The Art of Hosting with Butter Wakefield
Join us in the homes of some of the greatest tastemakers as they lay the table and chat to us about the ingredients behind the perfect night in – or out as is the case in this edition. Step into the home and abundant townhouse garden of award-winning landscape gardener, Butter Wakefield as she sets the garden table for a great London night out at home.
What’s your single most favourite thing about hosting?
“My single most favourite thing about hosting is choosing seasonal flowers (UK-grown from small farmers whenever possible, such as these on my table today from Marlston Farm Girl) and then arranging them to create a beautiful and inspiring table centered around them.”
Name the one thing you notice and appreciate most when being hosted by someone else?
“I always notice lovely nibbles with drinks before dinner. It is such a considerate effort to make as your guests arrive.”
Perfect crockery or perfect table linens: if you could only have one which would it be?
“Perfect table linens all day long!”
Insider Scoop: what’s your number one spot for supper?
“The Anglesea Arms on Wingate Road, which is happily around the corner from me. Top food every single time!” [We went after the shoot and can attest to the fact – some of the best food we've had in a long time.]
Dish the dirt, who’s the best person who has ever hosted you?
“Impossible to choose just one, but if allowed more than one (and in no particular order): Robin Lucas, Rita Konig, Joanna Plant, Beata Heuman, Jamb, Skye McAlpine and my Ma!”
You’re having friends over for supper, what's your go-to dish and drink?
“I love making a very delicious wild mushroom risotto with a variety of mushrooms including dried Porcini. It's all done in the oven so no endless stirring required either.”
And what's your ultimate host-with-the-most finishing touch?
“I think the ultimate host-with-the-most finishing touch is to shop, prepare and cook everything yourself. Go the extra mile.”
Butter Wakefield x Rebecca Udall: The Edit
Butter's quick-fire five picks straight from the Rebecca Udall collection.
Your go-to glass: Celine Murano Tumbler in Black Cherry – because I hate a stem wine glass so I’d sip from these instead.
Pick a plate, any plate: The Zita in Citrus Yellow – the very ones I have on my garden table.
Cutlery, take your pick: The Natural Wood Cutlery.
Your number one napkin: I love the check and the colour of the Remy Napkin in Ivy.
Your tablecloth one and only: I'd have the Remy Round Tablecloth in Ivy to match – it's just perfect for my round garden table and they're so hard to come by.
