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Mariko Kuo: How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party with Harrods
Feature: Short Read
Words by Emilie Dock
Mariko Kuo spins many plates: she’s a successful fashion and lifestyle blogger, corporate lawyer and doting mother. And this summer, with a newly renovated home in London, she’s ready to adopt a new role: perfect host.
Never one to do things by halves, Kuo is aiming high for her first dinner party. To celebrate her closest friends – “all beautiful, independent, inspirational women who I aspire to” – she’s laying on a gourmet menu served on a showstopping tablescape while wearing a pristine new outfit, finished with a fresh Chanel manicure.
Where has she found the time to plan such a fabulous soirée? Cool as a cucumber mere hours before her guests arrive, Kuo shared her gloriously simple guide to stress-free hosting with Harrods.
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Step 1: Commission a Bespoke Tablescape by Harrods Interior Design
“I love going to Harrods, especially to explore the Home & Furniture department,” Kuo tells us. “I saw the Harrods Interior Design service there, so I popped in and asked if they could help me host a dinner party. It was fantastic! I told them what aesthetic I was looking for and they really brought my ideas to life.”
The Aesthetic
"I love Japandi style, so I wanted a table that incorporated Japanese and Scandi minimalist styles together with different metals and mediums in a very clean and sophisticated way."
All in the Details
“I adore the embroidery on all the Peter Reed napkins; it’s such a personal touch that I hope everyone will love. I also love the l’Objet vases and all the Neill Strain bouquets, which are absolutely beautiful.”
Step 2: Curate a Gourmet Menu in The Food Halls
Fresh and Seasonal
“Tonight, my menu consists of a beautiful miso-glazed salmon and an assortment of summery salads, finished off with an Eton mess – all made by Harrods chefs. I’m a feeder, so I always like to have as much food and beverage as possible.”
Step 3: Pick Out a Chic New Outfit
“Tonight, I’m wearing an Alaïa dress I picked up in the Womenswear department at Harrods. I tried on loads of dresses, but this one stood out to me because of the little back detail.”
At Your Service
Hosting at home? Whatever the occasion, make every moment matter with help from Harrods services.
Bespoke Tablescaping with Harrods Interior Design: How it Works
It really couldn’t be simpler. Following a consultation with Harrods Interior Design stylist Alison Husbands, Mariko Kuo was given a tour of the Home & Furniture department, where she was introduced to brands that chimed with her chosen aesthetic: Japandi. From there, she was presented with a mood board to approve and, on the day of the dinner party, Husbands took care of everything, from arranging delivery of bespoke Neill Strain Floral Couture blooms to setting a beautiful tablescape.
Find Out MoreAlison Husbands, Harrods Interior Design Stylist
“When designing a tablescape, I like to reflect the theme in other areas of the home. For Mariko’s dinner party, for instance, I requested extra flower arrangements for the entrance hall, living room and powder room.”
Bespoke Tablescaping with Harrods Interior Design: How it Works
It really couldn’t be simpler. Following a consultation with Harrods Interior Design stylist Alison Husbands, Mariko Kuo was given a tour of the Home & Furniture department, where she was introduced to brands that chimed with her chosen aesthetic: Japandi. From there, she was presented with a mood board to approve and, on the day of the dinner party, Husbands took care of everything, from arranging delivery of bespoke Neill Strain Floral Couture blooms to setting a beautiful tablescape.
Find Out More![Food to Order cheeseboard]()
Services
Food to Order Online
DiscoverPlanning a special meal at home? Make it a gourmet affair with a little help from Harrods. From chef-made dishes to fresh, premium ingredients, we’re poised to deliver the best of The Food Halls, straight to your door.
![Neill Strain Floral Couture Pink Bouquet]()
Services
Neill Strain Floral Couture
+44 (0)20 7730 1234Specialising in rare flowers and renowned for truly artistic arrangements, Neill Strain Floral Couture is your go-to for ready-to-buy and made-to-order bouquets, as well as bespoke commissions.
![Harrods Hair & Beauty Salon]()
Services
Hair and Beauty Salon
DiscoverWhether you're looking for a fresh cut, colour and blow dry, or a next-level mani-pedi, Harrods’ expert stylists and technicians will leave you feeling your very best after every visit.
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