Laura Jackson, a renowned television presenter and the visionary behind the lifestyle brand Glassette, offers her distinct perspective on holiday entertaining, advocating for celebrations that are both spontaneous and deeply personal. She believes that the most cherished evenings often unfold organically, free from rigid planning, focusing instead on creating a warm and engaging environment for loved ones. Her philosophy centers on infusing joy and a sense of belonging into every gathering, ensuring that guests feel utterly at ease.
Jackson's recent holiday dinner at her home exemplified her hosting style. The table was adorned with a striking bubblegum pink tablecloth, serving as a vibrant foundation for the festive decor. Menus were elegantly handwritten in flowing calligraphy, adding a touch of artisanal charm. Rather than a traditional, imposing centerpiece, she opted for a scattering of slender burgundy taper candles, artfully placed within pomegranates. This minimalist yet impactful arrangement allowed for intimate conversations and showcased her clever use of everyday objects to elevate the aesthetic.
For the host's attire, Jackson gravitates towards rich, tactile fabrics during the festive season, favoring velvets, satins, and embroidered pieces. She frequently revisits classic dresses from designers like Simone Rocha and high-street brands like H&M, and also incorporates cozy knits from Boden. This year, she expressed a particular fondness for Alémais, choosing to wear their rust brown polo with a complementary fringe wrap skirt, blending comfort with sophisticated holiday style.
When it comes to tabletop essentials, Jackson values both the aesthetic and functional. She enthusiastically recommends the amber glassware from Made and praises the timeless elegance of their cream plates. Her personal collection of Joanna Ling ceramics, especially the candle holders, are a recurring favorite for their refined appeal. She also highlights Neptune's tapered candles for their beautiful range of colors, which can effortlessly enhance any festive scheme.
Jackson's culinary approach is equally thoughtful. For starters, her go-to is anchovy on brioche, a dish that is deceptively simple to prepare yet consistently impresses her guests. The rest of her menu draws inspiration from recent restaurant experiences, which she then adapts for home cooking, or from her extensive collection of cookbooks, which she reads with the same passion as novels. Her drink station is a highlight, starting with her beloved margaritas, often featuring creative twists like pickle juice or marmalade. The pickle martini has also become a staple, and she often prepares large batches in advance to encourage guests to serve themselves throughout the evening, fostering a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Champagne, for its inherent celebratory feel, is always on offer.
Jackson also shared invaluable insights on hosting etiquette. She believes the host's genuine engagement is paramount; a relaxed and joyful host creates a relaxed and joyful ambiance for guests. This presence manifests in small gestures, like refilling glasses or skillfully guiding conversations. For music, she curates playlists that evolve with the evening, starting with mellow tunes and gradually shifting to more upbeat selections to encourage dancing. Her guest list strategy focuses on connecting individuals, aiming for guests to forge new friendships. Ultimately, her secret to stress-free entertaining is simplicity: embracing takeaways, utilizing existing home items, and getting creative to make the occasion enjoyable for everyone.
