"I truly believe that whether you’re having dinner at home with family or creating a beautiful environment for a special occasion, a thoughtfully considered table makes your guests instantly feel welcome,” Chyka tells us. If you’re not already familiar with the fun and unstoppable force that is Chyka Keebaugh, we’ll happily introduce you.
Chyka got her start as a caterer extraordinaire before launching her own wildly successful events and catering business with her husband. For four consecutive years, she was a regular fixture on Good Morning Australia as the resident homemaking and styling expert.
As mutual lovers of pattern, art, styling, and the French aesthetic, we’ve collaborated with Chyka on many collections, including our latest collection. Today, she sits down with us to discuss the art of celebration.
Chyka’s table-styling essentials
“Scale is important,” Chyka explains. “Of course, guests need to see each other across the table, but the wow factor is that first moment when your guests see how you’ve set the table and get excited for what lies ahead.
Here are a few of her préférées styling techniques:
The art of layering: “I love the concept of layering. For me, it starts with a tablecloth and then a variety of plates in varying sizes that I mix and match on top of each other.
Tableware accents: “Beautiful cutlery and, of course, impeccably polished glassware that shines, topped off with water glasses in an accent colour.
A consistent theme: “I love my tables to reflect the meal so that they have elements that relate back to the food your guests are eating.”
Varying heights: “For example, 50 white candles of varying heights placed down the centre of a table or glasses of freshly picked lemons with green leaves of different heights.”
An element of surprise: “Mixing and matching in unexpected always starts a conversation. Start by searching your cupboards for something you haven’t used for ages.”
“It doesn’t need to be anything over the top, but things done en masse always look amazing.”
Chyka highlights two key considerations that will help you effortlessly host a night to remember: atmosphere and proper preparation.
Atmosphere
She encourages us to walk around the house for areas that could use some added je ne sais quoi. “When organising any kind of event at home, there are a few key elements to remember: lighting, fragrance, and sound.”
“Does the table at the front door need a bowl of flowers? Do I need a beautiful playlist that creates a feeling when you walk in the door? If the flowers displayed don’t have a particular fragrance, find a candle you love and continue that smell throughout the house. These little things really make guests feel warm and invited,” she reveals.
Preparation
Chyka teaches us that current ease comes from prior preparation. “Be organised and prepared,” she asserts. “Set the table the night before so you know everything is where it should be, and you have enough of everything.”
But she also encourages us to remember that the purpose of a celebration is to enjoy the moment. “Have fun and play around with what you have, and don’t be limited to what you originally thought you were going to do. Sometimes, the best tables come out of something unexpected, like when you find something and add it to your tabletop, and it just works.
La table de printemps parfaite
The art of building a spring table à la Chyka
“It’s so much fun when we can finally entertain outside, and there are lots of fun ways to make this happen,” she shares. “I love the idea of moving a kitchen table to an unexpected corner of your garden under a big tree.”
“There is such an abundance of beautiful bulbs around this time of year. Whether buying bunches at the market or plants from Bunnings, you can really create something stunning,” she says.
“Don’t try and use everything. Instead, block together one or two of your favourites to make a strong impact. I love using plants and will quite often take them out of their container and put them straight onto the table soil and all!" Chyka suggests “using lots of garden pots and fresh herbs.”
“If you’re hosting a simple barbecue,” she says, “set up a table for people to help themselves. It makes things more exciting, and people love to help. If you ask them to bring something, make sure you’re specific so you don't double up on things. Make an area for a bar with plenty of glasses and ice. This shows friends that you’re asking them to be a part of the family and to help themselves.”
