any pieces I bring when I travel can be worked back with other items I’m packing and turned into a variety of different looks. Topped off with my fave basket bag and sandals, I can’t think of a better tropical look.

Credits: Swimsuit (similar), Bondi Born; Shorts, Venroy; Sandals, Gucci; Bag, Loewe; Sunglasses, Ray Ban

Lifestyle, Shop

The one thing I always have in my home

6th June, 2021
JM_458

Candles aplenty at the Jo Malone “Just Because” dinner I hosted earlier this year

If there’s one thing my house is never without it’s a beautifully scented candle. I love having one burning in the background as there’s something quite luxurious about a gorgeous fragrance filling up your home (note: this is why I always have one burning when I have visitors over). A candle also adds warmth to any space which makes it a simple way to decorate a room. There’s no shortage of wonderful candles out there. And there’s definitely one to suit every taste and budget.

Check out some of my top picks below…

Tip: Candles usually come poured into a perfectly re-usable glass or metal jar so when you’ve used one up be sure to repurpose its home; you can use it for everything from a makeup brush holder to a vase.

To clean out the jar simply pop it in the freezer so the wax hardens. Once frozen take it out and scrape out the excess wax and wick which should leave you with an empty jar. If you’re removing the label, using a hairdryer, blast hot air over the jar to melt the glue, peel off the label then run it under hot water to clean off the sticky residue.

Lifestyle

How to set the perfect Mother’s Day table

30th April, 2021

Mother’s Day is always such a special occasion in our household, and I always like to get together with my family to honour my mum and celebrate the wonderful mother she is. One way we like to do that is to enjoy a delicious breakfast together. Our preferred menu? Pancakes and waffles and lots of it.

I always like to dress the table for the occasion and add some simple design flourishes that will turn Sunday breakfast into something befitting Mother’s Day. I usually choose to do something pared back yet impactful, because I don’t really want to spend the entire morning fussing around with setting the table. That said, I’ve found there are some easy, but striking decorations that will really set the mood.

Just add flowers

I don’t think a table is ever really set without some gorgeous blooms to add a splash of colour. And the thing with flowers is, you can go in so many different directions, from bright and vibrant, to understated and classic. I personally like to embrace a lot of striking hues as I think it really lifts the scene, and turns a table at home into something special.

Add a delicious scent

Whenever I’m entertaining I always have candles burning as I find it’s such an effective way to create a great atmosphere, and makes any space so warming and inviting. Scent is such a powerful thing and for events, it’s always great to add a scented candle as it will instantly transport you to that time and place whenever you smell it again. This year, I’m embracing this beautiful limited edition Glasshouse Candle aptly titled, An Ode to Women, as Mother’s Day is a lovely reminder of the beautiful women in my life, from my mum, to my gorgeous daughters.

Keep it simple

Any good design is about keeping things simple, with a tight edit of beautiful things, and that includes setting a table. I went for simple tableware as I didn’t want it to overwhelm. I don’t think you can really ever go wrong with crisp white plates, linen napkins and placemats and interesting design details, like wooden napkin rings. It all works together to create a mood that’s sophisticated and elegant, yet is still comfortable enough that people feel welcomed and at home.

Generously portion serving plates

Don’t neglect your plating! Part of setting a nice table is to ensure that the food is celebrated. I usually like to keep platters or plates piled high as I think it looks more inviting. Creating that abundant effect is always a critical part of setting a table that has people wanting to sit and enjoy themselves.

Layer your table

I think it’s all about working with different layers when it comes to setting a photogenic table. Consider the base, which includes things like placemats, cutlery, tableware and glassware. Then consider what goes on top, from napkins to serving platters, then look to the decorative touches. This includes things like a delicious scented candle, to assorted florals in a range of different colours.

This post was produced in collaboration with Glasshouse Candles

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

Fashion

On my radar: The Camilla and Marc trench, the Alex and Trahanas fruit bowl stand and the Apede Mod mini tote

26th March, 2021

I’m lucky to come across a lot of beautiful things in my job, and as a result I’m always finding new additions for my wish list. This month I’ve been in equal parts house and wardrobe shopping mode. I’ve been looking for new decorative pieces for our home post-reno, just small things that can really help transform our space. While on the fashion front, I’ve been searching for new updates to add to my autumn wardrobe. And in my travels, I’m lucky to have managed to find a few pieces that fit the bill. Here’s what’s currently on my radar.

