Fred Sirieix reveals his little secret to hosting a great spring get-together – it's so simple, but effective
It's a nod to this popular tablescaping element
Fred Sirieix is, without a doubt, our favourite celebrity maître d' and has become somewhat of a favourite for us at Ideal Home when it comes to looking for interior inspiration. Combine this with his years of expertise in the hospitality industry and who else better than the First Dates star to let us in on his little lesser-known secrets for hosting a great spring get-together?
As the season turns and the promise of sunnier days is finally ahead of us, chances are you're likely looking to spruce up your outdoor space in time for the many garden party ideas set to grace our homes come springtime.
Working in partnership with French gin brand, G'Vine, we grilled Fred on some of his top tips on how to create an unforgettable memory for your guests. We've previously taken on board Fred's garden party tips, and this time it's all to do with clever glassware choices that will make your guests swoon.
Fred Sirieix's glassware hosting tip
Speaking to Ideal Home on hosting success this springtime, we asked Fred to share with us his little lesser-known secret that he's picked up while navigating the hospitality industry for a party that feels fresh and fun – even more so if you're decorating for Easter bank holiday celebrations.
'As you said, it's got to be fun,' begins Fred. 'You've got to remember and ask yourself, how are you going to make it fun? How are you going to make it interesting? Are you going to make your dishes more colourful, vibrant, and exciting when it comes to the table?'
Something tells us even Fred (while he may not know it) is in the know of the popular tablescaping decor trend that has swept social media, given all this talk on coloured glassware and dishes.
'It's thinking about the basics,' explains Fred. 'For example, if you're making a gin and tonic, what kind of glass are you going to use? Are you going to use a straight tumbler or are you going to use a more elaborate glass where you can have a bit more decor inside? The Spanish, for example, are very big with their gin and tonics in terms of the garnishes they put inside. Some of them are just incredible!'
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
'With gin and tonics, what I like to do is take a big glass. Big glasses work very well for this because the key to a great gin and tonic is ice. Then, you put your garnish in and it's almost like you're creating a piece of art – a piece of art that is going to make you and your guests feel good.'
That being said, it's pretty clear that the secret to hosting success is paying mind to little details that would otherwise be overlooked, like glassware, for example. Better yet, it's so simple to achieve and makes for an expensive-looking tablescape.
Shop glassware
'These are the kinds of things that we can do to inspire ourselves but also inspire our guests and make them think, "Wow, someone has put some effort into this party!". And that's exactly what it's about – making people feel that you have actually thought about these things and have made a lot of effort,' continues Fred.
'What you're doing is hosting and you're here to host a great party and have fun. So, you should let people know that you've prepared everything for them and aim to create something truly special.'
Jullia is Ideal Home’s Junior Writer. She’s always loved all things homes and interiors, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nottingham where her love for writing blossomed following her internship at ArchDaily. Now focused on home tech and cleaning, Jullia works on writing features and explainers to help people make the most of their home appliance investments, putting the newest launches through their paces. When she isn’t writing, she loves exploring the city, coffee shop hopping, and losing hours to a cosy game or book.
-
Should you cut grass in November, or have you missed the boat? This is what the experts had to say
Time is running out
By Lauren Bradbury
-
A garage playroom was completely transformed into vibrant yet calming ensuite bathroom
See how this couple create a dreamy retreat in their home
By Dilly Orme
-
Cult-fashion brand RIXO has launched a homeware range - you'll want to save up for its show-stopping cushions
RIXO already has a cult following in the fashion world, and now it's coming for homeware
By Rebecca Knight