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    • Article Category: Dining

    Designer Timothy Oulton crafts his first restaurant in Hong Kong

    As you enter the modern British restaurant, Derek the Diver looms over you in his hypnotic blue tank. The frogman, donning a 1940s vintage helmet, greets you jovially while fending off piranhas, inviting you into the contrastingly warm golden space.
    Take a winding route up the spiral staircase where authentic bar beams of century-old English reclaimed timbers crisscross overhead along with a glittering crystal chandelier reminiscent of a Venetian 1960’s style. The moonstone bar on the second landing makes you squirm with pleasure — the back-lit Italian moonstone and 495 herringbone baguettes of refractive K9 Optical glass create a delicious aura of vintage glamour.

    Settle into one of the luxurious handcrafted leather seats and get ready to be transported to the glamourous era of the Roaring 20s — of black tuxedos, shimmering cocktail dresses and crystal glasses that glinted in warm light. Known worldwide for its vintage British charm, Timothy Oulton masterfully blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative designs. From the rustic, leather-bound menus to the moonstone and crystal central bar, Gough’s On Gough embodies this distinctive Timothy Oulton spirit.

    A sleek, yet comfortable place for all types of social gatherings, this restaurant exudes an irresistible charm that is elegant with a hint of casual. Like the interiors, the cuisine is a reinterpretation of classic British dishes, drawing from a mix of multi-cultural influences, in this case, from Asia and Latin America. The menu, by Executive Chef Cary Docherty, revisits classic British styles using fresh seasonal ingredients of select provenance, including a raw bar with fresh British seafood, and a selection of bespoke crafted cocktails, fine champagnes and wines. Adding to the charm, Gough’s On Gough is deeply committed to supporting small family farms with exclusively sustainable practices.

    “We are extremely excited to be opening our first restaurant concept in Hong Kong. Gough’s on Gough shares the same philosophy with everything our brand stands for – the idea of welcoming and connecting people and providing them with extraordinary hosted experiences,” says Timothy Oulton.

    9 celebratory tablescapes to glam up your dining space this Diwali

    If you are one to host elegant dinner parties this festive season, an alluring dining tablescape might just be the perfect conversation starter. From a classic vintage to an ostentatious metallic theme, pick from our 9 elegant celebratory tablescape ideas to illuminate your home this Diwali.

    1. You can opt to go classy with your dining décor. The red cutlery gives the sleek dark furnishing a pop of colour. The white canvas artwork and the steel serve ware brighten up the otherwise monochromatic dining space.

    2. We are totally crushing on the combination of this decorative chandelier on the backdrop of mauve-hued walls – which adds a sense of vibrancy to the dining experience. The candlelight setting on the furnished round-table adds a sense of cohesiveness during this joyous season.

    3. Why ignore our traditional grassroots for the festive season? The brass candle stands are perfectly in sync with the wooden tablescapes. The eye-catchy chandelier and the bar stools are ideal to ring in chatter and conversations around the table.

    4. Add a celebratory spark to your dining space with this gorgeous tablescape.– indigo runner accompanied by glass cerulean candle holders add finesse to the tablescape. Introduce the umber and bronze dining décor with the paper string lights, to complete this ensemble.

    5. If you are not one for flashy string lights and dramatic tablescape, this muted set up will call out to you. We love the combination of crème and bronze hues along with a muted toned linen peppered with the brass crockery. Carefully placed marigolds exude a traditional vibe to the space.

    6. If you are one with an understated sense of style, opt for an earthy yet glamorous table set up. The stunning chandelier and the table décor with its roses are perfect for soirées and intimate dinners.

    7. Introduce a traditional tablescape to commemorate Diwali. The brass plates along the red table runner infused with gold discs is a perfect addition to complete this festive ensemble. #DecorTip: Rouse your guests’ interests by placing a vibrant wall art in your dining room.

    8. If you are hosting a formal dinner party this Diwali, create a modern-themed tablescape. The pristine glass and ceramic crockery introduce lends sophistication to the dining setting. The pendant chandeliers and fresh flowers help liven up the ambience.

    9. Not for the faint-hearted – this bold dining space is anything but minimal. Amp up your glam quotient with this antique tablescape idea featuring a dramatic chandelier and candle holders against a gingham checkered tablecloth. The 19th century Louis XVI chairs against a checkered floor bring a maximalist’s dream come to life.

