In The Roundhouse founder spills her dinner party secrets – and the ‘strange’ item she never displays in front of guests

The co-founder of one of Australia’s favorite tableware brands has revealed her secrets to throwing the perfect summer dinner party.

Alyce Tran, co-founder of In The Roundhouse, is the queen of tablescapes, so she knows a thing or two about creating stunning and unforgettable dining experiences at home.

The concept of tablecaping is the artful arrangement of tableware and decor items on a table to create a specific theme, style or experience – and it has become extremely popular in recent years thanks to social media.

For Alyce, there are non-negotiables that she always puts on the table, but there is one thing she never puts on display in front of guests.

“I find it strange when people use scented candles on the table,” she told FEMAIL.

“I don’t think you should ever use scented candles because they interrupt the smells of the food coming to your table.”

When setting the ultimate table for a soirée, there are five essential items she always has on hand: flowers, place cards, napkins, In The Roundhouse plates and a water pitcher.

‘Make every place setting unique. Although they should all have the same items – a plate, silverware, glass, napkin, etc. – play with mixing and matching those elements so it doesn’t look so uniform,” Alyce explained.

Alyce said she loves incorporating natural elements, including fresh produce and flowers, and combining “unexpected” items to create “visual interest,” such as mixing textures and colors.

“I love color, dressing in color, styling with color, working with color – sometimes I wish I was a little more reserved with color, which can be seen as quite chic, but you only live once,” she said.

‘I often think of color combinations that go well together – pink and green, yellow and blue, green and beige and use that as a base, but then I find myself adding more and more layers.

‘With the warmer weather, we expect people to incorporate more color into their table settings.’

When entertaining family and friends, she always adds personal touches that make every gathering extra special.

“Doing things like handwriting place cards for your guests is a really simple thing that brings everything together and personalizes a table,” Alyce said.

‘Styling the table to match what you’re celebrating – like your friend’s favorite color for their birthday or an Italian-themed dinner party – is a great way to incorporate personal touches.’

When Alyce entertains loved ones at her home, her favorite cuisine is Italian.

“I think Italian is an easy choice because entertainment is already so ingrained in their culture, so it just makes sense,” she said.

However, she admitted: ‘I’m guilty of ordering takeaway and putting it on In The Roundhouse plates to take it to the next level.

“Seriously, but everything looks great when it’s nicely finished.”

In The Roundhouse and BRITA recently collaborated to create the must-have summer table decoration item: the very first BRITA glass jug and bespoke coaster, designed by the popular tableware brand.

The custom ceramic coaster, featuring the word ‘L’Acqua’ – Italian for water, is the latest addition to the tableware brand’s best-selling Italian Words collection.

Combined with the minimalist design of the glass jug, it completes any tablescape by transferring water from the tap to the table in style, transforming filtered water into the centerpiece of the dining table.

“It was so much fun to come up with this unique product together with BRITA,” said Alyce.

‘With the new glass jug you don’t just filter water – you take your daily experiences to the next level and that’s exactly what our products are designed for. It’s the perfect fit.

‘For anyone who owns pieces from the Italian Word Collection – or has them on their wish list – the glass jug and coaster complete the look and bring flavor, charm and fun to any party.’