Est Living: Entertaining essentials | The relaxed gathering

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Est Living: Entertaining essentials | The relaxed gathering

Produced in partnership with Est Living

Photographer: Shannon McGrath

Stylist: Swee Design

In our third instalment of est’s entertaining series, we take a closer look at the relaxed home get-together. Returning to Main Ridge in Victoria’s hinterland, this time we venture indoors. Our focus: the living room. Together with Australian home furniture purveyor KING, we curate a living room edit ideal for ‘the casual gathering’, that sets the right ambience to encourage your visitors to unwind from the moment they arrive. KING, known for their award-winning modular sofas with tailored, enduring fabric (removable for professional cleaning), means even cabernet sauvignon will be on the wine list.

The Fleur Lounge Chairs featuring folding backrests and 180-degree swivel, paired with the Max Package 3 with its endless modular options, will adapt to your guest list or room configuration. Artwork by Joshua Yeldham @joshuayeldham.

Making An Entrance

While you may be abandoning the ‘usual’ formal dining table, this doesn’t mean sacrificing somewhere for your guests to mingle. The Issho Dining Table with its soft curved edges creates a striking ‘show piece’ for your visitors to socialise around as they enjoy their welcome beverages. Add ambient music, soft lighting, and pre-prepared hors d’oeuvres to ensure you are hands-free for guest arrivals.

Petite seating options such as the Fleur Ottoman will accommodate larger gatherings.

Adaptive Seating

When it comes to seating, providing a variety of options will appeal to the differing preferences of your guests. The Max Package 3 chaise sofa, with its deep, tufted seating and different configurations, allows your living space to adapt to the occasion. Paired with occasional seating like a soft silhouette Fleur Lounge Chair or a Fleur Ottoman will offer adequate seating options to suit all needs.

The dual-level, geometric Jasper II Occasional Table takes pride in place in the living room. Hosting a glass top above a Nero Marquina marble provides adequate space for shared platters, small plates and glasses. The Max Package 3 delivers deep-seated comfort, clean lines and sophistication.

Discerning Furnishings

Often hailed as the centrepiece of the living area, a large low table offers a central ‘meeting point’ for guests and somewhere to set down food and beverages. The Jasper II Occasional Table with its black marble top and slimline aesthetic completes the look. Floor and table lamps, combined with pendants or dimmable downlights, will create a soothing ambience for a twilight event. Bar stools such as the Aspen Counter Stool offers the perfect vantage point for viewing theatrics behind the bar.

With generous seat depths, the aptly named Aspen Bar Stools will have your visitors enjoying their mulled wine or Irish coffee in true ‘apres ski’ style (cue fireplace).

Shop the story

Fleur Lounge Chair

Max Sofa

Issho Dining Table

Jasper II Occasional Table

Aspen Bar Stools

Apero Side Table