Chef, author, and supper club host Xanthe Ross creates joyful, seasonal vegetarian dishes that celebrate home cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. Based in London, her approach is simple, sustainable, and full of heart. Her new cookbook, Stay for Supper, is a celebration of seasonal, delicious meals designed to bring people together.

What’s your favourite way to host?

Casually, with everyone round the table last minute 

On-time versus casually late?

On time! 

What’s your go-to dish?

I always seem to make focaccia to start things off 

Individual plates or sharing dishes?

Sharing, always 

What do you like to do for drinks?

I love making margaritas or also love starting off with something cold and fizzy

Do you have a go-to playlist?

Not really, it just depends on my mood. Usually I start on a song that sets the mood and then rely on the Spotify radio function to go from there

Dress up or dress down?

Dress down, bare feet usually 

What’s the secret to a good party?

Making sure everyone feels comfortable and looked after the minute they walk through the door.. all sensory experiences taken care of like good smells, good lighting, music at the right volume.

Seating plan or no?

Maybe a last minute one, depends on the group 

Party games - ice breaker or naff?

Hmm.. I think most of the time they’re a no from me except on family holidays if everyone is in the right mood! 

Entertaining peeves?

Not enough food! 

What can you save on and what should you splurge on?

Save on drinks and leave that to the guests, splurge on pre supper snacks 

How to ask people politely to leave?!

Get up and start washing up, hahaha 

Nicest thank you?

Flowers the next day