On the guest list - CasaLatina Co-founder Sharon Costi

This month, we took a behind-the-scenes look at our summer table setting shoot and had a chat with Sharon Costi, our co-founder, about hosting during the Summer. Sharon, who is originally from Venezuela and has been living in Europe for over two decades, co-founded CasaLatina out of her passion for hosting, love for all things handmade, and her desire to reconnect with her Latin American roots.

As summer finally arrives at this shores, bringing with it the promise of leisurely lunches stretching into dinner, picnics on sun-drenched blankets, and laid-back garden parties, our co-founder talks us through the look she styled for our Summer Edit shoot. 

The summer table setting  encapsulates a luxurious yet practical look, featuring elegant Chamba pieces , hand-painted Carmen plates , intricately woven placemats , and exquisite  napkin rings .

We had an incredible time styling this summer table setting look, in true CasaLatina style, we want for a Mix and Match total layered table look. We love the results, hear from Sharon as she shares her styling tips below!

It’s a warm Saturday morning in June, when we meet our co-founder Sharon Costi for a chat and leisurely lunch in the garden of her Ibiza house. 

CasaLatina, at its core, is rooted in the art of hosting. What makes the perfect host? 

The perfect host effortlessly creates a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring guests feel right at home and thoroughly enjoy themselves. From accommodating dietary preferences and selecting the perfect wine to thoughtfully arranging spaces for little ones to rest, it's those details that leave a lasting impression, making your guests never want to leave.

What's your favourite time of the year to host people?  

Summer, without a doubt. Growing up in Venezuela, I've never quite acclimated to the chilly, dark, extended winters in England. When summer arrives, it feels like I'm transported back to my childhood. I love the balmy summer evenings, filled with good friends gathered around the table, a glass of Rosé in hand, and leisurely ‘sobremesa’ conversations. Since buying this house four years ago, we are fortunate to host a constant flow of friends and family, with hardly a week passing in the summer without 20-30 people joining us for poolside dinners.

What inspired your table setting? 

The sun!!!! I feel it has been such a long winter, I really wanted to relish that the good weather has finally arrived. Yellow is such a happy colour, it makes everything else look brighter - that's why it is the star of our summer table setting. 

Favourite piece from the summer edit? 

I'd say my top pick from the summer edit is the Alicia Placemats. They truly add a touch of elegance to the table, like jewellery for your dining space. Inspired by a necklace I found in Colombia, we worked with Alicia, an indigenous artisan from Risaralda, to recreate it on a placemat. I adore the final product, and I'm thrilled that this collaboration has allowed us to support two different groups of artisans, making a positive impact along the way.

Top tip for a stylish summer table setting? 

Start by keeping in mind that tables are meant for gathering and dining - some tablescapes on social media are impressive but they look more like a store display, comfort and conversation should take precedence. I always opt for a layout that allows guests to interact easily and enjoy the meal. I particularly enjoy creating visual interest by layering tableware, providing a feast for the eyes that evolves as each course unfolds.

Next, consider the lighting. Similar to table settings, I advocate for layering lighting elements from ambient sources to flickering candles. This multi-dimensional lighting scheme ensures that as the evening progresses, everyone is enveloped in a soft, inviting glow.

The secret to a perfect dinner party? 

It's all about curating the guest list - selecting a perfect blend of individuals who truly connect with one another.

Dream guest at said party? 

Iris Arpfel or Frida Khalo - I love people that live their lives on their own terms. 

Favourite colour ? 

Leopard Print! (it’s a colour, no?)

Trusted dinner party menu? 

I love cooking, over the years I have developed a couple of menus that are crowd pleasers and allow me to enjoy my evenings with my guests. For the summer its sea bass baked in salt, courgette frites, a burgul tabulle with tahini dressing and ‘Patatas Pobres’ with a passion fruit mousse for dessert. Everything (except the fish that is) picked from our 'huerta' - veggie garden - in Ibiza - an absolute delight!

Favourite book? 

100 years of Solitude, I re-read it every few years. But the book that most recently has impacted the way I see the word is Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 

Lastly, finish this sentence: The way to my heart is…  through a Diptyque candle.