The Art of Imperfect Hosting: Lessons from India Hicks’ Chaotic Elegance
There’s something deeply comforting about the idea that even the most privileged among us embrace chaos. India Hicks, the interior designer and royal descendant, recently made this point in a way that feels both relatable and revolutionary. In her upcoming book, Entertaining: with a Side of Chaos, Hicks doesn’t just share hosting tips—she dismantles the myth of perfection in social gatherings. Personally, I think this is a message we all need to hear, especially in an age where Instagram-worthy dinners often feel like a competitive sport.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Hicks ties her philosophy to her upbringing. Her mother, Lady Pamela Hicks, belonged to a generation that Hicks describes as ‘tougher and less spoilt.’ While I can’t help but wonder if this is a romanticized view—after all, privilege often comes with its own set of blind spots—there’s no denying the contrast between the formality of Lady Pamela’s era and the casualness of today’s world. Hicks grew up with four meals a day, toast with crusts cut off, and scrambled eggs kept warm on a hot plate. Today, she admits to downing tea on the go and serving boiled eggs in front of the TV. This evolution feels like a metaphor for how we’ve all loosened up—or perhaps, how we’ve all been forced to.
One thing that immediately stands out is Hicks’ insistence that entertaining doesn’t have to be perfect. She’s not just saying this; she’s living it. From serving takeout to guests to laughing off a dog eating an entire beef dish (replaced with stir-fried chicken, no less), Hicks embraces the unpredictability of life. What this really suggests is that hospitality isn’t about the food or the table settings—it’s about the feeling you create. And yet, here’s where it gets interesting: Hicks still puts immense thought into the ambiance. The lighting, the music, the table decor—these are non-negotiable for her. It’s a paradox, but one that feels honest. She’s not advocating for laziness; she’s advocating for sanity.
If you take a step back and think about it, Hicks’ approach is a rebellion against the pressure to perform. In a world where every dinner party is a potential Instagram post, her message is radical: it’s okay to cheat, to simplify, to let go. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about hosting—it’s about how we live. Hicks’ chaotic elegance is a metaphor for embracing life’s messiness while still finding beauty in it. Her dramatic tablescapes, complete with upturned wastepaper baskets and giant fern leaves, are a reminder that creativity thrives in imperfection.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Hicks ties her philosophy to the broader chaos of the world. She calls her book ‘a little light and fluffy,’ but I’d argue it’s more than that. In a time of global uncertainty, her focus on creating warmth and joy feels like a quiet act of resistance. It’s not about ignoring the world’s problems but about finding small ways to counteract them. From my perspective, this is where Hicks’ privilege becomes a tool rather than a barrier. She uses her platform to remind us that hospitality—in all its imperfect glory—is a form of care.
This raises a deeper question: what does it mean to host in an age of chaos? Hicks’ answer is both simple and profound. It’s about balance. She doesn’t shy away from her luck—having a personal cook, for instance—but she also doesn’t let that stop her from keeping things real. Her quiche-and-salad lunches and giant spaghetti carbonara dinners are a far cry from Michelin-star dining, and that’s the point. She’s not trying to impress; she’s trying to connect.
In my opinion, Hicks’ greatest insight is that entertaining is a form of storytelling. Whether it’s through a tin of cat food disguised as pâté or a chandelier of real candles, she’s creating memories. And isn’t that what hosting is all about? Not the food, not the decor, but the moments that linger long after the guests have left.
As I reflect on Hicks’ words, I’m struck by how much her approach resonates beyond the dinner table. It’s a lesson in grace, in adaptability, in finding beauty in the unexpected. Personally, I think we could all use a little more of her chaotic elegance in our lives. After all, perfection is overrated—it’s the imperfections that make us human.
India Hicks: Entertaining, with a Side of Chaos, Rizzoli International Publications, RRP £36.95, is out on 8 September.
