Table Talk

Table Talk: At Home with Hatta Byng

The very best hosts have it down to a fine art: from setting the table to impress to gathering a good mix around it. Every other month, 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.

From a leading lady in fashion for our first edition to one of the biggest names-to-know in the world of interiors – the home of former House & Garden editor, Hatta Byng, who certainly knows about laying a table to remember.

The Art of Hosting with Hatta Byng

We caught up with Hatta in her Yorkshire home to lay the table and talk about her hosting tips, insights and stories. Read on for the full article as well as her quick-fire Q&A of her favourite pieces from our collection

What’s your single most favourite thing about hosting?

"I think it's simply about creating a welcoming environment for friends. We go through fits and starts when it comes to hosting, but when we're in go-mode, I do rather love it when it's just us and one other couple. Then it's more about catching up with good friends than hosting. When we do have a large number though, mostly for big suppers, we vary the location between our dining room that can sit up to 18 and the kitchen table here which gathers up to 12. When people are staying for the weekend we like to vary it, different rooms create different atmospheres."

Name the one thing you notice and appreciate most when being hosted by someone else?

"We went to friends recently and they had a cocktail promptly ready to push into your hand on arrival, so that got things off to a jolly good start. It was a mini margarita of sorts in a lovely Nick and Nora glass. The thing I'm not very good at are eats before dinner and so greatly appreciate canapés in other people's houses too."

Perfect crockery or perfect table linens: if you could only have one which would it be?

"Linens, because you can have different ones to suit the mood and occasion whereas with plates, you're likely to only have one set or two at most. I tend to use a tablecloth if we are eating in the dining room – a long and old, white damask one – as everything looks good set against it. I love a round one for our sitting room table too but I like the kitchen table left bare and to decorate with plates, napkins, candlelight and flowers like this."

Insider Scoop: what's your number one spot for supper?

"My parents had a beautiful house in France which they've now sadly sold, but they created a terrace for a table with the most spectacular view of the Pyrenees. So, truthfully, that's where I'd pick if I could. Locally though, I really enjoyed a place called Partisan. We've only been once so far but it's good food, simply made, in a nice setting."

Dish the dirt, who's the best person who has ever hosted you?

"That's an impossible question for me [calls to her husband, Charlie for input]. Oh yes, we just had an amazing weekend with our friend Mia Reay [the wallpaper designer] and her family. They have such a spectacular house in Cumbria and I adored everything about it from the roaring fires to the group of such interesting and fun people. It's one of those houses where each room pulls you through to the next with generous sofas, Mia's wallpapers everywhere and an abundance of pattern, colour and fascinating antiques. The house feels alive and very, very welcoming."

You're having friends over for supper, what's your go-to dish and drink?

"Charlie loves making martinis [we asked how he does them to which he answered: “gin and dirty with a glass ready and frozen in the freezer] and I'll sort the food. If it’s supper in the kitchen then Diana Henry's Orange Oregano Roasted Chicken with Olive Gremolata is a regular go-to – look how thumbed and spattered the pages are; a testament to its heavy use. For pudding, I typically do a French bistro chocolate mousse in a teacup. Charlie's the one to push the boat out and is more experimental whereas I go safe. He's Christmas, I'm Friday night supper if you see what I mean."

And what's your ultimate host-with-the-most finishing touch?

"Both of us honestly do feel like the table is king. You can make anything feel like an occasion, even if it's just two of you, with a well-dressed table. Things don’t have to be over the top in my eyes, just considered."

Hatta Byng x Rebecca Udall: The Edit

Hatta's quick-fire five picks straight from the Rebecca Udall collection.

Your go-to glass: "Evelyn for her solidity and period character – it could be an antique."

Pick a plate, any plate: "The Zita in Pink. In truth, I'd love it in all colours to suit the occasion but maybe that's a bit indulgent."

Cutlery, take your pick: "The Classic in Fern Green because it's simple and unfussy but the green is fun and it's important to have colour in life."

Your number one napkin: "These Rosehip ones though maybe not for summer. They really jolly up a winter table and I like that they are white with some interest."

Your tablecloth one and only: "Victoria in Dusty Rosewood – not to use in the above mix of course but stripes are so useful and always look good. I'm a sucker for a stripe even in choosing things for the house. I have to remind myself to not always go for stripes and now probably have none as a result!"