Cover Highlighting Swiss, French and Filipino traditions in entertaining
Highlighting Swiss, French and Filipino traditions in entertaining
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Nathalie Küpfer Henares, directress of Portoro Interior, talks about blending Swiss, French and Filipino traditions in entertaining
Entertaining guests is an art that varies across cultures, each offering its own charm and traditions. My experiences in the Philippines, Switzerland and France have taught me to appreciate both the contrasts and the common threads that bind these traditions together. From the festive, abundant gatherings in Manila to the gracefully simple dinners of Switzerland and the elegant yet earthy meals in Provence, each country brings its own flair to the table.
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The Philippines: Festive and abundant
Chicken and vegetables at a dinner in Manila
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In the Philippines, entertaining is synonymous with festivity and joy. Every gathering is a celebration of togetherness, where abundance plays a central role—from the number of guests to the vast variety of dishes served. Home buffets or generous spreads are a common feature, offering an array of flavours to ensure every guest feels satisfied and cared for. Here, guests are treated like family and the more people, the better.
The atmosphere at Filipino dinners is lively, often accompanied by music, laughter and spirited conversations. While it can feel overwhelming at first, especially when contrasted with the quieter ambiance of Swiss gatherings, it’s a beautiful testament to the Filipino value placed on time spent with loved ones.
Celebrations in the Philippines also tend to last longer, as there’s a deep appreciation for shared moments. I’ve always admired how warm and welcoming the Filipino people are, which is such a contrast to the more reserved nature of my home countries, where invitations to private dinners at home are extended more sparingly.
Switzerland: Elegance in simplicity
Fresh salad at a dinner in Switzerland
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In Switzerland, entertaining is a more intimate affair, guided by the principle of quality over quantity. Meals often centre around one key dish—whether a carefully prepared meat or fresh fish—paired with artisanal bread and a simple homemade dessert. The setting is always elegant but understated, with clean lines and fresh flowers, and subtle décor that speak to our appreciation for fine craftsmanship.
The hospitality here is quieter, more reserved, but no less sincere. There’s a deep care for detail and quality that defines Swiss entertaining. We tend to keep the guest list small, particularly because the host is usually preparing the meal themselves. It’s common for guests to contribute to the dinner, often by bringing a dessert or a bottle of wine. Conversations are the heart of these gatherings, with soft background music adding to the relaxed yet polished atmosphere.
Punctuality is a hallmark of Swiss dinners. Events start and end on time, and guests rarely overstay, respecting the host’s time and personal space in a gesture of mutual understanding.
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France: The difference between Paris and Provence
Fine silverware on a tablescape in Paris
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In France, the art of entertaining varies significantly between regions, particularly when comparing the elegant gatherings in Paris to the laid-back charm of Provence.
In Paris, entertaining is deeply rooted in French tradition, with a focus on formality and refinement. Table settings often reflect the city’s rich cultural and architectural history, featuring fine silverware, elegant crystalware and sophisticated menus that highlight the best of French heritage. Parisian dinners are more formal and structured, a nod to the grandeur and deep history of the city itself.
A tablescape with views of bountiful nature in Provence
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In contrast, Provence offers a relaxed, earthy atmosphere. During the summer, the table is set outdoors, under the shade of olive trees or in a lush garden, with freshly picked produce from the morning market—juicy tomatoes, goat cheeses and warm pissaladière (onion-anchovy-olive tart) straight from the oven. There’s a carefree, almost poetic quality to these gatherings, with flowing linen tablecloths and bowls of ripe peaches and cherries. Ice-cold white wine or rosé is a must, and the simplicity of the meal is what makes it special.
I spent all my childhood summers in Provence, and those gatherings left a lasting impression on me, shaping my appreciation for the beauty of nature and the essence of simplicity. The contrast between the formal table traditions of my northern French grandparents and the more relaxed, earthy settings of Provence has influenced my own approach to entertaining. In the north, formality reigned with traditions passed down, while in the south, the natural surroundings blended perfectly with a laid-back yet elegant atmosphere. Together, these experiences shaped my deep appreciation for both the structured elegance and the effortless grace of French entertaining.
A blend of cultures: My way of entertaining
Above Nathalie Küpfer Henares, directress of Portoro Interior, arranging flowers in Paris
Nathalie Küpfer Henares, directress of Portoro Interior, arranging flowers in Paris
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Reflecting on my own approach to entertaining, I realise it’s a combination of my childhood in Provence and the time I spent with my French grandparents, who were deeply rooted in tradition and propriety. My Swiss upbringing added another layer, teaching me the elegance of simplicity—where quality over quantity, understated beauty and thoughtful details define every occasion.
Yet it was my adulthood, living and working across different continents, that opened my heart to new ways of bringing people together. Each culture I’ve encountered has added something unique to how I see the art of entertaining. What I’ve come to treasure most is the subtle beauty that small gestures can bring to everyday life.
My husband and I share this love for detail, for the quiet elegance that transforms even a simple dinner into something special. What has been especially meaningful on this journey is the way I’ve been able to weave my European roots with the warmth and generosity that defines Filipino hospitality. With each passing year, I feel more connected to the joy Filipinos bring to the art of entertaining.
Helping my clients decorate their homes has allowed me to immerse myself in their rich traditions, sharing conversations that extend beyond aesthetics, reaching into the heart of what these customs mean. It has been a privilege to answer their thoughtful questions about how and why we do things in my culture, and in return, to listen and learn about the symbolic depth in theirs. This exchange has become an art of blending the best of different cultures—finding a balance between tradition and modernity, and celebrating these moments with the people we love.
Ultimately, the true beauty of entertaining is not just in the food or the table setting, but in the time we spend together and the memories we create. Whether it’s a lavish buffet in Manila, an elegant dinner in Zurich or an earthy feast in Provence, it’s the people and the different traditions that make these moments truly meaningful and memorable.
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