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Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

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Take a peek inside our cosy June issue

Take a peek inside our cosy June issue

Smoked Trout and Pea Quiche

Smoked Trout and Pea Quiche

At home with Home Beautiful's Katrina O'Brien

At home with Home Beautiful's Katrina O'Brien

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Our stunning Dream Homes collector's edition is out now

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Want decorating advice? Tune in to our podcast!

Want decorating advice? Tune in to our podcast!

Take a tour of Edwina Bartholomew's stunning country property

Take a tour of Edwina Bartholomew's stunning country property

Our most popular Instagram posts so far this year

Our most popular Instagram posts so far this year

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Style Rules Episode 4: The truth behind Mat and Tim's dirty laundry

Style Rules Episode 4: The truth behind Mat and Tim's dirty laundry

Style Rules Episode 5: Why House Rules host Johanna Griggs will come down hard on the contestants

Style Rules Episode 5: Why House Rules host Johanna Griggs will come down hard on the contestants

Style Rules Episode 6: The Kmart throw breaking the rules and Cherie Barber's quick flip tips

Style Rules Episode 6: The Kmart throw breaking the rules and Cherie Barber's quick flip tips

Style Rules Episode 7: House Rules’ Mikaela and Eliza say goodbye and our online shopping fails

Style Rules Episode 7: House Rules’ Mikaela and Eliza say goodbye and our online shopping fails

Style Rules Episode 2: Pete and Courtney's reno reveal

Style Rules Episode 2: Pete and Courtney's reno reveal

5 things to do in Canberra

5 things to do in Canberra

Berry and Hazelnut Granola Fool

Berry and Hazelnut Granola Fool

  1. Home
  2. Entertain

How to entertain a crowd

And other foodie tips from an Aussie icon - by Jackie Brygel
  • 07 Jun 2019
How to entertain a crowd
Anna Robinson

Australia’s muesli queen, the founder of Carman’s Fine Foods, sat down with HB in the beautiful Melbourne home she shares with her husband Peter and their four children.

What’s your go-to weekend restaurant?

I love MoVida [in Melbourne’s CBD]

Most stylish place you’ve travelled to?

Capri. I went there for a big birthday party last year and it’s just so chic and stylish.

Describe your home style in three words?
Relaxed, eclectic and comfortable.

If you could spend the afternoon with a style icon, who would it be?
India Hicks. I just love her style and think she’s so effortlessly chic.

vintage chopping boards
Anna Robinson

“I found this gold palm-tree candle holder at Rose St Trading Co in Melbourne and I feel it brings a lot of personality to the room. I love the India Hicks style of decorating and this reminds me of her..."

Carolyn Creswell

Favourite room in the house?

It’s what we call the ‘good room’, which is the front lounge-room. I love lighting the fire in there and the kids come in and play chess. It’s just a really cosy and happy room with all of my favourite things – plants, candles and books.

Perfect way to spend a Sunday morning?
I love cooking and getting up a big breakfast for the family. After that, we’ll all head down to a little Sunday market that I love and we’ll wander around there to see if we can find some treasures. That is what I call ‘my happy place’.

What’s on your furniture wish-list right now?

Unfortunately, I’ve worn the arms through on my favourite cosy everyday chair, so it’s time to recover or replace it.

Do you have a signature dish?

Roast chicken with smashed potatoes and a great salad. That’s probably the family favourite.

carolyncreswell View Profile
355 likes - View Post on Instagram
Tomorrow is International Day of the Girl & I am excited to speak to a whole heap of girls at our HQ. I want to remind them their potential is wasted if they don't attempt to realise it. I want a future where my daughters have the same opportunities as my sons. Things are getting better but we aren't there yet. Everyone, pep up a girl or two tomorrow & remind them they can do anything if they put their mind to it. #thefutureisequality

Favourite way to entertain a crowd?

I make sure to set the table before everyone comes - that’s always been my mum’s tip. I keep the food simple, with some form of barbecuing and then I set up a drink’s station. Later I put on some great music and everyone helps tidy up together.

What's your favourite time of year in the home?
I particularly like winter in this house. We have lots of open fires and it’s a house that has such a cosy feel. It can be pouring with rain outside and I couldn’t imagine anywhere else I’d rather be.

Best tip for a clutter-free home with a growing family?
I’m not obsessed with having a really clean house, but I do like a tidy house. So we have baskets at the bottom of the stairs to collect odds and ends and everything has a place. That is something that makes me feel much more serene.

See more of Carolyn's home in the July issue of Home Beautiful Magazine.

Love this? See more in Home Beautiful Magazine

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Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s beautiful Melbourne home

Artist in residence: At home with Gavin and Pippa Wanganeen

  • Entertain
  • Lifestyle
  • Magazine
Jackie Brygel
Jackie Brygel
When it comes to writing about all things homes-related, Jackie – a magazine features writer for over 25 years – is simply in her element. Few things bring her more joy than sitting down for a chat with homeowners to uncover their secrets to decorating magic. Other than spending time with her family and beloved golden retriever Bosley, of course!

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