The Art of Entertaining has been curated by friends of Cloudy Bay as a guide to effortlessly recreate our Wonderscape experience at home. From crafting a menu showcasing seasonal produce, to styling a tablescape inspired by the wonder of nature, the Art of Entertaining is your guide to sipping and savouring the best of Cloudy Bay wines in the company of friends and family.
In this first extract from The Art of Entertaining, creative director and stylist Kayla Jurlina has some advice to bring style and flair to your table.
When dressing your table, Kayla says, it’s important to start with a fairly neutral base: begin with a simple, soft-coloured fabric like white linen, soft grey or oatmeal. Then you can choose napkins and plates to complement or contrast, tying them int–but there are no rules. Using mismatched plates and dishes, such as handmade pottery or vintage pieces, can bring character and depth. The key is to make just one of these components the statement of the setting. Avoid using a bold-coloured tablecloth, bright napkins and mismatched plates all at once! Instead, think about a single striking visual ‘pop’.
When it comes to the next steps, try and stay local and simple. Shop seasonally for your styling elements: walnuts, figs, pomegranates, heirloom tomatoes can all add warmth and colour to your table. There’s no need to spend a lot on your centrepiece, either. Using flowers and foliage from your own backyard or a local market can bring an intimate and relaxed feel to the event. Go for organic simplicity rather than worrying too much about ornate arrangements (plus it leaves more room on the table for food and wine!)
For the finishing touches, make it personal. Think handwritten menus, and about leaning into your culture and heritage with a bit of tradition. Kayla likes to drape grapes down the table to be nibbled away at over the evening, or including traditional Croatian tablecloths into a minimalist modern style setting. Whatever you do, she says, make it your own.
Sourcing and styling objects and elements for gatherings at home can be a creative and fun process as long as you have the right tips and tools. A table setting should be all about making everyone at the table feel immersed in the moment.
Found this advice helpful?
Share on your social channels and tag us + use #wonderscapes!