While at Flex we love a Christmas cocktail or two and the chance to celebrate the end of another lap around the sun, we’re always on the lookout for advice and insider tips from expert entertainers on creating the perfect seasonal soiree.
Actress, entrepreneur and Goop wellness empire founder, Gwyneth Paltrow, is renowned for throwing some of LA’s most stylish get togethers. A fan of the fuss free, laid-back approach, Gwyneth says she’ll plan her décor and her playlist at least a week before – choosing music and a theme to match the holiday mood.
Top Chef Padma Lakshmi, renowned the world over for her culinary skills, is all about making as easy and entertaining as stress free on the day as possible. She says she always prepares a certain number of dishes ahead of time to free up clutter in the kitchen and looks to seasonal soups, casseroles, curries and slow cooker recipes that are almost always better a day or two later.
This month, we speak to Flex Studio Singapore Pilates devotee and the stylish co-founder of go-to bespoke wellness platform The Daily Glow, Wendy Long, has a well-earned reputation in the Lion City for effortless entertaining in style.
For Wendy it’s all about atmosphere, planning, setting a theme and evoking special memories of Christmases past.
And a hint for our hosts – make sure you’re having fun and wear great shoes! “Put yourself in the shoes of your guests,” Wendy says.
“If you don’t feel comfortable, chances are, neither will your guests!” Wendy says when creating a festive atmosphere, structure should always come first. “Will it be cocktail style or a sit-down dinner?”
Once that’s decided, then you can focus on specifics to help create the ultimate festive mood by curating your selection of napkins, tableware, music, floral arrangements and food. Scent is an important element of any festive event and can be the key to creating atmosphere and evoking special memories.
“For most of us, the holiday season is all about childhood memories and feel-good vibes,” she says. So, think pine, fig, forest, wood, dew, smoky fireplace, warm marshmallow, cinnamon from apple pies – all those scents that really stir the senses.
And when creating the ultimate aesthetics for a stylish holiday event? Singapore’s most seasoned and stylish host says she always looks for a witty reference.
“Instead of hitting your guests over the head with decorations from a Hallmark card, pick an iconic reference that says it’s Christmas without actually saying it’s Christmas,” she advises.
Reflecting on some of her most memorable hosting events, Wendy says 2020 in the midst of the Covid Pandemic, when restaurants and borders were shut, she invited guests over for a winter chalet experience minus the long-haul flights and the jetlag.
“Think Gstaad, Aspen and St Moritz. I used wood ledge placemats and serving plates, red plaid napkins, a faux fur tablecloth and toy forest animals on the table to make it look festively Alpine. It’s still one of my favourite settings ever and everyone still talks about it,” she says.
“Try not to be too stressed. Your friends won’t be upset if things don’t go absolutely according to plan. So be sure to relax and have a great time celebrating the holiday season with your good friends!”
Remember that the essence of any gathering lies in connection—focus on enjoying time with loved ones rather than striving for perfection. This holiday season, embrace the joy of hosting by creating an inviting atmosphere filled with delicious food and laughter.
You can find out more about The Daily Glow here