Apede Mod Poker Face Mini Tote

This cute structured bag is just the thing to add a fresh touch to the more moodier tones I’ll no doubt be wearing throughout autumn and winter. The size is perfect as I’ll be able to carry all my essentials without it being too cumbersome, and I love the chain strap which adds a layer of elevated elegance to the overall design.

Alex & Trahanas Fruit Bowl Stand

This is currently sold out but I’m waiting patiently for new stock to arrive. This ceramic fruit stand is made in Puglia in Italy, and the colours and design remind me of many of my favourite holidays in Italy. I’m planning for it to be a stylish reminder of more Italian soujourns that will hopefully be on the horizon in the not so distant future.

Camilla and Marc Tarantino trench coat

I’ve been looking for a trench to get me through the next few months and I immediately fell in love with the design of this Camilla and Marc number. It’s the perfect length/shape to work back with my winter wardrobe and the colour is just right. I can’t wait to snap this one up as it’s definitely going to fill a gap in my wardrobe.

Lifestyle

My tips for surviving a reno

22nd February, 2021

Big or small, home renovations can be daunting. It’s such a period of upheaval that you want to make sure that you are well equipped to deal with what’s ahead. We recently underwent a home renovation at our apartment, tackling our living spaces and giving it a more updated, modern feel. While it wasn’t our entire place, it was still a big project to tackle and it required having a good plan to take us through the few months of being in reno mode. Having now gone through it firsthand, here are some of my biggest tips.

Work out what you want to achieve

For our reno, we knew we wanted an updated look and also to create more living space, and also to make better use of the areas we spent a lot of time in as a family. Having a clear idea of your vision is important to keeping the project on track.

Work out the main areas you want to update

I would have loved to have done our kitchen and living rooms and additional bits and pieces throughout our place, but for us, we decided to just focus (and put all our budget) on the living/dining and balcony area as that is the place where we spend most of our time as a family. 

Consider outsourcing

If you are not great at interiors and/or dont have the time to devote to searching for the right pieces, I highly recommend a stylist if you can fit that into your budget. We used an interior stylist and while they do charge a fee, you get industry rates for your purchases which can save a lot if you intend on buying lots of new pieces. Also our stylist really helped us work out exactly what we needed and helped us find cheaper options of what we liked if we couldn’t afford the exact look. 

Ask yourself if it’s your forever home

We knew that we wouldn’t be in our apartment forever so we opted not to do any built-ins. All our new cupboards and furniture can be taken with us. We would have loved a built-in TV unit and a built-in BBQ area but we left it and it ended up saving us a lot.

Don’t underestimate the impact of light cosmetic updates

It’s amazing how much new paint and carpet can lift a place. Sometimes you can work with what you have and not have to tear down walls or completely demolish a space—you can lift a space simply by just adding new soft furnishings.

Make the timings work for you

For minimal disruption I highly recommend planning around your calendar to ensure you’re not in the midst of a demo at inopportune times. For example we pushed back our reno so new carpet and paint could be done when we were away for school holidays and then the we booked in our furniture install when the kids were back at school so they weren’t waiting around all day every day. 

What are some of your tips when it comes to surviving a reno?

Lifestyle

How to get that overseas travel feeling at home

8th February, 2021

I know most of us would be missing overseas travel after so long without it. I definitely am! We always like to go away on family holidays and are lucky to be able to jet off to different spots yearly, so we’re looking forward to being able to go away just as soon as we’re allowed. In the meantime, I think it’s always nice to tap into that holiday feeling at home. In lieu of being able to jet off on a plane, here are some things you can do to help ease those feelings of wanderlust.

A scented candle

Scent is such a powerful thing—I know for me, a particular perfume or even just a certain dish cooking in the kitchen can bring memories flooding back. So if you are craving that holiday feeling, why not light a candle with a scent that brings you back to a favourite getaway, or even one that you’re looking forward to.

Watch a film set in an exotic location

Let a movie take you away, even if it’s just for a few hours. Film is such a vivid way to escape the every day and the best thing is you can head off to all corners of the globe without ever leaving the comfort of your couch.

Order in the cuisine of the next place you want to visit

Italy holds a special place in my heart, so whenever I am enjoying any Italian food I always feel transported back to my fave holidays there. So I think a great way to have something to look forward to is to order a meal (or cook one!) from the country of the next place you want to visit. Enjoy the flavours and really savour it and remind yourself that one day hopefully very soon, you’ll be eating an authentic meal locally.

Read a travel-themed book

There are so many travel tomes out there, from Eat Pray Love, to Into the Wild and On The Road, there’s nothing quite like embracing a good novel and allowing it to take you somewhere far, far away.

