We are pleased to launch our “Dining With” editorial at the peak of the holiday entertaining season with hostess extraordinaire, Alice Naylor-Leyland in conjunction with the launch of her boxed table sets which make her magical tablescapes easy to order for your own holiday entertaining.
As an authority on all things fashion, travel and lifestyle, there is no one better than Alice to share her tips for the perfect dinner party. From the best cocktail to the ultimate playlist, it’s time to take notes!

WINTER WHITE HYPERICUM
ANGEL WING EUCHARIS LILY
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Dress up or dress down?

Dress up... When you can. I am a sucker for a frock and love any excuse to get dolled up. You only live once...

Cocktail hour means?

A white lady by the bar at Home.

On my playlist?

Toots & The Matals, Charles Trenet and Hank Williams.

My dinner table is never without?

Hmmmm. How to answer that one? We always have quite a lot going on. Good plates, a pretty napkin. Some festive friends. I love adding layers to any table and surprising my guests. I am very partial to a monogram too...

“Plan ahead... Do as much as you can that morning so when your guest arive, you're not spinning around the house. Plus, remember to enjoy yourself ”
ALICE NAYLOR-LEYLAND
ANGEL WING EUCHARIS LILY
GREEN SKIMMIA FOILAGE
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Favourite dinner party flowers?

Ranunculus are my favourite. So delicate and pretty yet impactful. I love them. I also love anything with height. Stocks etc. to create some drama on your table.

What’s for dinner?

Simple, comfort food. A twice baked soufflé, some delicious fresh fish with salsa verde and jamon and manchego croquettes as eats always go down well.

Home-cooked or catered?

I love home cooking, especially baking... But when having a big party, an extra pair of hands in the kitchen is essential.

“Cocktail hour means a White Lady by the bar at Home.”
ALICE NAYLOR-LEYLAND

Best kept party secret?

Plan ahead... Do as much as you can that morning so when your guests arrive, you’re not spinning around the house. Plus, remember to enjoy yourself.

Greatest recipe ever copied off a restaurant menu?

My husband and I have tried to perfect the sauce from the Relais de L'entrecote... We are nearly there. It involves a lot of butter and herbs!

Dream dinner guests?

My mother obviously, Caroline Rupert who loves tables nearly as much as I do, and Mary Charteris – she’s always fun.

ANGEL WING EUCHARIS LILY, WINTER WHITE HYPERICUM,
GREEN SKIMMIA FOILAGE, POWDER WHITE LISIANTHUS
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Truth or dare?

Neither. I hate games. Sorry...

What’s for pudding?

Clementine chocolate torte is my favourite. Serve it with bitter chocolate ice cream (Annabel’s recipe) – a perfect combination.

Herbal tea or nightcap after dinner?

Depends what I’ve been drinking that night! A vodka on the rocks is always a goodie but I won’t say not to a fresh mint tea.

Alice's limited edition tablescapes contain all you need to create enchanting, elegant dining. Learn more at www.alicenaylorleyland.com

GREEN SKIMMIA FOILAGE
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