    5 dining room inspiration from our June-July issue

    Is your dining room in need of a little attention? From bold and vibrant to casual and rustic, we have gathered some of our favourite dining rooms from the beautiful homes in our June- July issue that will make you want to throw a dinner party.

    Bengaluru Apartment by Shruti Japuria of MAIA Design
    A mild steel and glass screen separates the dining area from the informal living space without interrupting the flow of light. This space was envisioned as an uncluttered zone with room for a lot of movement. The stained teak wood table, accompanied by chairs from Iqrup+Ritz, was designed by MAIA Design and crafted by Smith Interiors. A metallic light fixture from Sarita Handa and eccentric sculpture by artist Venkat Bothsa rest on a customised console from Alankaram. A photograph taken by the client’s son on his travels to Banff, Canada, completes this setting.
    Mumbai Deco Apartment by architects Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani of local studio MuseLAB
    In the dining area chairs with brown and cream, floral upholstery, a custom fabricated gold lighting fixture that hangs from the ceiling and a white composite table top that contrasts the deep lagoon blue cement tiles sourced from Bharat Floorings and Tiles.
    Mumbai Apartment by architect Annkur Khosla
    Shades of blue dominate the dining nook. To lend an added dimension to this space, Annkur designed a buffet table metal divider that suspends from the ceiling and separates the living and dining areas. The main table with a concrete finish is from MDF Italia, while the chairs are a product of Hans J Wegner. The cone lights that hang above have been picked up from Apparatus in Milan. A collection of decorative plates, of various shapes and sizes, by French artist Faiencerie Georges adorn the sliding panel which conceals a crockery cabinet
    Show Apartment, The Trees, Mumbai by Anubhav Gupta of Godrej Properties
    Anubhav Gupta of Godrej Properties describes his vision behind this airy show apartment in The Trees, Mumbai – a versatile space that facilitates a city dweller’s everyday routine.The kitchen, with its metal and glass skin, sits at the heart of the home between the living and dining areas
    Mumbai Apartment by Rahul Shankhwalker of Studio HBA
    The dining room comes alive with accessories from Simone…Naturally Inspired while the chairs are by Studio HBA. The Bubbles light fixture by Gallotti&Radice stands out for its cutting edge geometric shape, thereby lending a defined structure to the area.

    13 fabulous ways to throw a killer dinner party

    There have only been a few that have gone down in history as legendary dinner parties. But you don’t need to look around too much on Pinterest– we’ve listed 13 fabulous dinner tables right here. Get inspired by 12 brands and their themed table décor – based on their own brand philosophies and the emotions associated with the memories of renowned architect and Pritzker prize winner, Prof BV Doshi.

    These tables were dressed to impress at ELLE DECOR India’s Dec-Jan 2018 issue cover and Guest Editor reveal, at the stunningly lit Mill Owner’s Association Building in Ahmedabad.

    ABSOLUTE (A-PURE) BY APARTMENT 9 Every corner of this setting is nostalgia-inducing – from the delectable dry fruits in ornate bowls to the tic-tac-toe box. While perfume bottles in red fabric pouches and personalised napkins serve as mementos, vibrant floral and autumn leaf displays leave guests mulling over and relishing the good things in life.

    GENEROSITY BY ELLE DECOR Cork placemats with rounded edges, wooden coaster planks, candlestands and unfinished linen epitomise the purity and playful flexibility of the decor. Natural wooden blocks stacked in various formations call out to your curious inner designer. Muted elements blended with subtle accents make the setup warm and inviting.

    CONTEMPLATION BY GOOD EARTH The restrained and minimalist arrangement features handwoven khadi that is unstitched and unblended. This neutral base served as the perfect backdrop for earthen diyas, brassware and vintage round spectacles, all harkening to the humble life and times of Mahatma Gandhi.

    EUPHORIA BY GOOD EARTH Mughal-inspired colours and motifs lift this table to a state of ecstasy. Refreshing, vibrant flowers in glass chalices, ornate candle holders, patterned tableware in various metallic and matte hues, and bold fabrics, elicit sheer joy.

