Victoria Beckham and Westwing recently unveiled Serving Style, her first venture into the world of homeware. The tableware, textiles and decorative accessories have been conceived as a form of “fashion for the table”, reflecting Victoria’s distinctive eye for proportions, materials and details. The collection includes handcrafted metal cutlery, plates featuring a chain motif reminiscent of the jewellery in her fashion collections, dark green glasses and shell-shaped butter dishes. Among her favourite pieces, the designer singled out the champagne glasses, while the collection as a whole is united by the idea that the objects we use every day deserve just as much attention as those we save for special occasions.
Courtesy of Westwing
“Trends come and go, but good design lasts,” says Victoria, who has now brought her approach to aesthetics to the dining table. Speaking about the collection, she emphasised how much she enjoys bringing people together and the importance she places on design, conversation and creating the right atmosphere. Her rule, as we previously reported in Vogue Adria, is simple: less is more, and what matters most is that everyone has a good time.
Courtesy of Westwing
But a beautifully laid table isn’t the only ingredient of a successful dinner party. In a video shared on Instagram, Victoria reveals some very specific views on table manners because, as she puts it, “some things are non-negotiable”. From paper napkins, which she simply cannot abide, to making sure every drink is served in the appropriate glass, she has an opinion on it all. And then there’s David’s rather direct method of letting guests know it’s time to leave. Victoria is wonderfully funny when discussing etiquette, although I’m not entirely sure I’d dare accept an invitation to dinner at her house.
1. Overstaying your welcome is bad manners
“Do you know what happens in the Beckham household when David wants the guests to leave? He literally walks around the room blowing out candles, hoping everyone will get the message,” says Victoria. It’s an amusing scene that’s all too easy to picture, but there’s a practical lesson behind it: even when we’re having a wonderful time, it’s important to recognise when the evening has come to an end. And if your host starts extinguishing the candles, it might be time to head home.
2. Paper napkins are unforgivable
When it comes to setting the table, there’s one detail Victoria has absolutely no doubts about. “One unforgivable sin: paper napkins. That’s simply unacceptable.” Cloth napkins might seem like a small detail compared with the rest of the table setting, but it’s precisely this kind of detail that the designer pays attention to in her first homeware collection. Her collaboration with Westwing demonstrates just how much the appearance and feel of the objects we use every day can influence the atmosphere around the table.
3. Don’t overcrowd the table
A beautifully laid table doesn’t necessarily mean one overflowing with decorations. Victoria favours a considered selection of details rather than piling on everything that catches our eye. A few carefully chosen elements can achieve far more than an assortment of vases, ornaments and objects competing for attention. It’s worth thinking about how the table will function once dinner begins: is there enough room for plates, glasses and serving dishes? Can guests converse comfortably? Are the decorations obstructing anyone’s view across the table? Aesthetics matter, but ultimately, a dining table is somewhere to eat, talk and spend time together. After all, good design shouldn’t just look beautiful in photographs; it should also be practical in everyday life.
4. A martini deserves the right glass
If you’re planning to serve martinis, pay attention to the glassware. Victoria believes it’s important to choose the appropriate glass for each drink rather than simply reaching for whatever happens to be available. “Always use the correct glassware. Otherwise, it’s disrespectful to the martini,” she says. Beyond the fact that every drink has its own characteristics, the glass itself is part of the overall experience of serving it.
Courtesy of Westwing
5. Never arrive empty-handed
Victoria also has a rule for those on the other side of the table, when we’re guests rather than hosts. “Bring flowers, a bottle of wine, and if you bring nothing, be prepared to show up looking your absolute best,” she advises. In other words, showing consideration for your host doesn’t necessarily have to involve a gift, but some effort is expected. Flowers or a bottle of wine are classic choices, but if you do arrive empty-handed, at least make an effort with your appearance. At Victoria’s dinner parties, it seems, even getting dressed is not something to leave to chance.
6. Never underestimate the lighting
The final detail that shouldn’t be left to chance is the lighting. “Don’t ignore the lighting. It’s crucial,” says Victoria. Lighting can transform the feel of an entire room, creating a warmer, more intimate atmosphere regardless of how carefully the table has been set. Harsh lighting reminiscent of an office, or, at the other extreme, a room so dimly lit that you can barely see what’s on your plate, is unlikely to make for a pleasant evening. Before your guests arrive, it’s therefore worth considering the atmosphere you want to create, not just what you plan to serve.