Have a themed dinner party

Why not invite some friends around and have a dinner party themed to a particular travel destination? Whether it’s a Parisian themed soiree, a Mexican fiesta or an amazing sushi spread, this is a way to let food take you on a vacation for an evening.

Plan a travel TV binge

When you’re in binge watching mode, tune into a great travel TV program. There’s nothing like an episode of a travel themed show, whether it’s an Anthony Bourdain series or chef David Chang traversing the globe in Ugly Delicious, to help you soothe those travel pangs.

Enjoy an exotic drink from your fave travel spot

I always love trying local drinks whenever I’m on holiday, whether it’s a cocktail or wine from the region. So why not go on a little round the world trip one sip at a time? And the sky’s the limit. Take a trip to Spain with a jug of sangria or head to South America with a delicious caipiroska, there’s nothing like an exotic drink to take you away.

Learn a new language

Play the long game and really take the time to learn a new language to prepare for your next big holiday. There are so many online programs, apps or even good ol’ fashioned books to help you learn a new language. It’s such a great way to truly immerse yourself in the experience of visiting a new country by being able to speak the local dialect.

Do something you always do on holiday

Is there something that you always do when you’re on a getaway? Whether it’s hitting up the spa for a treatment or ordering room service and relaxing in a bathrobe, tap into holiday you and indulge in a little vacation behaviour.

Plan your next trip

I am already dreaming of what our next holiday will entail. I can’t wait to be able to jump on a plane and end up somewhere far away. So, it’s been great to check out some dreamy locations and hotels to help us start planning what our itinerary would be. It’s definitely given me something to look forward to and is a great way to help deal with those travel pangs.

What have you been doing to ease the longing for overseas travel?

Fashion, Lifestyle

What I pack for a day at the beach

26th December, 2020

I can be found at Sydney’s Balmoral Beach most days in summer and it’s one of my favourite ways to spend a day out with my family. And while a great beach day is fun, having two kids in tow also means that I need to be prepared with a well-stocked beach bag. 

I like to be prepared for lazing about on the sand, but also for wherever the day may take us so it means I always have a few key things on hand at all times. Here’s what I often take with me…

A big tote

I always carry a nice roomy tote to the beach as it’s perfect for throwing everyone’s things in it. There are so many gorgeous beach bags out now whether it’s made of canvas or straw so shop around and find one that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Beach towel

The bigger the better! I like a nice, big fluffy beach towel. I always need to be able to spread out my things and I like being able to lay down without having my feet hanging off into the sand so space is a necessity.

Sunglasses

I usually opt for a pair that has larger lenses so I can be guaranteed extra coverage throughout the day. I’m quite militant about wearing sunglasses to protect my eyes in summer so I always invest in the best quality I can.

Sunscreen

Believe it or not I bring three different kinds! One for the body, one specifically for the face and a kids’ sunscreen for the girls.

Lipgloss with SPF

I like a multitasking lip gloss with a built in SPF. The sun can be quite dehydrating so I like one that I can use as a moisturiser but can protect me at the same time.

A wide brimmed hat is a necessity

A wide brimmed hat

I am all about protecting my face from the sun’s rays so I definitely always pack a wide brimmed hat in my beach tote. A beautiful straw hat is my go-to.

Plain one piece or bikini

My swimsuits tend to be in plain block colours a lot of the time as I’m not really into wearing too many prints. I go for navy as it’s classic but I’ve also got swimmers in black, khaki and cream.

Waterproof watch

I’m a watch girl so I always wear a watch to the beach. The only mandatory is that it be waterproof. There are so many great, inexpensive watches out there now so I’ve found some great options that will survive a day in the sun.

Sandals

I like to take a pair of sandals that I can slip on and off quite easily. I hate having to deal with multiple straps when I know I’ll have to be in and out of them the whole day.

Sarong

I always bring a cover up of some sort so I can pop it on really quickly if I need to grab lunch or a drink for the girls. I like anything lightweight (linen is good!), airy and really uncomplicated – I just need to be able to take it on and off quite easily.

What are some of your beach essentials?

 

Lifestyle

From snacks to sides: your stress-free Christmas entertaining guide

17th December, 2020
Image: Eatable

With Christmas just around the corner, our thoughts are quickly turning to the day itself and what we’ll be serving up to our nearest and dearest. While a feast is a delightful prospect, actually getting there is another story. For many of us, it can be a stressful experience trying to decide what to serve, with the daunting prospect of having to decide everything from nibblies to desserts and every morsel in between.

