I go out for dinner a fair amount, usually with my partner Angelica or friends, and I think the atmosphere is just as important as the food. You want to feel welcome the moment you arrive - not in a formal way, but in a warm, friendly, “we’re happy you’re here” way. That’s something you can absolutely bring into your hosting at home. Greet people with a smile, be chatty, make them feel instantly comfortable. The look and feel of the space matters too. The ambience of a room - lighting, layout, how the table is set — really affects the whole experience.

I like warm, soft lighting that instantly feels comforting and helps you switch off from everything else. The goal is to create a space where guests feel relaxed and at home. Music plays a big role too. I love soft dinner-jazz in the background — something subtle that fills any quiet moments without overpowering conversation. Restaurants also have little sensory elements: the clink of glasses, the sound of tables being set, people chatting. You can recreate that at home by properly setting the table with glassware, full cutlery, and whatever else you need. Even the bathroom matters. A clean bathroom with soft lighting or a candle sounds small, but it adds to the overall feeling of care. And when guests arrive, I think a hug, a smile and a warm welcome go a long way. Set the vibe with your lighting, music and general intention for the evening: calm, relaxing and enjoyable.

Aside from cooking, the first thing we do is set the table. Angelica and I host together, and we’ve got some lovely placemats, a table runner and glasses that make the table feel thoughtful without being formal. It signals to guests that you’ve made an effort. To set the mood, we’ll put on some music and maybe have a drink — not always alcoholic - while getting ready. Even if you’re slightly stressed cooking, it helps you ease into the hosting mindset. When guests are arriving, have a few nibbles out: crisps, nuts, dips, olives (we love Pirello olives). Even shop-bought dips feel special if you transfer them into a nice bowl and finish them with olive oil or paprika. A welcome drink is always lovely - alcoholic or not. We often serve very dirty gin martinis using the olive brine from the same olives we put out to snack on. When friends arrive, we’ll usually chat at the kitchen island with a drink and some nibbles before moving to the living room to catch up, then back to the kitchen once dinner is nearly ready.

I’m not always great at keeping it simple because I love serving lots of things, but if you want to streamline it, make one main “centrepiece” dish. Something like a great pasta sauce, a one-tray pie, a pastry dish, or a lasagne. Pair it with one or two salads and some good bread. That way, your main focus is on one dish, and the sides are easy to assemble at the end. If you like doing a bigger spread - which I often do - cook things you’re comfortable with. Hosting can get stressful, so stick to recipes you know work. If you’re trying something new, practice it once beforehand. And always have a salad. A contrast of hot and cold on the table is important. For dessert, keep it simple: good chocolate, ice cream, or bake frozen cookies. Anything you can make ahead of time is ideal.

A simple running order helps: a welcome drink, then wine with dinner. Recently we’ve been enjoying red wine — probably because of the weather. Richer, heartier food pairs perfectly with deeper reds, while lighter summer meals are great with rosé or dry white wine. Small touches matter too: - a jug of water so guests can help themselves - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options - salt, pepper and olive oil already on the table I like when guests feel free to add whatever they want to their food. Make it clear that they can ask for condiments without feeling awkward - it makes the evening far more relaxed and personal.

Get most of the cooking done before guests arrive. You want the kitchen to feel calm, especially if it’s the first space they walk into. Ideally, when they’re there, all you need to do close to serving is boil pasta, dress a salad, or assemble something quickly. Having a welcome drink helps ease everyone in while you finish last-minute bits. If you’re in the kitchen while guests are with you, ask them questions or talk them through what you’re doing. It keeps conversation going without you needing to multitask too intensely. And taking some time away from the kitchen to sit and chat properly before you serve dinner means you’re actually hosting, not just cooking.

Make your guests feel as comfortable as possible. Even though they’re in your home, the space should feel like theirs for the evening. A relaxing environment, thoughtful lighting, music - and little personalised touches like offering their favourite drink or seasoning — make people feel truly welcomed. Good food and a beautiful table help, but the real magic is making your guests feel looked after. That’s what they’ll remember.