Main interview that matches the tone of the evening you want to create . Jazz is always a safe bet . “ Then you want to lay the table appropriately , indirectly displaying your enthusiasm for the event – you don ’ t need to go over the top , but you do want to make an effort . A good tip is to base the menu on the current season , as this will dictate which ingredients are available ; try to shop locally if you can .
“ Oh ,” Antoine adds with a sense of urgency , “ I almost forgot : Always avoid religion and politics ! It ’ s best to have a few uncontroversial conversation topics pre-planned !”
Immersive hosting
Over the last few years , the public ’ s renewed taste for dining out , a reaction to months of being locked inside during the pandemic , has begun to fade .
On top of that , new issues are threatening the industry , including a shortage of skilled labor and rising prices provoked by global economic uncertainty .
In response to this changing landscape , Antoine founded HOMETAINMENT , a platform that brings the best of the sector to your home . Whether you ’ re after a private chef , bartender , or musician , the service seeks to bridge the gap between private and public by providing easy access to more than 200 experiences from 85 London experts .
“ The idea to create HOMETAINMENT came to me during lockdown ,” Antoine reflects . “ I missed hosting and cooking for friends and family , and I thought it would be wonderful to start a platform that allowed people to do the same – but in a new , levelled-up way .”
Undoubtedly , Antoine ’ s phonebook is saturated with numbers of famous chefs and big players in the hospitality business . If he wanted to put on a party to rival all others , then he probably could .
But what about the rest of us ? HOMETAINMENT promises an answer . “ Now more than ever , the home has become a
safe space for people during global crises ,” says Antoine . “ During the pandemic , it turned into a sanctuary , and people now want to spend their time in its comfort .
“ To that end , HOMETAINMENT delivers a fully immersive hosting experience to the home , where all your senses are being engaged . Sometimes when you go to a restaurant it ’ s too loud ; you can ’ t hear your friends . On top of that , you must cram an evening into 90 minutes because the restaurant wants to turn over the table as quickly as it can .”
Despite his love for traditional dining , Antoine admits that it ’ s not always the best experience . “ I think when it comes to the future of hospitality , as Netflix did with the world of film , people will want to experience dining in their homes ,” he concludes . “ With HOMETAINMENT , we ’ re bringing your favorite restaurant into a safe and comfortable environment where you have complete control . It ’ s a great way to spend an evening .” ■
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