But as with most things, it always helps to have a little expertise on hand to help make it a little easier (and decidedly less scary). Which is where Liz Elton and Lisa Featherby, co-founders of food and entertaining site, Eatable come to the rescue. Both are alumni from Australia’s leading food, wine and travel bible, Gourmet Traveller (creative director and food director, respectively) so it’s no understatement to say they live and breathe all that goes into throwing a successful soiree.

Here, Liz and Lisa share their tips for everything from their go-to Christmas dessert to what drinks you need to have on hand and the must-haves on every table. (And stayed tuned later this week for their top tips on how to dress a festive table that will seriously impress.)

What are the must-haves for a successful Christmas spread?

Lisa: Condiments! We’ll be talking about the best condiments right up to the last minute on Eatable before Christmas. As long as you’ve ordered your protein—ham, turkey, seafood or whatever you’ve chosen, you can jazz it up with lots of side condiments for people to pick and choose their own adventure. 

Liz: I can’t go past a charcuterie platter. If lunch or dinner is delayed for whatever reason, it will tide everyone over until the main meal is ready. If everything else goes wrong, you can’t lose by keeping everyone’s glasses topped up with a chilled sparkling or Champagne.

What are some easy things people can do when it comes to the food/drinks that makes a big impact?

Lisa: I’d suggest investing in a big wine bucket that can hold a few bottles at a time, particularly bottles of Champagne. Have a tray of glasses to the side and let people help themselves. This makes drinks easy to pour, but also can become a bit of a feature in itself. A jug of iced water that has some fruit or mint leaves aded with a stack of water glasses to the side can also be a nice touch.

What are your favourite go-to dishes at Christmas?

Lisa: Trifle always features in some form for me, as I’m a big fan of summer fruit. Make a jelly, top with a flavoured cream or custard and lots of fruit. Buy a pannetore or pandoro and rip that into pieces into a bowl before scooping in the trifle. The yeasty flavour and spice of pannetore is one of my favourite Christmas flavours.

I love seafood, too. I’m usually keen to see some kind of seafood element over Christmas, and often served cured trout and oysters.

Classic roast pork and crackling is great and I love that with a light shaved fennel salad, or duck fat roasted potatoes if we want to be indulgent. 

What are your recommendations for great drinks to serve on Christmas Day?

Lisa: Bubbles are obviously key to get started, and Alexander Kirkwood, who is the head sommelier at Aria, has given Eatable his top picks for sparkling wines that he’s tasted this year.

I’d choose a brut (dry) style to start, or even a good pét-nat (short for pétillant naturel), as these can be quite interesting. Have a good mix of interesting and classic wines ready to go with the main feast, too. Make sure you know the wine weight so you can stagger them out correctly, starting with aromatic whites, then moving into a more textural white like a chardonnay or Chablis, and then if you choose to serve red, try chilling it first if it’s a hot day. 

With dessert, Moscato di Asti is always a winner – or you can come back to the sparkling, which is perfect with pavlova or trifle to finish – a demi-sec for a little more sweetness, or a saignée or rosé for something pretty. A new trend we’re seeing is low-alcohol wines, so if you want to include some of these, the alcohol volume doesn’t have to be high. 

Apart from that, there are a huge amount of great vermouths out there, so a Christmas Spritz could be a nice celebratory drink to start with – you can make these non-alcoholic, too – I love a classic Americano with Campari, Maidenii sweet vermouth and soda, but you could serve vermouth and soda and include some festive aromatics, like a fresh bay leaf or a slice of orange peel. Make sure you have plenty of ice, too, stock up well beforehand so you don’t run out halfway through the day.

Liz: My family doesn’t drink alcohol, so I always make a big jug of non-alcoholic punch. I add fresh wedges of stone-fruit such as peach and basil or mint to a fresh juice and soda water, mixed with a non-alcoholic spirit and lots of ice. Seedlip do some refreshing, non-alcoholic spirits that you can make great non-alcoholic cocktails with as well. I have just discovered NON – a gorgeous non-alcoholic drink that is perfect for summer and special occasions. P&V in [Sydney’s] Newtown have a great selection of non-alcoholic spirits and shrubs.

Make the most of Australia’s beautiful summer fruits when it comes to dessert
Image: Eatable
What are some great entrees/mains/desserts to serve that are easy but delicious?

Lisa: I just love a glazed ham. There’s nothing to it as the work has already been done for you—all you have to do is find the right glaze to finish it. I’m a big fan of pineapple, brown sugar, golden rum and spices. We love curing a side of trout as it’s very easy to do and can be prepped a few days in advance and served cold, which is great for a hot Christmas day. A simple sauce like a classic mignonette for a platter of oysters over lots of ice is so easy to do. And if you want something that requires no time at all, a store-bought pannetore or pandoro can be turned into a stunning dessert just by adding a dollop of ice cream and some peaches roasted with some brown sugar and red wine.

