Welcome to OPUMO's weekly roundup of our favourite shoppable finds. From outerwear to decorative objects and everything in between.
There's an art to hosting. On the surface, inviting friends and family into your home, feeding and watering them sounds simple. And it should feel that way. But the best hosts know that this process is really a quiet choreography that turns an ordinary evening into an experience people will remember. It's a skill that can't be bought, but there are tools that can help you to set the scene.
Nordic Knots Columba Rug
A statement rug, like this one from Nordic Knots anchors a room. It'll bring a space to life, adding a splash of colour and serving as a focal point. Use it to soften acoustics in a big room, or to create a separate zone within an open plan space, such as a studio apartment.
Pexwear Chef’s Apron
When you finally join your guests to eat, the last thing you want is a big stain down your shirt from whatever you were rustling up in the kitchen. A proper chef's apron preempts this issue, and this one from Pexwear even has a slit up the front for improved mobility.
Jars Maguelone Dining Set
Good chefs know that you eat with your eyes first, so good presentation counts for a lot. Give the IKEA stuff a day off and invest in some aesthetically pleasing dinnerware like this set from Jars.
Ferm Living Ripple Carafe
Sure, you could serve wine straight from the bottle, but it's the little touches like using a carafe that take your hosting skills to the next level. Get two for full marks.
Japan: The Vegetarian Cookbook
If you aren't veggie yourself, you're probably going to end up feeding people who are. Instead of cooking them their own little meal, thus infantilising them and making more work for yourself in the process, why not just learn how to prepare food so good it doesn't need animal protein to prop it up?
Transparent Bluetooth Speaker
Music is a must. Not only does this unusual wireless speaker from Transparent look the part, it's also Bluetooth, so your guests can connect to it and share tunes as the evening moves away from the table and towards wherever you keep the alcohol.
Hoka Ora Primo EXT Clogs
You'd be surprised how many steps you put in just marching around the house preparing food and getting the place shipshape for guests arriving. A good pair of house shoes can make the process much more enjoyable, and these ones from Hoka are hard to beat.
Soho Home Teak Salt Cellar
Nothing quietly signals superior taste like serving seasoning in a little dish with a tiny spoon instead of the usual salt and pepper mills.
Aarke Stainless-Steel Carbonator
Being able to ask your guests, "still or sparkling", is a surefire way to quietly cement your reputation as a hosting master. Even better when the carbonator looks this good on a worktop.
Service Projects Water Bottle
And if you're going to be serving water in various forms, you're going to need suitable receptacles. This simple bottle from Service Projects is our first choice.
Next up: Kitchen accessories for aesthetically minded foodies.
