The House Diaries

#32 We took the Lunch Club to Edinburgh & how to create the most epic spring gettogether (flower, espresso martini, food and table tips - no gatekeeping!).

A week of non-stop sunshine - dare I say it? Spring is here! (Yes, I’ve probably jinxed it, but let’s live dangerously.) It’s our second spring in the house, and I swear both the garden and I come back to life this time of year. The garden is inspired by Benmore Botanic Garden in Dunoon, famed for its breathtaking rhododendrons - of which I have many. And spring, my darlings, is when they put on their show, bursting into riotous colour (like yours truly).

Spring is also the season of gatherings and celebrations - Easter, Midsummer, birthdays, BBQs, and honestly, any excuse to get together? I’ll take it! So last week, my lunch club partner Darren and I headed to Edinburgh, rounding up our favourite people for a special lunch to toast spring and, of course, being fabulous.

I’ve always been obsessed with tablescaping and have an embarrassing number of Pinterest folders filled with dreamy table settings. After styling more tables than I can count, I thought I’d talk you through my latest spring scape (we are making up words now), along with a few delicious drinks and dishes that never fail to hit the mark (and all the pictures from the lunch)!

First, let me share a couple of words of wisdom - as with everything - it is important to use some artistic licence when envisaging a setup. For example, a scape for an at-home date night is equally as important as a scape for a get-together with numerous people.

For table design, always go long rather than short - spread her out! Layer the candles, use multiple glassware options for different drinks, and mix ‘n’ match textures and prints.

Spreading the action

This was the lunch I produced last week in Edinburgh. Very simple, but very effective. You don’t want all the drama to be in just one area of the table or for guests to have a single focal point. Rather, spreading the candles and flowers the whole way down elongates the length of the table meaning everyone can enjoy the view.

For this one, I wanted the table to feel classic, buttery, and just a little decadent. I started with a crisp white tablecloth to brighten the setting and add a sense of occasion. Nothing fancy or expensive is needed - honestly, a length of fabric from your local haberdashery does the trick. I got mine here.

Flowers

Floral arrangements are key. Here, soft yellow and apricot blooms -ranunculus, tulips, narcissus, and peonies - take centre stage. To create a loose, organic feel, I scrunched up chicken wire inside my favourite stoneware bowls, then layered in the flowers, playing with height and shape to keep everything looking effortless. My go-to flower queen, Terry from Flowers of Vermilion, always starts with a structured bloom as a base and builds from there, which is a great trick if you’re not sure where to begin. The more abundant, the better.

Putting it together

Tall, slender candlesticks in silver add warmth and height, perfect for a long, lingering meal. I used my antique silver candelabra from Ian Heath as the centrepiece and built everything around it. On either side, I placed the flower arrangements, then flanked those with individual candlesticks in the same style for balance. ps. don’t go for your boring white candles, but match them to the colour scheme. Mine were a very soft butter white.

For the tableware, simplicity is key. White linen napkins are neatly rolled on side plates, and each place setting is thoughtfully arranged with delicate glassware and understated cutlery. Personalised name cards add a welcoming touch, and I love to print or handwrite menus, it’s such a small detail but makes the whole table feel extra special.

Let the food & drinks do the talking too

We often think a perfect tablescape needs all the right accessories, but don’t forget - the food and drinks are just as much a part of the setting. Let them do some of the work!

1. An ice bucket filled with whatever you’re serving instantly adds a sense of occasion. For this lunch, we started with Hotel Chocolat’s Prosecco from their winery in the Dolomite foothills. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a chilled bottle from the bucket, popping it open, and pouring it for your guests. It’s a little bit theatrical, a lot celebratory, and the perfect way to set the tone for a long, leisurely meal.

2. I love keeping things easy, especially when it means spending more time with friends and less time playing bartender. Pre-made drinks are a game-changer - no need to fuss over shaking up 15 cocktails when you could be sipping and enjoying the moment.

   For dessert, we served a chilled glass of Hotel Chocolat’s Espresso Martini Velvetised Cream, and LORDYYYYYYYY, I could have easily had 15. It’s that good - smooth, rich, and just the right amount of indulgence. All I needed to do was to have it in the fridge (or freezer if you want it to be SUPER cold), shake it in the bottle and serve it over ice. It was the perfect compliment to the Jerusalem artichoke tiramisu.

3. Small sweet treats for coffee and tea. I got these macarons and love to position them in small bowls around the table. It reminds me of my great aunt and how she would finish her dinners.

The pictures, guests & outfit

My outfit is from Rixo, and if you haven’t discovered them yet, stop what you’re doing and go check them out. I’m obsessed. Every single piece is a dream - the patterns, the quality, the effortless uniqueness. And the best part? You can wear them for literally any occasion. Case in point: I’m currently wearing this shirt with jeans as we speak.

The lunch was held in the most magical home, Lambs House, in Leith, Edinburgh. It’s owned by the amazing Gunnar, who shares my Scandinavian roots. Together with my friend Sarah Wood Gonzalez, we co-hosted the event, because it’s always better to be two than it is to be one. Or as my dad used to say “l'union fait la force”.

LOVE YOU THE MOST & THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE <3