Preparing for the season of hosting with Rose & Grey
As the festive season approaches, many of us are beginning preparations to welcome guests inside our homes. From hosting joyful dinner parties to enjoying cosy evenings with family and friends, our living space should feel warm and inviting.
We spoke to our friends at Rose & Grey to explore how to create a beautiful, welcoming environment for the season of hosting. Discover their advice for designing a seasonal tablescape, along with thoughtful gift ideas and simple ways to elevate your guest bedroom…
What are your top tips to evoke a sense of cosiness in our homes during this season?
"Tactility, layers, portable lamp light and eclectic mixing. Cosy is our keyword this season. It’s that sense of nesting and hibernating that makes the onset of autumn/winter really appealing. Tactility is essential – we are bringing in furniture and accessories that feel warm or natural to the touch.
Layering is also vital, be it on your sofa or your dining table. Not just for that sense of warmth and cosiness, but also a feeling of abundance and generosity, which is how an autumn home should feel. Blending in this eclectic way, using a classic base with joyful additions, has always been our anchor. It seems to ring much truer as the days get chillier and longer.
We’ll also be switching on as many warm, glowing lamps as possible – from natural materials and mushroom shapes, to beautiful, lacquered, portable lamps. We want our lighting to feel like a cosy hug this year.”
![Ganache™](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="233px" width="201px"><rect width="201" height="233" style="fill:%235C453A" /></svg>)
![Muscovado™](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="233px" width="201px"><rect width="201" height="233" style="fill:%2386563E" /></svg>)
![Arras™](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="233px" width="201px"><rect width="201" height="233" style="fill:%23744442" /></svg>)
![Light Bronze Green™](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="233px" width="201px"><rect width="201" height="233" style="fill:%235a4620" /></svg>)
![Chocolate Colour™](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="233px" width="201px"><rect width="201" height="233" style="fill:%231e160e" /></svg>)
What advice do you have as we plan our autumn-winter tablescapes?
“This season, we’re really looking forward to adding hand-painted, artisan-style elements to our tables. They feel quite honest and joyful, and can be mixed in with any existing classic tableware you might have. We often layer our pearlware into schemes, and find it just always works as a really lovely base.
We’ll also be adapting items to get more use out of them, adding florals and branches into Kenzan (flower frogs) within jugs, bowls and mugs. Keep decorations low so everyone can talk to each other around the table.
Finally, we are focusing on ‘the overlooked’. Most of us repeatedly add plates, bowls and mugs to our table collections, but our cutlery tends to stay completely the same!
We’re adding some lovely knives, forks and spoons to our offering this year, that can happily sit alongside anything you already have. Even a set of eclectic teaspoons can add something special to your autumn-winter dining experience. Often, it’s the little things that make a difference.”
How can we elevate our guest bedrooms in time for the festive season?
“Thoughtfulness can transform a spare room into a bespoke guest bedroom in very little time. Make sure they have some storage (even bedside lockers could work for overnight stays). Lamp light is also essential, so they feel cosy and homely. Cushions and a folded throw or blanket will mean your guests can really settle in and stay warm.
Finally, try laying out a small selection of hand-picked books or magazines from your shelves with your guest’s tastes in mind. This small gesture can make someone feel so welcome, and yet it’s such a little thing.”
Explore our colour and wallpaper ideas to update your guest bedroom.
Finally, can you share some gift ideas?
“Some thought, a little time and personal stories make the best gifts. We’ll be curating small collections of gifts and making sure there’s some meaning there.
For a larger budget and an ‘early to bed’ recipient in mind, how about a ‘Cosy Kit’. Opt for a Simkin bedside locker, a little portable lamp and a mug for hot chocolates. We can feel our toes curling in cosiness at the thought of receiving this!
And for a smaller gesture for a good friend, what about ‘Warm the cockles’. Pair two beautiful glasses with a hand-written recipe for your favourite festive cocktail.
Be imaginative, have fun and tailor gifts to the recipient. And don’t forget yourself – ‘Me Gifts’ are the best ones!”
