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Express and Echo

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June 05, 2025

Time to luxe up your layout for a seasonal soiree or two, suggests SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

WITH summer almost upon us thoughts are turning to parties and casual get-togethers, cue conversational corners and fresh food stations.

But before you fill up your social diary, a key ingredient is getting to grips with how best to plan your seating area, introduce ambient lighting and a dedicated drinks zone, and make sure everyone feels welcome.

Here, experts share their top tips for happy hosting...

Introduce furniture that invites connection

"If you have an open-plan kitchen, thoughtful placement of your dining table makes all the difference - as can the shape itself," says Daniel Smith, CEO and founder of Danetti furniture company.

"Rectangular tables work well with a mix of chairs and benches for a casual vibe, whilst round tables naturally encourage conversation and seat more people within a smaller footprint," says Daniel.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA Express and Echo

Express and Echo

Concern as flags tied to lampposts along mile-long stretch of road

DEVON County Council has warned of the dangers of hanging flags from lampposts after an outbreak of patriotic mania along a major route in Exeter.

time to read

1 mins

December 11, 2025

Express and Echo

Express and Echo

Housing proposal approved at site of city's former police station and court

MORE than 800 student flats and 'co-living' studios are to be built on the site of Exeter's old police station despite neighbours' fears that their homes will be overshadowed.

time to read

2 mins

December 11, 2025

Express and Echo

Express and Echo

Santas take over city centre and raise charity cash

CHRISTMAS started with a festive burst of energy in Exeter as more than 750 people dressed as Father Christmas filled the city centre for this year's sold-out Santa Run.

time to read

1 min

December 11, 2025

Express and Echo

Express and Echo

Campaigner disappointed by road consultation delay

A CAMPAIGNER fighting to get an Exeter road reopened to traffic has urged councillors not to delay a vital public consultation.

time to read

1 mins

December 11, 2025

Express and Echo

Express and Echo

Cities united

EXETER and Plymouth are two cities that don’t always see eye to eye. The respective football teams have been rivals for generations, vying to be Devon's top dog.

time to read

2 mins

December 04, 2025

Express and Echo

Food is most pressing need for those accessing fund

RESIDENTS applying for financial help from a council’s hardship fund are most likely to need help buying food, it has been revealed in a report.

time to read

1 mins

December 04, 2025

Express and Echo

Licence review finds city nightclub acted correctly after student fell ill

THE company behind a popular Exeter nightspot says it has been 'exonerated' over an incident in which a teenage university student collapsed and fell down stairs during a night out.

time to read

2 mins

December 04, 2025

Express and Echo

City’s MP raises fly-tipping issues in ancient woods

FLY-TIPPING problems in Stoke Woods have been taken to the Government following reports from local residents.

time to read

1 min

December 04, 2025

Express and Echo

Express and Echo

Some of town’s waterfowl to be culled due to bird flu

BIRDS living in a seaside town’s aviary are to be humanely culled after testing positive for bird flu.

time to read

1 mins

November 27, 2025

Express and Echo

Report suggests wastewater plants are struggling to cope with demand

A CRUCIAL and long-awaited study that predicts the extra sewerage capacity needed to cope with housing growth in East Devon shows South West Water has “quite a lot to prove”.

time to read

3 mins

November 27, 2025

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