What are your suggestions for guests to snack on when they arrive?

Lisa: A bowl of spiced nuts is always nice. You can buy raw nuts and roast them with some spices and salt. I love to make a pate around Christmas, and this can be done a couple of days ahead and served straight from the terrine mould. Or for something quite easy, you can make a smoked trout pate—simply buy some smoked trout and flake it, then whip it up with some creme fraiche as a quick and easy dip served with crackers. 

Fashion

Christmas entertaining tips with Stephanie Conley

13th December, 2020
Stephanie Conley is the founder of the hugely successful lifestyle blog, The Hostess

With Christmas just around the corner it’s not uncommon for stress levels to start skyrocketing, particularly if you’re the one playing host to family and friends. So to help make it easier, I’ve enlisted the help of Stephanie Conley—a former fashion designer turned founder of the successful lifestyle blog, The Hostess, Le Cordon Bleu alumni and Electrolux ambassador to share her top tips for making hosting any gathering over the festive season a breeze.

It can be an overwhelming task hosting family and friends during the festive season. What are some things you suggest people do to help make it easier?

Being organised is key to a successful and enjoyable day. Perhaps you could delegate desserts to other family members so you can concentrate on the main meal, it will take a lot of pressure off.

What are the key trends you’re seeing when it comes to entertaining that people may want to keep in mind for any gatherings over Christmas?

Creating a large grazing table is a great way to entertain and feed a large amount of people. Plating individual meals is very time consuming and often stressful if you have 20 plates to do. Get creative and dress your table with beautiful fresh blooms, use wooden boards and crates to sit platters on, as well as Christmas decorations, fresh fruit and nuts.

What would be on your ideal Christmas menu? 

Seafood is my go-to dish at Christmas, so a classic prawn cocktail, grilled scampi, an abundance of fresh salads and a citrus honey glazed ham. For dessert I always make pavlova and homemade rum and raisin ice cream.  

What’s something you think people should spend less time on when it comes to entertaining? 

Food – it doesn’t have to be 3 Michelin star! Rustic, casual and simple cooking is the best way to cook at home and entertain. The most important thing is to have fresh local produce, use good extra virgin olive oil and cook with love.

A well dressed table should be a focus for any host

What’s something you think people should spend more time on when it comes to entertaining? 

The table is where the focus is, so some effort is needed in the presentation of your table. Invest in some lovely linen napkins and a table cloth or runner. Buy some small table vases perfect for small arrangements that don’t take over your table or block the view of your guests. Update your salt and pepper shakers and flatware. All these little touches create ambience and once you have them you can keep adding and creating different looks for your table.

What are some shortcuts people can take to help put an event together easier?

There are a lot of items you can buy ready made and then just spend time on their presentation. For example an easy Christmas starter would be a fresh seafood platter of prawns, oysters, assorted sashimi and make or buy a dipping sauce. Arrange it all on a large platter with wedges of lemon and toss some watercress over the top with some crusty sourdough.

Glaze a ham and serve with assorted mustards and chutneys. Roast some root vegetables drizzled with maple syrup and rosemary then make a green salad with walnuts, cranberries and crumbled fetta cheese.

And for desert vanilla bean ice cream with fresh mango and crumbled ginger nut cookies on top.

This is a very simple and fuss free menu that everyone can do and would enjoy and it could be done the day of.

What are your key tips when it comes to decorating an event? 

Flowers are always a key item as they just brighten a room.

Beautiful blooms are key to making any event look amazing

What are your tips for styling a table that’s sure to impress?

A centrepiece of low fresh blooms, candles and an element of layering, whether that is using placemats or using a table cloth or runner to create some depth.

What are some things a host can do to ensure that when they’re hosting an event, they’re not spending all their time in the kitchen? 

A secret helper, someone to pour drinks, stack the dishwasher and clear the plates – find a helping hand who wants to do a few hours work so you can enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Also, having large appliances, like the Electrolux RealLife XXL Fully Integrated Dishwasher, is great so you can wash more at one time.  

What are three must-haves for any host? 

1. A well-stocked bar

2. Good food

3. A great playlist-music is essential

Want more tips from Stephanie? Check out her new podcast, in conversation with her husband Oskar Buhre where they discuss Christmas traditions, entertaining and staying organised.