Style & Taste
Hosting
Hosting well is mostly preparation that guests never see. These notes cover the hour before people arrive: which lights to turn off, where to light a candle so the scent has settled by the time the door opens, and how to clear surfaces without making a room feel bare.
We also cover the practical side of entertaining in the UAE — hosting for iftar, managing a majlis for a large group, and setting a table that looks considered without being formal. The aim throughout is a home that feels generous and unhurried, which usually means deciding things in advance so that nothing needs deciding once guests are there. And because guests notice comfort long before they notice polish, most of these notes are about removing effort from the evening rather than adding formality to it.
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Eid Gift Ideas for the Home
Gifts for the house rather than the person. What to give at Eid for friends, family, colleagues and hosts, with notes on presentation and on what to spend.
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The Considered Gift: What to Bring When You Are Invited Home
A short guide to house gifts that are actually used. What to bring to a first invitation, a housewarming or an iftar, and how to put together a gift basket that does not look like a hamper.
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A Calmer Ramadan at Home: Light, Scent and the Majlis
Ramadan changes the rhythm of a home before it changes the decor. Simple, unfussy ideas for preparing the majlis, hosting iftar and choosing light and scent for the season.
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