À Table: A Technicolor Spread With Laura Jackson
It’s the season for holiday entertaining, and we’ve enlisted the help of the most stylish hosts we know to serve up their party tricks for a holiday hosting mini‑series. Dress code festive, RSVP requested. À Table! “The best nights are often the ones that are a little spontaneous,” says Laura Jackson. The TV presenter and founder is so invested in the art of entertaining that she launched an entire brand dedicated to it: Glassette, a digital space where you can find both a recipe for a dark chocolate clementine torte and shop the perfect platter on which to serve it.
Set the Scene
Laura’s philosophy is simple: hosting should be fun. She starts with a color combination in mind and uses what she has in her cupboards as the canvas. “I’ll look at my tablecloth collection and add pops of color through glassware, napkins, ribbons on glasses, or candle holders, and tie everything together with a hand‑painted place setting,” she explains. This year, she’s gone very colorful – bright, bold, and full of joy.
Key Elements
- Tablecloth: Solino Homelinen square tablecloth ($75)
- Ribbon: Vatindouble‑face satin ribbon ($12)
- Vase & Candles: David Mellor Odeon place setting ($184)
- Platter: LSA International Collective starter side plates ($30)
- Glassware: Made.com Quell dinner plate set ($58)
Photography by Jon Gorrigan captures the full palette of Laura’s décor.
The Hosting Outfit
When it comes to the host’s attire, Laura keeps it timeless yet festive. She mixes velvets, satins, or embroidered fabrics. This year she’s chosen a rust‑brown polo with fringe wrap skirt from Alémais.
Outfit Details
- Top: Alémais Noura knit polo ($290)
- Skirt: Alémais Noura fringe wrap skirt ($590)
- Shoes & Accessories: (optional) Add a pair of comfortable heels and a delicate clutch.
Photography by Jon Gorrigan showcases the host’s style in action.
Tabletop Heroes
Laura’s table accessories are thoughtfully curated. She’s partnered with Next for a Christmas collection and prefers amber glassware by Made and cream plates that feel timeless. Her favorite candle holders come from Joanna Ling ceramics, while the tapered candles from Neptune bring a range of colors to the table.
Accessories
- Napkin: Hudson Grace Stem HG Signature napkin ($24)
- Cream Plate Set: Made.com Quell dinner plate set ($58)
- Glass: Made.com Theon tumbler glass set ($62)
- Napkin: Hudson Grace HG Ultramarine napkin ($24)
Photography by Jon Gorrigan illustrates the table layout.
What’s on the Menu
Laura’s go‑to starter is anchovy on brioche – quick to prepare and always a crowd‑pleaser. The rest of the menu is inspired by recent restaurant visits or classic cookbooks. She has a never‑ending collection of recipes that she reads from cover to cover like a novel.
Menu Highlights
- Starter: Anchovy on brioche
- Main: Dark chocolate clementine torte (recipe from Glassette)
- Side: Roasted Brussels sprouts with honey‑glazed bacon
- Dessert: Classic lemon meringue pie
- Beverage: Pickle martini and champagne
Photography by Jon Gorrigan shows the dish presentation.
The Drinks Station
Laura loves margaritas, so she prepares a pickle martini to start the night. A twist on a simple recipe – such as a pickle or marmalade – is always a hit. She also serves champagne to keep the evening celebratory. The drinks station is set up to let guests help themselves and top up throughout the night.
Drink Station Setup
- Martini Glasses: Ikea Storsint martini glass ($6)
- Cocktail Pick Set: Crate & Barrels cocktail pick set ($8)
- Silver Tray: Williams Sonoma silver oval tray ($180)
- Anchovy Pack: Fishwife Cantabrian anchovies pack ($29)
Entertainment & Timing
Laura’s entertaining is as much about the flow of the evening as it is about the food and décor. She keeps the night relaxed, letting the music, conversation, and guest interactions guide the pace.
Entertainment Ideas
- Music: Create a holiday playlist that matches the color palette – include jazz, classical, and contemporary holiday tracks.
- Conversation Starters: Hand‑written thank‑you notes on each plate, or a small trivia quiz about holiday traditions.
- Timing: Serve the starter at 7:00 pm, main at 8:00 pm, and dessert at 9:30 pm. Keep the drinks station open for 2–3 hours.
DIY Checklist & Tips
Color Palette Creation
- Choose 3–4 primary colors that reflect the holiday theme.
- Test the palette by laying out a mock table with all accessories.
- Adjust the hue of the hand‑painted place setting to match the overall tone.
Decoration Touches
- Add a small bouquet of poinsettias or holly for a fresh scent.
- Place a small candle holder with a scented wax on each side of the table.
- Use a simple centerpiece – a glass bowl of fresh berries or a decorative jar of nuts.
Final Touch
Laura’s RSVP form is linked to the wishlist section so guests can see all items and purchase them easily. Her final note: “When you feel the night is a little spontaneous, you’ll know it’s going to be a memorable evening.”
Suggestion:
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