India Hicks – Christmas table for OKA 2022
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know how much I adore British Colonial style of design and that one of my main personal inspirations is the well-known designer India Hicks (junior bridesmaid at the wedding of her godfather [King] Charles to Diana in 1981, and daughter of design icon David Hicks). India’s style is a timeless and under-decorated look which combines Caribbean culture and British colonial formality. Design so beautiful that you can hear the soft ocean breeze and smell the frangipani flowers!
There is something about the interiors that India has created on her Caribbean Island oasis that is very similar to our tropical Darwin homes: wide verandahs, timber decking, beautiful arched canopies over doorways all of which have been designed to capture the breeze. Colour palettes that bring crisp black and whites, together with nature’s own sand, driftwood and lush greens and jewel-like ocean and colours of blossoms.
As we head into the balminess of our Darwin wet season days, I thought it might be fun to take a little look at summer entertaining and how I love to bring my favourite design style into my entertaining.
Summer entertaining is relaxed and an opportunity to spend time with friends in an informal setting which we can make beautiful and inviting with just a few simple tricks:
Flowers
Bring fresh cut florals to the table! And mix the florals with other greenery to look more expansive. Gigantic palms in vases and pots make great decorator pieces which can really create a luxurious island paradise vibe. Expensive purchased flowers are not necessary … you could simply pluck some leaves or palm fronds and arrange them in an artful pattern, or use them to lay as a table runner down the centre of your dining table.
Colour
Use colours in your soft furnishings – table linens and cushions – that speak of lazy summer days, sunny mornings, and balmy nights.
Scent
Spritz an island fragrance around your home and add delicious fresh scented candles to your dining and entertaining areas. Feel yourself transported through scent!
Island vibe
Mosquito netting and natural timber floors are the all-important finishing touches.
As we delve deeper into creating an idyllic summer entertaining experience (yes, it should be an experience!), here are my top five secret tips:
- A sense of style is never out of style – be thoughtful in your decorating and styling pieces. And use them to create that ‘entertainer’s experience’.
- Make the effort – set the table, use pretty napkins, and add a table display of some kind.
- Don’t feel the need for perfection – mismatched silverware, jam jars for vases, it’s ok!
- Adapt to the season but keep your entertaining principles the same – always have a pretty able, seat people thoughtfully, and be kind with your lighting.
- Be confident in hosting anywhere – transform any space simply by using a nice tablecloth, an arrangement of florals or greenery, and beautiful candles.
- “Cocktail hour is the most important meal of the day!” (India Hicks) – I could not agree more!
It’s the special touches and careful planning that put your guests at ease … in a most relaxed manner resulting in the perfect party where long after dessert no one wants to leave the table.
