“It's important to have fun styling and prepping, without being too uptight about anything, as things are bound to shift with guests in the house. With that sentiment in mind, the home preparations enable me to be a host who is relaxed and engaging. Doing something new is always a great way to usher in the summer season, especially for repeat guests. I style my home with thoughtful accessories sprinkled throughout. I fill the guest bathrooms with Goop skincare or my favourite new Flamingo Estate products, encouraging guests to take some things home with them. I replenish any towels that may have disappeared last summer, as no guest should ever have to search or ask for a towel. What I want instead is for them to be surprised to find that the beach towel folded in their room has their name embroidered on it (a little touch inspired by my hotel days).”

“I always replenish the games closet. Every summer I fill it with some new games and some old classics. Guests are more than welcome to take out the backgammon or snakes and ladders whenever they please. And should they fall in love with one of the games, I take note of a great gift for their next birthday.”

“When I’m hosting, fan-favourite candies are out on full display in beautiful Lobmeyr hand-blown crystal candy dishes. Nuts are also great to have out for guests. Peanuts, almonds and cashews all look great in a silver-plated Christofle nut bowl. A heavier snack to put out for guests to graze, either during dinner prep or for an afternoon nibble, is a charcuterie board – another great opportunity to showcase local food. In terms of drinks, coffee is always brewing and I have plenty of sparkling water options, both flavoured and unflavoured, as well as chilled rosé and white wine, and of course, red wine, tequila and gin.”

“The most basic needs are usually the most easily forgotten. Think about what you take for granted at home. What’s the Wi-Fi password? Where’s the best coffee in town? I have a guest playbook ready that is most necessary for guests staying in my home when I’m not there, but I also share it with those I’m hosting. It’s got vital information like the location of the candy drawer, as well as fun suggestions for things to do in town, and where to find bikes (in the garage). Keeping guests well-fed is a given and a well-stocked bar is something I always maintain. That means an assortment of bottles, plenty of citrus and great mocktail makings. In the summer, the Lorenzi Milano bar set is a showstopper!”

“Knowing your guest is important. When I’m a guest in someone’s home, or a hotel guest for that matter, I love the opportunity to experiment with a new bath product. My friends always have something new on hand for me to try – taking that product home to keep and use as a reminder of my experience is special, too. It’s what compels me to put out great shampoos and conditioners for my guests. The Goopglow Great Hair Day Kit is a personal favourite.”

“My final touch, and what my guests usually interact with before they take off, is a beautiful guest book. My friends will write sweet notes or draw fun sketches, and they always leave pro tips on how we can improve. I archive the books at the end of each year, bringing out a fresh one at the beginning of a new season. The Giannini Firenze guest books are among my favorites. Ideally, though, my guests’ experience continues even after they leave. By encouraging them to take things home, the moments of discovery that they appreciated during their stay are theirs to keep.”