From gorgeous summer dresses, shoes and shades to one-of-a-kind tableware including colourful glasses, placemats and décor to elevate your home, TK Maxx has everything you need to be the host with the most this sunny season. To find out how to entertain in style this summer, we asked styling experts Gracie Cahill and Courtney Smith for their top hosting tips …
We’re beginning to feel like we have won the summer jackpot with this period of prolonged sunshine Ireland is experiencing at the moment. Weekend get-togethers are moving outdoors as friends and family gather for all manner of special occasions. If you’re in charge of the next celebration, follow these simple steps for a fuss-free gathering that goes big on style.
We know that a big part of hosting is the planning process, so why not make it fun? From crafting menus to designing a tablescape and adding fun little extra touches that guests will remember, there’s a lot to consider. Maybe you would like to add a pop of colour with some new glassware, or perhaps you need some additional tableware, cutlery or linens? You might like to create custom playlists your guests will love, or craft a welcome cocktail that will get people talking!
If you’re searching for some new additions to decorate your space, we know just the place to find statement-making pieces that won’t cost the earth. Consider TK Maxx THE place to shop this summer to discover irresistible pieces perfect for hosting summer garden parties. The best part? As well as being unique, these designer finds are always priced at up to 60% less than the RRP. That makes it even more important to note that when you find a gem, snap it up – because when it’s gone, it’s gone! The same goes for Homesense, TK Maxx’s dedicated homeware sister brand and another destination where you’ll find irresistible pieces (at irresistible prices) perfect for hosting summer garden parties.
What should you keep in mind when catering for multiple people at home? According to event stylist Gracie Cahill, “Hosting is about setting a scene. It’s a lot more personal than going out for dinner or going to a party so you can customise it however you want.” Use this to your advantage by bringing elements of your personal style into the day. Get ready to discover those one-of-a-kind pieces that you cannot wait to show off at TK Maxx and Homesense this summer and keep scrolling to find Gracie’s top tips for hosting as well as stylist Courtney Smith’s guide to looking the part …
DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX AND MATCH
Gracie’s number one tip: “Don’t be afraid to mix and match prints, styles and shapes. A huge myth when tablescaping is that your table has to be perfectly matching and curated around a theme and while this is one look, there are many aesthetics. It’s an interiors concept that has really taken off recently and has been embraced by lots of different personalities who have modernised how we now decorate a table.” Use this trend to your advantage and focus on finding individual pieces you love in places like TK Maxx and Homesense, where you never know what you might find. “There’s a real focus on layering and mixing and matching shapes and prints, contrasting colours and shapes, using different napkin colours and blending more natural materials like rattan and jute with modern ceramics,” says Gracie.
ADD COLOUR THROUGH GLASSWARE
Gracie continues: “A big look this summer which I think is a really practical way of using what you have while bringing lots of personality to a table is mixing up your glassware. Colour is such an easy and affordable way of transforming the look of a table and making an impact without spending too much money.” Seek out bursts of fuchsia, turquoise and orange layered with blush, brown and smokey grey. Gracie says she will often contrast a darker tumbler with a plainer style wine glass or vice versa: “Similarly, I love mixing up plate sizes and prints, playing with different prints and shapes which always adds a lot of texture, warmth and character to outdoor dining and barbecues this time of year. I love TK Maxx and Homesense because they offer a treasure trove of product and their eclectic mix of designer pieces along with quirky one-off finds are just what I am looking for when shopping for summer entertaining pieces.” Consider us inspired!
CHANNEL ‘70s CHIC FOR A COMFORTABLE AND COOL HOSTESS LOOK
Next comes the second most important factor of the day – what to wear! If you’re looking for a new summer frock, TK Maxx is the place to go. Nothing beats that feeling when you nab ridiculously good quality for less at TK Maxx. Stylist Courtney Smith says: “The 70s are back – Daisy Jones & the Six has influenced the boho chic look for summer, with flowy dresses and waistcoats reappearing from peoples’ wardrobes.” Perfect hosting attire – you don’t want to wear anything restricting so that you can move, cook and serve with ease, all day long! A boho chic maxi dress paired with flat sandals or a waistcoat with a floaty skirt and wedges will mean you can stay cool, calm and collected throughout the party, focusing on making sure your guests are having a good time. “Textures are big this year with lots of ribbed details on plain tops, being paired with statement pants and skirts. And always make sure to choose pieces that can be styled in different ways to get MAXX-imum wearability,” says Courtney.
SHOP IN STORE AT TK MAXX AND HOMESENSE:
Pink and orange floral dress, €39.99 (RRP €169.99) at TK Maxx.
Printed flat sandals, €12.99 (RRP €54.99) at TK Maxx.
Jute place mats, €17.99, at TK Maxx.
Yellow glass jug, €12.99, at TK Maxx.
Pink and white striped tablecloth, €36.99, at Homesense.
Wooden serving set, €8.99, at TK Maxx.
Orange and white printed seat cushions, €19.99, at TK Maxx.
You’ll find everything you need at TK Maxx and Homesense this summer. TK Maxx offers a unique treasure hunt shopping experience where customers can experience the thrill of finding an amazing brand or one-off every time they shop. You never know what you might find, but that’s part of the fun. You may go in for a new handbag and come out with a gorgeous lamp for your bedroom or go in for a pair of socks and come out with a cocktail shaker! At Homesense, TK Maxx’s dedicated homeware sister brand you’ll find fabulous pieces to update your interior, from beautiful throws, table linens and glassware to bigger ticket furniture items.
Visit your local TK Maxx and Homesense stores nationwide and nab fab summer entertaining essentials at up to 60% less than the RRP. Check out TKMaxx.ie and Homesense.ie or follow them on Instagram @tkmaxxie @homesense_ie and Facebook @TK Maxx @Homesense Ireland.
