The Art of Hosting with Naqiyah Mayat

As a digital content creator and author of The Beginning: Indian recipes from my home, Naqiyah Mayat balances her roles as a wife and mother of four with a career as a highly regarded tastemaker within the Indian and Muslim communities, making her a powerful forces within the world of style and food.

We asked her for her protips for the season of celebration and entertaining, and her expertise in creating memorable occasions for guests.

Simple tips to make stylish entertaining look effortless

Naqiyah share a few of her favourite ways to elevate guest experience that are easy to replicate.

Elevate simple meals with beautiful platters and serveware.
The right platters and serveware can instantly add elegance and visual appeal to even the simplest of meals. By presenting food in a thoughtful way, you can make casual dining feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Focus on garnish, accompaniments, and placement rather than recipe complexity.
You don’t need complex recipes to impress: learn to elevate your dishes with carefully chosen garnishes, side accompaniments, and creative food placement. These small details can transform an easy meal into a showstopper.

Protip: elegant stemmed glassware can take a table setting from incredible to exquisite.

Pre-prepare food so you can enjoy the experience as much as your guests.
Preparing your food ahead of time is key to creating a seamless occassion. This way your prep and dining space is tidy, leaving you calm and ready to greet your guests when they arrive. With plenty of time for you to socialise and join in on the fun.

Fresh florals for your Summer entertaining.
For those summer gatherings, remember to store your flowers in the fridge overnight. This little trick keeps them fresh and vibrant, adding a pop of natural beauty to your table and enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Light, fresh meals for a summer feel.
When entertaining during the warmer months, choose meals that feel light and refreshing, rather than hearty and heavy. Think crisp salads, fresh fruits, and chilled appetizers to complement the relaxed summer vibe.

Extraordinary finishing touches

Harness the power of light to create ambiance.
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for your dining experience. Illuminate your space with candles to add warmth and a soft glow, instantly elevating the atmosphere and making your guests feel welcome.

Enhance the experience with a subtle touch of fragrance
Scent is a powerful element in creating an inviting dining environment. Before your guests arrive, lightly spray your favorite room fragrance or scent on the corners of your tablecloth. This gentle touch will fill the space with a pleasant aroma without overpowering the meal.