    BLISS BY HAFELEA neat, uncluttered arrangement creates a visceral experience for the diner. The table is composed of rosewood and engineered stone, reflecting the core elements of nature. Its hexagonal shape helps increase the sphere of interaction while reducing the distance between patrons. Gilded chairs and metallic crockery offer an element of glamour to this subtle setup.

    CELEBRATION BY KLOVE Given that most auspicious events begin with the blessings of Lord Ganesha, his glass figurine takes centre stage. A festive mood is created with heaps of boondi ladoos, just waiting to be savoured. Majestic gold coconut trees, eclectic diyas and metallic modaks amplify the ethnic flavours of the decadent arrangement.

    SERENITY BY NILAYA BY ASIAN PAINTS A calming sky blue, coupled with white chairs and cobalt conical accents crafted from Nilaya wallpaers, make this setup soothing and comforting. The cloud-shaped placemats, while being mature and minimal, lend an element of fun to the decor. This table was styled by Sonia Dutt of ELLE DECOR India.

    PASSION BY PORTSIDE CAFÉ An ode to Prof Doshi’s passionate contribution to architecture, the table features architectural components like the legs covered in leather that looks like exposed concrete and seating adapted from Pierre Jeanneret’s famous Chandigarh chair. The leather shaded lamps, Kansa metal plates, ceramic stoneware cups and cement coasters complement this fitting tribute to the living legend.

    LOVE BY RALPH LAUREN HOME A runner artfully made from pages of Shakespeare’s poems recreates the era of romantic sonnets and handwritten letters. Bouquets of red roses and colourful candies in jars with heart-shaped lids are paired with handwritten calligraphy nametags on leaves in this dreamy tablespread.

    SIMPLICITY BY SARITA HANDA The nature-inspired setup celebrates fresh, green foliage in all its glory. Vibrant vines wrapped around a portal frame, accompanied by clusters of suspended glass baubles, create a vista straight out of fairy tales. Layered ivory aesthetics, thread work infused with silver and pure cotton fabrics come together on a display that embodies simplicity and finesse.

    SURPRISE BY SEETU KOHLI HOME Eclectic wooden tree trunk table mats bring a touch of nature to the setting. Green chillies and rabbits peeking out from the centrepiece exemplify a sense of whimsy. This spirited display is further enhanced with use of caricatures as nametags and fortune cookies.

    NATURELUXE BY SIMONE… NATURALLY INSPIRED The granite quartz table, propped with artisanal ceramic dinnerware in taupe and white and blown glass accents, evokes a sense of earthiness. Statuesque crystal and steel candle stands convey subtle luxury, while the red floral arrangements and oversized vase raise the sophistication quotient of the entire table.

    OVERWHELMED BY VILLEROY & BOCH The refreshing floral themed setup comprises Asian blossoms that Italian explorer Marco Polo had documented in his travels. The plates are adorned with different blooms, each holding a special meaning to collectively weave a narrative. The symphony of blossoms is balanced with muted tableware and glass accessories.

    Also read: Take cues from nature and compose a warm alfresco setting…

    Add spunk to your New Year’s Eve party with this colourful tablescape

    Fold, line or simply lay it over as you dine in elegance, the good ol’ way this New Year’s Eve. New beginnings are all about adding tiers that bring warmth and colour. More the merrier is our maxim for the dining setting this party season. So spread the linens or paper, work the woods or simply go graphic with accessories; there’s only one way to go – up, up and up.
    Location courtesy: The Great Eastern Home, Mumbai
    Also read: Elvy gears up for the festive season with new collection

    Showering Petals: Blossoms merge with floral tableware

    April showers bring May flowers…for a pretty tablescape. For a family brunch or a potluck tea party, create magic with fresh ideas and a bright palette. We suggest you lend some flair to your table by pairing nature inspired plates, vases and linen with artificial or real flowers to create a mesmerising setting.
    Incorporate this look by using soft textured lined or lace bathed in pastel hues. Place sweet roses in tiny teacups with floral motifs from an English garden drawn on them. Experiment with decoratives accented with little florets, prettily suspended over an all white table. Play with dainty details and celebrate the warm season with a cheerful decor theme, all tabled to perfection.
    Also read: Alfresco brunch in a spring inspired setting