The Art of Hosting with Sophie Perkins
There are home renovation projects, and then there are the sort that tastemaker Sophie Perkins takes on – colossal rebuild, redecoration and reimagining of historic estates fallen to ruin that her and her husband bring back to life for an extraordinary new chapter.
First it was the 40-bedroom Georgian Aynhoe Park in the Cotswolds [now the home of US interiors label, Restoration Hardware], and now they take on the Elizabethan mansion Parnham Park – one of the oldest and most important stately homes in Dorset with walled gardens, ancient woodlands, waterfalls and all.
A known host with the most, Sophie shares two table designs for early autumn, styling with her own treasures, foraged finds and carefully chosen pieces from the Rebecca Udall collection: a classical setting in a vaulted stone entrance hall and a harvest table in the Parnham Restaurant glasshouse.
What’s your single most favourite thing about hosting?
I like bringing people together – that has to be my favourite part of it all. I do love when people walk into a space I’ve created and I get to watch their faces; that moment can be enough for me and they could all go home at that point! I’m kidding, of course. There really is nothing quite like creating something, and then watching the night or event unfold in your backdrop or a the table you created.
Name the one thing you notice and appreciate most when being hosted by someone else?
I mainly appreciate being hosted! It can be the smallest little touch in a guest bedroom that makes you smile, to a gesture of your favourite drink, but really I know what it is like to host so I appreciate all the plates that you quite literally spin. I am always impressed with a butler of ours however who always takes note – whether it’s mentally or in a secret little black book – of little preferences or quirks. From dietaries to flowers to even pillows! (James' friend has his pillows stored in our laundry room as he likes a certain type when he stays) The butler always on hand with something you need before you knew you needed it!
Perfect crockery or perfect table linens: if you could only have one which would it be?
Crockery. I’m such a huge collector of vintage crockery and appreciate the mismatch hugely. I guess, if I had to, I could do without linen so long as I had this mix of colour and pattern to decorate my table.
Insider Scoop: what’s your number one spot for supper?
Naturally, it’s our restaurant! How lucky am I, that I get to walk from my home, through my garden to The Parnham Restaurant. All the food here is a celebration of food we've loved from our travels and we bring all that together here using local produce be it from our garden or the hand-dived Lyme Regis Dorset scallops. Our Cornish Tuna Belly we have on the menu is incredible.
Dish the dirt, who’s the best person who has ever hosted you?
I’m not sure if I can identify one single person but I’d have to collectively say my mates. Sure, I could say known-people and their incredible homes but the truth is it’s intimate moments with my dearest friends that I treasure the most.
You’re having friends over for supper, what’s your go-to dish and drink?
I always like a margarita – spicy, yes. I get my sister Harriet to make me a batch as mine aren't as good as hers. My kids might say my signature dish is my bolognese – I like to create meals everyone can help themselves to - saucepans and bowls on the kitchen island everyone grabs a plate - family style.
And what’s your ultimate host-with-the-most finishing touch?
Finishing touch - the last hurrah of the stay or event is the Aynhoe Bacon Sarnie! It’s a perfect way to mop up whatever went down the night before!
Sophie Parnham x Rebecca Udall: The Edit
Sophie’s quick-fire five picks straight from the Rebecca Udall collection.
Your go-to glass: Freida: the shape, the colour, and that antique-like quality, I love them.
Pick a plate, any plate: The Zita in Chestnut Brown: For someone who usually likes colour on a plate - I just love that detail around the edge and the depth of tone. Beautiful, simple, classic.
Cutlery, take your pick: I want to say something clever but it has to be Bamboo. You can use it for so many occasions from picnics to supper and grown-up dinners.
Your number one napkin: I really love the yellow of the Straw linens: such great tone and richness that I’d enjoy in every season.
Your tablecloth one and only: This is one instance where I’d like things to match so I’m saying Straw again – yellow on yellow heaven.
