Table tennis: How to serve up the perfect soirée like it's a competitive sport
Host like you're a winner
HOSTING FOR, and indulging in, the summer party season should feel like a tennis match, or any sporting game you love. It requires training, strategy, endurance, and occasionally, knowing when to admit defeat. So how do you become the Jannik Sinner of the summer?
Consider me your coach, your Mikel Arteta orchestrating a clear guide to serving up a flawless fête.
Like any good athlete, it starts with mindset. Believe you can do it, and you’re already halfway there. Next comes preparation: mise en place is your training regimen. Prepping ahead of time, and even attempting a practice run if you can, will give you the confidence to perform under pressure.
If you’re in the southern hemisphere, keep it light. Crudités – fresh raw vegetables – or oysters make for effortless yet elegant fare. But a great soirée isn’t just about the food – you must be a good host and a gracious guest. Engage with your company; perhaps a friendly volley of conversation will ensue.
And then there are the spectators. Some guests prefer to watch quietly, soaking it all in. They are as essential to the game, and your party, as any active player. They provide a pause, a refuge, a soft place to land amid the festive frenzy.
Now, in every match there’s a pivot: when the game hangs in the balance, you call your shot. For your party, the “match point” might be dessert. Serve something that you’ve set up early, your “ace up the sleeve”, like a make-ahead trifle or a no-bake tart. Then, when fatigue kicks in (because yes, even hosts feel it), pull out that dish like you’re launching a winning serve – and suddenly, you’re back in control.
Something easy, like the iconic strawberries and cream served at Wimbledon, is chic and easy to prepare – and it’s much more than just a simple dessert; it’s a ritual, paying homage to the history of the game and the refined leisure that surrounds it. Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII reportedly enjoyed strawberries with cream at feasts, thus influencing their inclusion on the menu at Wimbledon, as they were first served at the inaugural 1877 Championships.
Respect is another critical element. Dress appropriately, bring something for your host, and treat the event like the game it is. Don’t fumble the ball over what to bring – it’s easy, keep it simple. Champagne is always a good idea – most will be enjoyed or traded on in the festive season, a Silk Road of champagne (one can only hope to trade up).
And perhaps the greatest metaphor of all: life itself is a sporting match. We rarely have practice runs, weather is unpredictable, and obstacles abound. But with kindness, humility, and a willingness to help others, we all can win, regardless of the final score.
Finally, after the final course, imagine settling in like a champion after match point: with a digestif, maybe even a cigar if that’s your style, to toast your “victory”. Because the best hosts are like the best players: composed, generous, and never afraid to celebrate the win.
Perhaps the greatest parallel between a sporting match and a soirée is the sense of unity when strangers, or acquaintances, come together – sharing a bond over a goal, a shot, or even a ragù. There’s something magical about that instant connection with a total stranger, much like watching a thrilling match together.
In 2023, when the Matildas reached the quarter final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup against France, I was at my local pub, which was packed to the rafters. When that final goal went in, there were tears, hugs, and celebrations shared with complete strangers.
Much like the exhilaration of a memorable dinner party, sometimes you leave the evening with a new best friend, a fresh perspective, or the thrilling high of a night filled with lively conversation, laughter, and perhaps even dancing. It’s all about connection. Even if you find yourself on opposing sides, whether on the court or at the table, you can almost always discover common ground or be open to a new perspective.
Just as we can all appreciate a moment of brilliant play, like David Beckham’s pivotal free kick in the 93rd-minute against Greece that would qualify England for the 2002 World Cup. Whether you were cheering for England or Greece that day, it was impossible not to recognise the sheer magic of that moment in sporting history.
So, as you plan your festive gatherings, think like an athlete. Prepare, pace yourself, respect tradition, honour the guests, and above all, enjoy the game. The perfect fête, like the perfect match, leaves everyone smiling, grateful, and already looking forward to the next round.
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