perhaps it’s no surprise that Ariadne and Olympia Irving, the sisters behind Carolina Irving & Daughters (along with their mother, Carolina), love to entertain. Whether they’re at home in London or at their vacation getaway in Portugal, they can be counted on to host gatherings that are effortlessly chic, both laid-back and carefully thought through.
“We tend to go for planned lunches or dinners because we like to put time into setting the table nicely, getting pretty flowers and making our guests feel as special as possible,” they say. “This also takes away a lot of the stress! We usually set the table in the morning so we can focus the rest of our time on the food and drinks. That being said, pre-planning doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be a formal event, we just enjoy taking our time!”
Ariadne (left) and Olympia love to entertain at home, whether in their London apartment or vacation house in Portugal.
Lily Bertrand Webb
The Irvings are known for mixing bright colors, patterns, and texture on their table, indoors and out.
Ariadne and Olympia IrvingA typical meal Chez Irving will usually include a table filled with platters of food to share and mini ice buckets filled with drinks, which encourages guests to help themselves. “This makes it easier for everyone and creates a more relaxed atmosphere,” the Irvings explain. After dinner, the action doesn’t stop: “The end of the evening often includes a fun game of either Perudo or charades.”
Read on for a list of Olympia and Ariadne’s must-haves for a memorable gathering!
Olympia and Ariadne Irving’s Entertaining Essentials
A Filo Spritz Glasses by Felicity Menadue For Yali
“The colorful Murano glassware handmade by Yali complements what we do perfectly and no table or drinks moment is complete without it.”
$169, yaliglass.com
Classic Perudo Set
“For sundowner drinks or after-dinner games—it’s easy to travel with, too!”
$143, perudo.co.uk
Museum Postcards
“We love to collect postcards from museums we visit around the world, like these Weiner Werkstätte cards from the Neue Galerie in New York. We think they make the best place cards!”
$2 each, neuegalerie.com
Concha Triple by Carolina Irving & Daughters
“We use these small serving bowls for everything—snacks savory or sweet, dips, as little catchalls…anything!”
$120, ci-daughters.com
Mini Ice Bucket by Carolina Irving & Daughters
“Great for a bar or on the table. Fill with ice for delicious drinks all night.”
$70, ci-daughters.com
Madeleine Ivory Taper Candles by Trudon
“The best colors and super-pretty illumination.”
$39 for set of 6, trudon.com
The Perfect Playlist
“Our dinner party playlist is designed to take us from cocktails to dinner to clean-up.”
Everything on our website was hand-picked by a FREDERIC editor. We may earn commission on items you purchase.
