Table Talk

Table Talk: At Home with Rixo's Orlagh McCloskey

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. Who better to open the series than co-founder of esteemed British womenswear label, Rixo? Read on as Orlagh opens the door of her West London home to show us how it’s done.

The Art of Hosting with Rixo

What’s your single most favourite thing about hosting?

Getting a good mix of people together to create a brilliant atmosphere. I’m lucky that I get to meet some amazing people, and love to intermix groups that I know will really click. When I get to bring together my Irish friends and family with my London lot, it’s always a great night. I have a twin sister [the interior designer, Cupla] whose friends are a great laugh so bringing them into the mix is always fun too.

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

When you never have an empty glass. It shows that the host is attentive but even better when they do it in a relaxed fashion like my sister Gem does.

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

Oh that’s hard! I think crockery because my table [designed by Dirk van der Kooij out of recycled plastics using a palette chosen by Orlagh] carries itself well so I can get away without linens, though please can I sneak a napkin or two in as well?!

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

I love Gold in Notting Hill. It’s incredible!

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

My sister, Gem. She just knows how to make sure everyone is having the best time. My mother-in-law is great at hosting parties too actually, mainly because the food is so good and she puts everything together really nicely with such attention to detail over her table settings.

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

Aperols all round and then champagne to palate-cleanse, though rosé in summer is of course a hit. This is beginning to sound like a liquid diet so on the food front, I do a really nice ginger pulled ham that’s the first dish to be finished every time. It’s one we have at Christmas but it’s delicious all year round with a cheeseboard.

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

Making everyone delicious coffees and cake or chocolates before they head home. They come after pudding – if I forget pudding everyone’s always a bit pee-ed off! Nothing fancy, just a load of Tony’s all smashed up for everyone to nibble at – it’s more fun that way!