A memorable housewarming party should be a genuine and tasteful reflection of the homeowner’s personality
1. How can homeowners infuse a sense of luxury into their housewarming party while maintaining elegance without being excessive?
One of the first things that a housewarming party needs is a theme, and regardless of what it may be, tasteful execution involves focusing on subtle yet impactful elements. “Trying too hard” does not pay off. What is more important is for us to be proud of our homes, and be comfortable and authentic in how we welcome guests to it. Luxury isn’t about expensive brands screaming from all over the room, [which] does not necessarily mean good taste. On the other hand, of course, clever and tasteful touches, such as unique collectibles, statement pieces, luxurious candles and fresh flowers, can elevate the overall aesthetic without appearing over-the-top.
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2. What are some creative ways to add a personal touch to the party and make guests feel truly welcome?
You’re inviting a curated guestlist of your closest companions into a deeply personal space, and personalisation is key to enhancing intimacy. I love handwritten cards and notes — these can be done as early as the party invites. Placing cards at the dinner table is a thoughtful added touch. To take things to another level, personalised drawings or poetry that the guests can take home would be very meaningful. I also love creating bespoke menus, including signature cocktails, as part of the experience. Crafting bespoke menus, complete with signature cocktails, adds to the overall experience. You can align these with a narrative, sharing stories inspired by recent travels, childhood memories, or any meaningful anecdotes. Let your genuine personality shine through while creating beautiful memories with your guests.
3. What are some tips on preparing a gourmet spread that will leave a lasting impression on guests?
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Being a foodie, I always curate menus for my events, including house parties. The key is to focus on quality ingredients and presentation. Uncomplicated and easy-to-serve items made with seasonal ingredients, such as artisanal breads, cheeses, fresh berries and young herbs, always take centre stage over typical or elaborate catered hors d’oeuvres. Opt for caterers or private chefs who share your taste and have cooked for you before, rather than ordering ready-to-serve platters via delivery. The menu should align with the desired atmosphere or party theme, not standing alone but enhancing the overall experience. For instance, playing the role of a barista for the night can be a fun and engaging experience to break the ice and spark conversations.
4. What etiquette tips can you provide on receiving and giving gifts during a housewarming celebration?
Always graciously express your appreciation for your guests, and present each door gift with a personalised “Thank you” note or gesture. Guests, in return, should select thoughtful gifts aligned with the host’s tastes and lifestyle, taking cues from the party theme. It is also considerate to enquire about specific preferences or gift registry lists to ensure your gift aligns with their needs. When pressed for ideas, a good go-to would be a luxurious home fragrance which can be personalised with inscriptions, or a good bottle of wine. Sending the gift in advance or after the event is also an option. Don’t forget to include a handwritten note whenever possible.
Personalised gifts such as leather notebooks and these valet trays from homegrown label Bynd Artisan make great gifts for guests at housewarming parties
One of the first things that a housewarming party needs is a theme, and regardless of what it may be, tasteful execution involves focusing on subtle yet impactful elements. “Trying too hard” does not pay off. What is more important is for us to be proud of our homes, and be comfortable and authentic in how we welcome guests to it. -Olga Iserlis
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5. What are some of your suggestions on how we can add a touch of olfactory magic to our parties?
I’m a passionate advocate of scented candles and home fragrances, recognising the profound impact of our sense of smell on memory. I tend to opt for sophisticated scents like jasmine and sandalwood, citrus and bergamot, or lavender and cedarwood to establish a welcoming ambience. I also love mixing different scents by strategically placing diffusers or scented candles throughout the space for a subtle infusion of fragrance. My preference lies with exceptional brands renowned for their long-lasting and evocative scents, with Guerlain being a favourite, alongside others like Claus Porto from Portugal.
Iserlis is a huge fan of home fragrances by historical French perfumer Guerlain, whose most-loved creations include the Palais D’Orangers candle and Figue Azur diffuser from its L'Art de Vivre home fragrance collection
6. What are some of your favourite places to shop when you need to find decorative items that will accentuate your parties?
I enjoy collecting home items during my travels, favouring high-quality products from upscale retailers, as well as unique finds from local markets, artisans and artists’ studios. These discoveries become cherished collectibles, each carrying a story of how it found its place in our home. I particularly love notebooks and diaries, often sourced from Bynd Artisan and the Singapore National Gallery. For a touch of ultimate luxury, I adore throws such as my Hermès cashmere throw that holds sentimental value. I also curate coffee-table books that reflect my personality. These carefully chosen items in lounging areas speak volumes to guests, and we should take pride in their selection and placement.
