Home entertaining is having a quiet renaissance. Perhaps it’s the economic recalibration that has us swapping restaurants for dining tables, or the fact that beautiful tableware, ceramics and linens have never been more accessible. Whatever the reason, gathering at home feels intentional again — less about spectacle, more about connection. We asked three women with distinct aesthetics and perspectives — Beck Wadworth, Zeenat Wilkinson, and Jess Molina — to share exactly how they create atmosphere, meaning, and ease within their own four walls. Here’s their responses, in their own words.
Beck Wadworth | Digital Creator
THE APPROACH
I love a long girls’ lunch or an intimate dinner at home. There’s something special about creating a space where conversation can really unfold. It depends on who I’m hosting. When it’s girlfriends, I love to elevate the experience — thoughtful details, a beautiful central tablescape… but always balanced with a relaxed, welcoming feel. I adore an evening soirée — lighting transforms everything. Candlesticks in beautiful holders, a signature scented candle, soft lamps glowing in corners. It instantly creates atmosphere.
THE STYLING
I usually begin with a theme. It might be inspired by a cuisine, an occasion, or even a material or colour palette. From there, I build outward. I think of it as creating a moment rather than just setting a table. Music. Always. It’s not a visual element, but it’s essential. I love a styled first impression… But once the afternoon or evening begins, it should naturally soften into something lived-in and relaxed.
THE MENU
Shared, always. I love cheese platters and canapé-style plates that encourage people to graze and move. An abundant grazing platter is my fail-safe. I focus on presentation — neat rows, colour blocking, or a checkerboard layout… It’s simple entertaining that feels quietly luxurious. Flow is everything. I like guests to feel that the evening unfolds naturally. For me, it’s always the atmosphere… Guests remember how a space made them feel: welcomed, relaxed, cared for. Great home entertaining is creating a space where people feel relaxed enough to stay longer than they planned.
Shop the edit (clockwise, from top left): A&C smoked red wine glass, $37. Louise Roe ‘Pirout Vase 01’, $465, from Slow Store. NED Collections ‘Otto’ bowl, from A&C. Louise Roe ‘Bubble Glass’ carafe, $356, from Slow Store. Città ‘Halo’ dinner plate, $44. Louise Roe metal grape tray, $1150, from Slow Store. MONO Germany salad servers, $298, from Simon James. Fourth Street Backgammon board, $1590. Fourth Street candlestick set, $645. Maison Balzac ‘L’Escargot’ dessert spoons, $109.
Zeenat Wilkinson | Digital Creator
THE APPROACH
I love hosting intimate dinner parties for close friends. There’s something really special about bringing together people from different parts of your life and watching those connections form around a table. Hosting at home creates an atmosphere where everyone can properly relax, feel grounded, and be present. It’s never about anything overly grand, it’s much more about closeness and conversation. [My approach is] guided by the purpose of the gathering. If it’s a birthday or anniversary milestone, it naturally feels more elevated. I love a long sit-down dinner with printed menus and name cards. If it’s more spontaneous, I lean into that ease. A potluck is wonderful for that and it takes the pressure off and introduces new dishes. And if it’s last minute, I’m very happy to order wood-fired pizzas and put that extra energy into beautiful cocktails instead. Winter entertaining feels the most natural to me. There’s something about being cosy by the fireplace, music playing softly, and lingering over a long dinner that feels deeply comforting. It encourages people to slow down.
THE STYLING
I always begin with the tablecloth as it sets the mood instantly. For something more formal, I’ll choose a classic white or neutral linen and build from there. For relaxed gatherings, I love a playful checked or printed cloth. I’m drawn to layering. Menus, napkins, candles, crockery — they all build colour and texture quietly. I love incorporating what’s seasonal. Linen always feels effortless and timeless to me and it’s practical, which I love. Candlesticks add warmth and intimacy. If you have beautiful linen and considered tableware, you can simplify the rest. I prefer cohesion across the table. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just considered.
Shop the edit (clockwise, from top left): Maison Balzac ‘Tête à Tête’ napkins (set of 2), $135. Nonna’s Grocer ‘Tomato’ candle, $69. Glasshouse Fragrances ‘Kyoto in Bloom’ hand care duo, $109. Vitra ‘Akari’ UFN-33N standard lamp, $3980, from Città. Ornament ‘Arc’ black Venetian taper candle, $22. Kip&Co ‘Lobster’ embroidered napkins, (set of 4), $109, from Superette. Good Earth ‘Iris Garden’ cotton table cloth, from $178. Dinosaur Designs ‘Bold Skipping Stone’ vase, $288. Ferm Living ‘Dedali’ bowl, $750, from Slow Store. Dinosaur Designs ‘Pebble’ large vase, $355.
Jess Molina | Digital Creator
THE APPROACH
I’ve always loved cooking and have always been the designated cook in the family. Sunday’s Table [Molina’s Instagram series] officially started back in 2022… It became a ritual I looked forward to. The meditative aspect of chopping onions, how cooking asks us to be present in the moment. I also wanted to reclaim my relationship with food online. As someone who is plus-sized and very much online, I’ve seen food be discussed as something negative in the context of bodies like mine. I wanted to show a plus-sized person enjoying food and celebrating food as a way to connect with myself. When you’re hosting… it’s the company of the people that I love the most. The laughter and conversations, the food, how alive my home feels with people there. I definitely prefer to entertain more in autumn/winter… I also love a heartier, more comforting menu so the colder months are my favourite time to host.
THE STYLING
I’m a Libra so presentation and aesthetics are at the core of my being. Even when I’m hosting pizza night… I would still make it look artfully arranged. I think it adds to the experience of a meal. I think every good tablescape involves candles, glassware, something fresh like fruits or flowers, and crisp linens. A mix of all of these, for sure. I’ve built up such a great curation of tableware… so it’s easier for me to make something look appealing.
THE MENU
I’m a mood dresser and as it turns out, also a mood eater! So planning around food means I’m usually just serving what I’ve been craving. Definitely pasta. It’s so easy to whip up something delicious… It’s also such a good place to start when building a menu. I’d love to share more Filipino dishes this year though as I think Filipino cuisine is so underrated. Food is central to every gathering… from the moment my guests arrive and they smell the food, it immediately sets the mood for the evening. Great home entertaining to me is an extension of care, of how much I love to show my care and affection by making sure my loved ones are well-fed, happy, and feeling looked after in my home.
Shop the edit (clockwise, from top left): Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, $63. Mesa Collections round ruffled placemat ivory (set of 2), $55. Borde Black Truffle Xtra Virgin Olive Oil, $48, from Maison Vauron. Alessi Koki ice cream scoop, $170, from Simon James. Cloudy Bay Pelorus, $40. Gohar opera gloves metallic pair, $262. Summer Harvest ‘Tomato Leaves Bench Spray’, $45, from Real World. Louise Roe metal champagne coupe, $185, from Slow Store. Home Lab ‘Lagoon Ivory’ glazed bowl, $79.
This article originally appeared in the Autumn ’26 issue of Fashion Quarterly.
Imagery: Supplied.
