Setting the Table with Ulla Johnson and Martina Mondadori
Ulla Johnson and Cabana founder Martina Mondadori bring their love of holiday entertaining into the home with a tabletop collection for the 2024 festive season. Inspired by the warmth and togetherness of holiday gatherings, our second collaboration with the interior décor authority unveils an exuberant array of hand-painted plates, embroidered linens, and Murano glassware meticulously handcrafted by artisans in Italy. Each piece is designed with the festive season in mind yet with a versatility that ensures every meal is a celebration.
In conversation, Martina and Ulla delve into the art of hosting, from crafting richly layered settings and the evocative role of candlelight to adding special touches that make for memorable, festive gatherings.
How do you create atmosphere and mood when hosting at home?
Martina: It’s a combination of all the things I love really. Like all the successful recipes, it’s a mix of all the right ingredients: great group of people make for great conversation around the table which is crucial to the mood of the evening. Good wine, good food, and a perfect table setting make for the rest! Candlelight is the perfect way to make the evening that little bit special, gorgeous bouquets of flowers lend a certain decadence, nothing too fussy and formal!
How do you make your tables stand out?
Flowers. In my opinion a table is bare without. They can set the tone for the occasion, rustic for an informal, al fresco meal, single buds to lend an air of sophistication. No matter the design, a beautiful floral display will always elevate the table. But nothing too fussy or manicured. I learned a lot from the English: they are the best with flowers.
Are there any personal touches you rely on, such as personalized place names or menus?
My personal touch is always in the way I set the table as it very much is an instinctive process. I always start with a tablecloth which is like the floor in a room—it sets the mood for the rest of the décor. And then I start layering, mixing new Cabana pieces with vintage ones that belonged to my mother or grandmother (both great hostesses). As any good Italian knows, the secret to a successful evening is in the aperitivo as it puts people at ease and it is very important to make everyone feel at home.
A seated dinner or pre-dinner drinks party, what’s your preference?
A seated dinner. I love gathering friends and family round the table. Call me old-fashioned but I love the sense of family, the children mixed with older friends and relatives, the conversation back and forth around the table…we always have the most special and fun times, particularly during the holidays.
Any failsafe tips for the nervous or reluctant host?
Just be yourself and enjoy the company. Anything too elaborate or formal can take the spontaneity out of the evening so relax and go with the flow. And have great wine at the table!
Three words you would use to describe your hosting style?
Joyfully chaotic, multigenerational, thoughtful.