When hosting friends and family, it’s all about making them feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome. A cosy space that feels warm and inviting can really set the tone for any gathering, whether it’s an intimate dinner or a more casual get-together in the living room.
Arlo & Jacob Otto cinema corner sofa (six-piece), from £10,500 & The Roost Leather club chair, £432
If you’re looking to create a space where guests can chat, unwind, and enjoy themselves, here are a few interior design tricks that will make your house party one to remember – for all the right reasons.
SIT SOCIABLY
When it comes to entertaining, the way you arrange your seating is everything. It’s not just about having enough chairs for everyone, but how you place them. The goal is to make sure guests can sit and talk without feeling too far apart or awkwardly positioned. A circular or semi-circular seating arrangement helps create a natural fl ow of conversation, while a sprawling corner sofa invites both conversation and relaxation.
You don’t need to stick to just one type of seating, either. Mix it up with a combination of comfy sofas, statement armchairs, and even floor cushions if you want a more laid-back vibe. A stylish ottoman or pouffe can double as extra seating when needed.
GATHER ROUND
The dining area is often the focal point of the party, so making it feel welcoming and intimate is key. A round or oval table naturally encourages conversation as there’s no sharp divide between guests. But if you’re working with a rectangular table, keep the seating close together to avoid awkward gaps that can kill a good conversation.
Dining chairs don’t have to match and mixing them up can add charm and character to your space. Consider pairing wooden chairs with softer, upholstered pieces to keep things comfy and visually interesting. Adding a bench to one side of the table creates a communal feel and works well for more casual dinners.
As for table settings, keep things simple but thoughtful. A few low candles or a small fl oral arrangement can make the space feel special. You want guests to feel they’re there to enjoy themselves, and not worry about knocking over a grand centrepiece.
Bridgman 200cm Olbia dining table with six Ferrara dining chairs, from £5,799
INVITING LIGHTING
Lighting can make or break the atmosphere in your home. Bright, overhead lights might be great for everyday tasks, but they’re too harsh for entertaining. Layering different types of lighting is the best way to create a warm, cosy vibe. Start with your overhead lights, but make sure they’re on dimmers so you can adjust the brightness as the evening progresses.
Add in table lamps, floor lamps, or even wall lights to create softer pools of light around the room. This not only adds warmth but also helps to zone the space and make it feel more intimate. Candles are another easy way to introduce a warm, inviting glow, whether dotted around the living room or arranged along the dining table.
For the best results, aim for a mix of lighting at different heights. It creates depth in the room, making it feel more layered and comfortable, rather than flat and overly lit.
Above: Lustre six suspensions starglow pendants, €8,586 Nedgis Below: Granite + Smoke double sided cashmere blanket, £590 The Roost
LAYER UP
Creating a cosy space is all about how your home feels, and a big part of that comes down to texture. Adding layers with rugs, throws, and cushions can make a space feel instantly warmer and more inviting. Even if you have an open-plan room, using a large rug under your seating area can help to define the space and will make it feel more intimate.
Stick to natural materials like wool, linen, and cotton for a tactile, comfortable feel. In the colder months, go for heavier textures like chunky knits or woollen throws, while in the warmer months, lighter fabrics like cotton and linen still provide cosy comfort without feeling too heavy.
Left Top: marble and brass urn table lamp, £1,355 Besselink | Top Right: Velvet Polly pouffe, £995 Rose and Grey | Bottom Left: classic linen tablecloth, Tobacco, from £175 Rebecca Audall | Bottom Right: Clementine drinks trolley in orange silver leaf, £1,200 Webb and Gray
GET PERSONAL
Ultimately, what makes a home feel cosy and sociable is personality. Your space should feel lived-in and unique to you. Whether it’s a gallery wall of your favourite prints, an eclectic bookshelf, or a collection of ceramics that you’ve picked up over the years, these little personal touches make the space uniquely yours and help guests feel more at home.
A vintage drinks trolley or a well-curated coffee table can also offer a bit of glamour and interest, while encouraging guests to help themselves and settle in. The key is to create a space that feels authentic, relaxed, and welcoming.
