Victoria Beckham reveals the tablescaping 'sin' that's 'unforgivable' at her dinner parties
The fashion icon says this commonly used item is 'unacceptable' and has no place on a dining table
Victoria Beckham has revealed the dinner party "sin" she says is "unforgivable" - and we're taking note ahead of hosting season.
Her prowess when it comes to homeware and interiors is something we've long admired. A glimpse inside her and her husband David's homes treats us to plenty of gorgeous inspiration and proves to us that she's certainly clued up on all things trending and stylish.
Amid the launch of her luxurious new homeware and dining range with Westwing, Victoria has admitted she has a few serious no-nos when it comes to throwing (or attending) a great dinner party.
Now's the time to polish up on our Christmas tablescaping, soirée skills, and festive dining room design - and, in Victoria Beckham, we trust.
Victoria's Westwing collection is all about quiet luxury and elegant styling, so we're not too surprised that she thinks that humble paper napkins have no place on a dinner party table.
While she admits she's "not one for rules", VB says "some things are non-negotiable".
In a video shared on the Westwing Instagram account, she simply states: "One unforgivable sin. Paper napkins."
Shop Victoria Beckham's Westwing collection
True to her word, Victoria is one for high-quality linen or cotton napkins on any dining table of hers. Her Westwing range features a few beautiful napkin offerings, but these simple white ones are our favourites.
What's a luxurious napkin without an elevated napkin ring? When styling a Christmas dining table, a touch of silver adds some sparkle while keeping things classic, so we really love these.
As VB says, using proper glasses when you serve your guests drinks is essential. The Mouth-Blown Champagne Coupes from her Westwing collection are truly beautiful and a great buy if you want to invest in high-end glassware.
A tealight lit in a coloured glass holder can add charm to a dining table effortlessly and save you from having to go too bold with the candles. Green blown glass certainly has a Christmassy feel but works for every season.
Splashing the cash on cutlery might feel like a big spend, but if you're after sturdy, reliable and classic utensils that you'll be dining with for years to come, paying that little bit more can be worth it.
Once again, drinking wine out of good glasses is a must, according to Victoria. Her Westwing range has options for red and white wine as well as fizz. Plus, there are chic tumblers for short drinks.
Victoria has some other strict table design guidelines. As she shared her ultimate do's and don'ts for a "proper dinner party", the former Spice Girl says: "Don't ever overcrowd the table. Less is more."
Using "proper" glassware when serving drinks is also a must. "It's just rude to a martini if you don't, let's be honest," she adds.
Don't save your best homeware for special occasions only; if you have some stunning glassware, every dinner party is worth getting the nice glasses out of the cupboard.
Shop Stylish Napkins
Want your napkins to inject some fun and colour into your table design? These Jamie Oliver picks with bright scalloped edges are rather adorable and not too pricey.
Channelling the trending tones of the season when it comes to dining table styling is an easy way to make your home feel cosy and stylish throughout autumn and winter. This M&S set comes in trending plum and olive tones.
At £2.50 per piece, these embroidered Dunelm napkins are both a bargain buy and super sweet. Crisp white with a flash of colour, this set is playful and perfect for foodies.
"Don't ever ignore the lighting. Lighting is crucial," Victoria also explained, adding: "I mean, you can ignore the lighting; I mean, I probably won't come."
We couldn't agree more, and using warm layered lighting is the best way to create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere without scaring your guests away with the dreaded big light.
The expert hostess even has a sneaky and subtle tip for when you're ready for your guests to be gone, and it's one that David pulls out at the end of parties in the Beckham household. "Don't overstay your welcome," she says.
"You know what happens in the Beckham house when David wants people to leave? He literally walks around the room blowing out the candles, hoping that people will get the hint."
We might have to steal that tip for the holiday season, although we seriously doubt we'll be able to pull it off quite as well as Becks.
