There’s an art to hosting that goes far beyond tablescapes and menus – and someone who understands that intuitively is artist and designer Laila Gohar, the Egyptian-born, New York–based creative whose boundary-pushing work with food culture has made her a global authority on the modern dinner table. Through her studio practice and her cult-favourite tableware universe, Gohar World, she’s become known for transforming gatherings into something poetic, playful and deeply communal.
“For me, hosting is about creating a space where your guests feel welcomed and cared for – your spirit of generosity leaves a stronger lasting impression than trying to serve an impressive meal,” says Laila. “I also think it’s important as a host to have a good time. If you’re not having fun then no one else will either! Guests really feed off of your energy, so the most important thing is to be relaxed. If cooking stresses you out, then order in! I’d rather people leave my home feeling that they got to see me and spend time with me.”
And so, for this special edition of The Wish List, Laila shares 11 hosting essentials that reflect her distinctive approach: considered, playful and designed to bring a sense of occasion to even the most effortless gathering (with a stain-saving must thrown in for good measure)...
The Apron So Cute, You Won’t Mind Wearing It In Front Of Your Guests
When I’m hosting, I’ll throw on a dress and then top it off with our Gohar World metallic apron, paired with our matching oven gloves. Trust me, you’ll feel fabulous pulling anything out of the oven in this look. Apron, £128, and gloves, £88, both Gohar World
The Dress That Makes Me Feel Like I’ve Got Everything Together
As a host, I think it’s important to look and feel amazing. Wear your favourite party dress, even if you’re cooking. I love dresses by my friend Simone Rocha. They make every day feel like a special occasion. Dress, $700, Simone Rocha
The Chef-Approved Recipes To Serve Up At Dinner
This cookbook is by one of my favourite restaurants in New York City (not that I’m biased!). It’s great to have on hand as a host for meal ideas, and it also makes a great gift for the cook in your life. Estela by Ignacio Mattos, £26.99, Waterstones
The Olive Oil To Drizzle Over Everything (That You’ll Want To Display On Your Counter)
What can I say, I use this olive oil every day. I’ll go through a bottle in a week, so I buy the 101 oz tin so I’m never short if I’m having an impromptu gathering at my place. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $79.99, Partanna
The Fine Sparkling Wine To Get The Evening Started
Showing up to an event with something in hand is always appreciated. I typically reach for champagne – it might be predictable, but so is the fact that everyone’s happy the second it shows up (plus, a few of you could club together for a special bottle). And, even if you don’t end up popping it open on the night-of, having a bottle on hand in your fridge always comes in handy eventually. Blanc de Blancs NV, £84.95, Champagne Lallier
The Sweet Treat To Serve Up After Dinner
Chocolate bars are a similarly appreciated alternative to alcohol that can be passed around the table and enjoyed as a group after a great meal, or that the host can save for later. The Casa Bosques options are beautifully packaged, making them a lovely gift and also offer a variety of unexpected flavours like sesame paste and tabasco peppers. £11, Casa Bosques
The Go-To Centrepiece (Flowers, Of Course)
Flowers are, of course, a quintessential element of hosting – but I don’t think it’s a detail that should be stressful. Anything can be a centrepiece: radishes, greens, fruit – whatever speaks to you. If I do have time to pick up flowers, my go-tos are always dahlias. I get them from Bear Creek Farm at the Union Square Farmer’s Market in New York City.
The Mood Lighting – Perfect For Above Your Dining Table
Put all your eggs in one basket (literally) with this wrought-iron egg chandelier for an alternative instant, statement centrepiece that your guests are sure to love. £276, Gohar World
The Stain Remover (Trust Us, You’ll Need It)
I swear by Shout for any stains that will inevitably occur while hosting – on yourself, your friends, your favourite tablecloth, your furniture... I’m so confident in its powers that I’ll wear my best outfits while cooking and any mishaps I’ll just spray with Shout at the end of the night – and it’s like it never happened. Around £11.99, Shout
