The hall chandelier, along with five other large fixtures, were all candle-lit when my family and I moved into Fox Hall twenty years ago. Lighting the forty-seven candles necessary to entertain in the evening was a bit daunting, so over time, we replaced them with electrified chandeliers!
Soft lighting is an essential aspect of entertaining because it enhances your guests’ visual experience by creating a dreamy, mystical, and almost magical ambiance to interiors. Candlelight and soft dimmed light impart an enchanting mood that your guests will experience in the evening. The artwork, food, and decorative details suddenly transform from the expected normal bright daylight (which creates harsh shadows) into a more captivating and romantic encounter. Everything and everyone looks more attractive with soft, diffused lighting!
When renovating or building a house, remember that you can never have too many dimmers installed. Use them to your advantage! For lamps, install forty to sixty-watt soft light bulbs in lamps, or have a three-way switch to lower the bulb's light. Soft pink bulbs in lamps offer exceptional light to anyone seated nearby- an entertaining secret that ladies adore!
At dusk, my chandelier lights are a wee bit brighter than when it becomes dark. Once it is dark outside, I make a concerted effort to dim overhead lights more than you would expect because it immediately transforms a room and the guests within... in a very positive way! A key part of entertaining is making the effort to ensure that your guests are comfortable.
I will never forget the majestic evening when Stuart and I dined at Buckingham Palace in the Picture Gallery for the 75th anniversary of The Animal Health Trust. Princess Anne was the patron. The only light present at this intimate dinner was the picture lights gracing the momentous artwork hung upon the coral, silk damask upholstered walls, and a few softly lit wall sconces with silk shades... magical!
xx Holly