Two women standing on a balcony drinking wine out of Maebel Audrey Wine Glasses

Hosting at Home: Why It’s the New Night Out

The Rise of the Stay-In Society

Somewhere between the $24 negroni and the line to get into a “hidden” wine bar (that everyone knows about anyway), we collectively decided: you know what? Home sounds better. Hosting is no longer just your parents’ Saturday night dinner party with a roast and a questionable trifle. It’s having your favourite people around the table, curating playlists, styling a vibe, and serving food that feels good.

Hosting at home is the new night out — and honestly, it’s better.

Why?

  • It’s more intimate: You can actually hear each other without shouting over a DJ.
  • It’s more creative: From menu to tablescape, it’s your stage.
  • It’s more affordable: You can buy a whole bottle of wine for the price of one bar cocktail.
Style maebel table with two women, one drinking wine and eating pasta with the other filming on a handheld camera

Setting the Scene (Because the Vibe Matters)

A dinner at home doesn’t just start with food — it starts with how it looks and feels. The table is your runway, and we’re here for a statement moment.

  • Tablecloths as the canvas → Swap “white linen” for bold prints like our La Festa Tablecloth or Flora Tablecloth. They instantly signal: this isn’t your average Tuesday night.
  • Plates that make people pause → Try our Everything Bowls or Dona Mains. They’re designed to make the food look better (yes, that’s possible).
Two styled maebel table setups, one featuring Flora Tablecloth, The Everything Bowl, Frank Bowl, Silver Fox Plate and Montana Coupe. The other setup features Lou Lou Plates in Crema, Olive Napkins and Mayland Stand.

Food > Fine Dining Pressure

Forget the stress of cooking a Michelin-starred menu. Hosting at home is all about food that feels shared, generous, and joy-filled.

  • Platters of roasted veggies, colourful salads, bowls of pasta, breads piled high.
  • One “wow” dish to show off, and the rest easy, comforting sides.
  • Dessert that feels playful (hello, tiramisu in oversized bowls).
One image is of a person holding out a bowl of pasta to the camera. The other image is of a styled table and someoene is sprinkling salt over a bowl of pasta.
One image is of a styled table with Maebel Marni plates and someone grating fresh parmesan onto a bowl of pasta. The other is of a set table with a plate of asparagus on maebel Silver Fox Plate and Chroma Candle Holders.

Drinks on Your Terms

Going out = awkward split bills and a cocktail list longer than the actual menu. Staying in = pouring freely without having to tally up later.

Pro tip:

  • Kick things off with a signature house cocktail - base it on an existing classic, put your twist on it and give it a name that means something to your gang.
  • Batch your drinks — blended margaritas ready to go, a negroni jug you'll keep coming back too, or offer simple layered drinks (hello campari spritz).
  • Soda with bitters and lime or a pre-made probiotic cordial for an alcohol-free option.
Two women standing on a balcony holding a maebel Audrey Wine Glass and Audrey Campagne Flute filled with wine.

The New Social Currency: The Tablescape

Here’s the thing — people remember how you made them feel, and a big part of that is how inviting the space is. When your guests walk in and see a gorg styled table, they know you care enough about the time you spend together to make it feel like a warm embrace from the second they step through the door.

  • Layer colours → bold tablecloth + contrasting napkins.
  • Mix textures → ceramics, glassware, fabric, flowers.
  • Play with height → candlesticks, bowls stacked on boards, fresh flowers in low arrangements.
A warm and inviting tablescape with a bowl of pasta with a mountain of freshly grated parmesan on top.

Shop the Look

Ready to host like a pro? Explore the Debut Range — our collection designed for nights that feel like events.

Back to blog

Leave a comment