SEASONAL SOIREES

Chloe Willis talks entertaining essentials

- JESSICA SALTER

LIFE moves incredibly quickly so it's really lovely at this time of year to come together and celebrate with family and friends to take a pause, cook wonderful food and have people around to your home.

When you're entertaining, a fun feature is a home bar. It can be built in so many houses have strange nooks that just need a few shallow shelves and a marble worktop. If you lack the space, a trolley or a large tray with drinks, nice glasses, sliced lemons and an ice box does just as well. It allows guests to help themselves.

It's important to have enough places for everyone to sit. The average home might have a sofa and a pair of armchairs, perhaps an occasional table, but if you're hosting a party you might need more. A big ottoman is always useful because people can perch on it. I have pretty lacquer stools that I normally use as side tables, but they can be used as seating. Fold-up chairs that can be easily stored when not in use also work.