Take the stress out of hosting a formal dinner party with a casual night in. Think charcuterie boards, cozy spaces and soulful acoustics. But with the absence of the traditional dining table, we explore the furniture essentials to host an indoor soiree.
In our third instalment of est’s entertaining series, we take a closer look at the relaxed home get-together. Returning to Main Ridge in Victoria’s hinterland, this time we venture indoors. Our focus: the living room. Together with Australian home furniture purveyor King, we curate a living room edit ideal for ‘the casual gathering’, that sets the right ambience to encourage your visitors to unwind from the moment they arrive. King, known for their award-winning modular sofas with tailored, enduring fabric (removable for professional cleaning), means even cabernet sauvignon will be on the wine list.
Produced in partnership with King
Welcome beverages and charcuterie platters can be placed atop the King Issho circular dining table. The sleek black Apero glass round side table offers a convenient place to set down cocktails.
Owl artwork by Joshua Yeldham.
Making An Entrance
While you may be abandoning the ‘usual’ formal dining table, this doesn’t mean sacrificing somewhere for your guests to mingle. The King Issho circular dining table with its soft curved edges creates a striking ‘show piece’ for your visitors to socialise around as they enjoy their welcome beverages. Add ambient music, soft lighting, and pre-prepared hors d’oeuvres to ensure you are hands-free for guest arrivals.
Adaptive Seating
When it comes to seating, providing a variety of options will appeal to the differing preferences of your guests. The King Max Package 3 chaise sofa, with its deep, tufted seating and different configurations, allows your living space to adapt to the occasion. Paired with occasional seating like a soft silhouette King Fleur lounge chair or a King Fleur high ottoman will offer adequate seating options to suit all needs.
The King Fleur lounge chairs featuring folding backrests and 180-degree swivel, paired with the Max Package 3 chaise sofa with its endless modular options, will adapt to your guest list or room configuration.
Petite seating options such as the King Fleur ottoman will accommodate larger gatherings.
The dual-level, geometric King Jasper II occasional marble table takes pride in place in the living room. Hosting a glass top above a Nero Marquina marble provides adequate space for shared platters, small plates and glasses. The King Max Package 3 chaise sofa delivers deep-seated comfort, clean lines and sophistication.
The King Max Package 3 chaise sofa surrounding the Jasper II occasional marble table.
Discerning Furnishings
Often hailed as the centrepiece of the living area, a large low table offers a central ‘meeting point’ for guests and somewhere to set down food and beverages. The King Jasper II occasional table with its black marble top and slimline aesthetic completes the look. Floor and table lamps, combined with pendants or dimmable downlights, will create a soothing ambience for a twilight event. Bar stools such as the King Aspen offers the perfect vantage point for viewing theatrics behind the bar.
With generous seat depths, the aptly named King Aspen bar stools will have your visitors enjoying their mulled wine or Irish coffee in true ‘apres ski’ style (cue fireplace).
