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Á Table!
With Julia Khan Anselmo from Feisty Feast
When Julia Khan Anselmo founded Feisty Feast, she began with a simple idea – bringing women together through food and the exchange of ideas. Here, she reflects on the art of hosting, from the composition of a tablescape to the subtle presence of scent, exploring how thoughtful design gives a gathering its character.
The Art of Hosting
The Art of Hosting
''Hosting to me means really taking time in a very busy world. It’s prioritizing the people that you care about, and slowing down, and intentionality. Taking the time to go and get flowers, and decide what you’re going to make, and thinking about the details – and just being in service of others and thinking about others.''
''I feel that in order to prepare for a dinner party, it’s really important not to take yourself too seriously, and enjoy the moment, and not get too caught up in the perfection of it all, and just be present with your guests.''
Scent and Space
''When guests come over, I want them to feel slightly wowed, and that they feel that they are being taken care of. For me, hosting is about creating a temporary respite from the world. Scent works beautifully to help create that atmosphere. It’s a small detail, but I think it has a big impact.''
''I love the No.14 Firewood Green scent. It reminds me of being surrounded by nature and the forests of Canada, where I come from. There is something wonderfully familiar and comforting about it.''
''As we head into winter and the days become shorter, I love creating an intimate, romantic atmosphere with an abundance of candles. There is something about candlelight that instantly brings warmth to a room and makes people feel at ease''.
Setting the Scene
''I approach setting the table much like getting dressed. It is very much guided by how I feel and the occasion, although I do not believe you need a special occasion to dress up. Sometimes it is simply fun to put on your best clothes and jewellery, and I feel exactly the same way about tableware.
I am a big believer in using what you have and not saving your most beautiful things for some imagined special occasion. Wear your best clothes, bring out the good china, open that bottle of champagne and do not let the silverware sit in the cupboard collecting dust. Life itself is enough of an occasion.''
Top Three Hosting Tips
My three hosting tips would be first: no phones at the table. Be completely present with the experience, the guests and the food.
Second: there are no rules. Add a playful element like a unique napkin fold.
And my third one would be: first impressions are everything. Welcome guests with a cocktail or glass of champagne right away and make sure their glass is never dry throughout the evening.
Julia's recipe
Creamy Parmesan Soup
Julia's recipe
Creamy Parmesan Soup
Serves 8–10 people
Ingredients
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 200 g Parmesan, thinly sliced
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 2 litres heavy cream
- 1 litre whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp croutons
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh chives, finely chopped
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot. Cook the onions over low heat for about 10 minutes until soft.
- Add 150 g Parmesan, the vegetable stock, cream and milk. Simmer gently for 45 minutes.
- Add the remaining 50 g Parmesan and simmer for another 10 minutes. Blend until smooth, pass through a fine sieve and season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the croutons, shallot and chives between bowls. Ladle the soup over them and serve immediately.
When Julia Khan Anselmo founded Feisty Feast, she began with a simple idea – bringing women together through food and the exchange of ideas. Here, she reflects on the art of hosting, from the composition of a tablescape to the subtle presence of scent, exploring how thoughtful design gives a gathering its character.
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