To welcome the arrival of hosting season, we invited a handful of our favourite women (and no strangers to curating the perfect party) to road test our festive collections in this season's hottest location: the comfort of home.

And who better to start the series than mother and daughter Skye Gyngell and Evie Henderson? Skye, one of Britain’s best chefs and founder of Somerset House’s Spring restaurant, and Evie, a creative consultant and founder of knitwear brand Yellow World, welcomed us into their West London family home. Over sparkling kombucha (the pair’s festive drink of choice), we quizzed them on how to be the perfect hosts and what really makes the festive season special.

What does the festive season look like to you?

Evie: Really relaxed. We used to go to Australia every year and I prefer doing that. A swim on the beach is what my ideal Christmas looks like.

Skye: The majority of our family are still in Australia. I think for some English people it’s very funny to have a hot Christmas, but if you’ve grown up with one it’s very different. It’s a swim at the beach in the morning, then a big lunch in the garden. If we’re here we often go to Cornwall or Scotland to stay with our ‘friends that feel like family’. We’ll do anything to get out of London!

What’s on the menu? Skye: Often a barbeque! We have glazed ham, don’t we?

Evie:  …and cherry pie! And pavlova, and mangoes.  What are your top tips for hosting?

Skye: I think everybody needs to do something easy at home! You really want to focus on your guests don’t you? [The trick] is not cooking things last minute but planning and having something prepared, so you can really get the flavours right. Any kind of slow cooking things work well, and a simple salad, I think it’s stressful for anyone to try and talk, entertain and cook. It’s not about being a good or bad cook, that dynamic can be challenging for anyone.

Evie: I like sharing plates, I’d never plate food for people. Self service! 

Skye:  I’m the same! All three courses.  What do you like to cook if you’re hosting? 

Skye: The one question people always ask me is ‘how do you cook restaurant food at home?’ and my answer is always ‘why would you want to?’ Restaurant food is a very different experience, you know, the three courses, the wine. Eating at home and other people’s houses is such a privilege. I think it should be relaxed, family style in the middle of the table. It’s much easier for the host and more enjoyable for the guests. Casual and intimate. Evie: I make roast chicken and roasted vegetables. A frisée salad I always love and I love making meatballs and polenta, or brown rice. 

Evie wears our Fashioned Rib Metallic Fit and Flare Midi Dress
Skye wears our Boiled Cashmere Relaxed High Neck Jumper + Evening Shimmer Pleated Maxi Skirt What are your hosting roles? 

Skye: Evie’s a really big cook actually.

Evie: Yes, but it’s natural for you to take over.

Skye: I irritate her!

Evie: No, you don’t irritate me [laughing], but even if I’m doing something, she’ll know how to do it better and she does know how to do it better.

Skye: I think I do.

Evie: She always does. I always make the salad dressing though.

Skye: One of the things I feel proudest of is that my kids are comfortable in the kitchen. Evie is incredibly comfortable in the kitchen. They’re not intimidated by food, which was one of the things I’d really hoped for. I’ve met so many people over my life that are scared of cooking. Evie: And it’s such a nice thing to do, but it’s about flexing the muscle. If I don’t cook for six months I feel nervous to host, but if I’m in the swing of it it’s so easy. What is your ideal ‘hosting at home’ outfit? 

Evie: I don’t wear an apron but I probably should… Jeans, boots and a nice top. 

Skye: Comfort always! What does the festive season mean to you? 

Evie: Unwinding from the year. Being with my family and friends. There’s something special about it. I think there’s a certain energy that you only get at this time of year. It’s cosy but it’s fun, anything goes. Skye: For me, the run up to Christmas is so crazy. I think for all restaurants it’s the busiest time of year. There’s no other time of year where you can officially collapse the day before for a week. You don’t get that in the summer, not in the same way – everybody switches off and that’s really nice. It’s the laziest time of year, and you can gather your strength for the new year. A reset. 

Skye wears our Structured Peplum Knit Top + Heavy Satin Statement Cargo Trouser
Evie wears our Velvet Pant Suit + Silk + Lace Cropped Pussybow Blouse