Table Talk with Jennifer Grant of Romeo & Jules Studio
Our Table Talk series is all about dinner party conversations. If you were sat beside our guests at a candlelit dinner party, what would you want to ask them? We’ve curated our dream dinner party guest list and will be chatting to our guests throughout the year, asking them all about themselves, their area of expertise and, of course, their own dream dinner party scenarios.
Our next guest is Jennifer Grant, the Creative Director of Romeo & Jules, a creative studio specialising in stylish stationery, branding and art direction. Jennifer is renowned for her eye-catching stationery, encompassing menus, place cards, wrapping paper, note cards and much more. We love using her designs on our table settings to create an extra special personal touch. We caught up with Jennifer to chat about how she elevates her Christmas wrapping and festive table setting, as well as her dream dinner party scenario.
How can you make your Christmas table feel more personal and special with stationery?
I love the idea of bringing one's personality to a table and I originally developed the notion of blank menu cards and place cards to help further that concept. Seeing one's writing on a beautifully set table is such a personal approach that instantly brings a smile to one's face.
What little extras make all the difference when wrapping your gifts?
I love the idea of being able to mix and match patterns in co-ordinating colourways for a considered approach to wrapping, then finish off with a gift tag with a hand-written message of Christmas cheer. Ribbons from London's VV Rouleaux add a further sense of elevation and consideration and always in a pop of colour of course!
What will your own Christmas gift wrapping look like this year?
As you may have guessed, I vote for a riot of colour under the Christmas tree! Each of my two children get 'assigned' a colourway for ease of Christmas morning chaos and I tend to use two patterns for each boy for lots of colourful moments. I love the slightly untraditional use of patterns so to be used at Christmas and beyond.
Do you have any tips for elevating your Christmas cards?
I will lean on the use of colour here once more! I love the use of colourful envelopes on Christmas cards to bring a bit of warmth to the receiver and perhaps the postman too! And, of course a hand-written message on the inside of the card!
Who would be your dream dinner party guests and why?
I wish I had an impressive list of celebs past and present but honestly, I'd love to recreate my Thanksgiving dinner party over and over again. It was a motley crew of expats, all gathered around laughing, enjoying each other's company and feeling grateful for it all. More of that please!
What would feature on your dinner party playlist?
I believe a playlist should start small and build throughout the evening to encourage the vibe to carry on well past the meal. So perhaps some nostalgic Christmas music to welcome, then Vampire Weekend, and if the evening ends with a bit of a Rolling Stones sing-along, I'll consider it a good night!
What are three things on your Christmas list for this year?
Just three?? Sophie Keegan's bobble ring is top of the list at the moment, Skin Design's indulgent Designer Balm and perhaps a little number from La Double J for some serious fun.
What are your favourite Rebecca Udall products for a Christmas table?
I love building the textures on the table so the Scalloped Rattan Placemats are a must. Then of course the Festive Dinner Napkins, Burgundy Taper Candles to set the mood, and all set on the Clara Tablecloth for a festive feel. Black Cherry Twist Tumblers, Line Cutlery and Emily Bud Vases all help to complete the table!
