With the holiday rush underway, families are preparing not only their menus but also the atmosphere that will shape their Noche Buena celebrations. This weekend, Anko opens its doors for two creative workshops designed to help households refresh their kitchen and dining rituals with guidance from experts in styling and coffee.
Event stylist Elena Flor Salazar of Likha by Elena and coffee specialist John Tumulak of Arcana Coffee will lead back-to-back sessions at Anko TriNoma on December 6 and Anko Alabang Town Center on December 7, both starting at 2:00 PM. The workshops provide practical ideas that families can bring straight into their Christmas gatherings.
Anko emphasizes that beyond staples like lechon, ham, spaghetti, and queso de bola, the look, feel, and flow of the celebration make Noche Buena truly memorable. Its festive collection features contemporary dinnerware, glassware, décor, and coffee essentials. The versatile mix-and-match pieces help make holiday hosting both elegant and effortless.
Expert Tips for Your Holiday Table
Set a Strong Base for Your Table
Salazar recommends using the base layer as the anchor of the table. Choosing a cloth or runner that sets the mood and adding charger plates or placemats builds depth before placing other items. She explains that anyone can create a beautiful table if they let their personality show. Her rule is simple: do not overthink. Make mistakes, adjust as needed, and stay intentional. The goal is to make guests feel special the moment they sit down.
Play with Textures and Colors
Visual interest comes from contrast. Salazar advises combining matte and glossy finishes, pairing patterned fabrics with simple dinnerware, and using glassware to play with light. Varying textures create movement and warmth on the table even before guests arrive.
Use Accents to Create Quiet Focal Points
Small decorative touches guide the eye without overwhelming the space. Salazar suggests using a few key pieces, such as stemless glasses for desserts, jars filled with holiday treats, or a single handcrafted ornament as a subtle centerpiece. Curated accents add personality while keeping the table functional.
Glassware to Elevate Your Table
Glassware can serve both functional and decorative purposes. Salazar recommends wine glasses, stemless dessert cups, and holiday-themed tumblers. These pieces can hold drinks, desserts, or small treats, adding elegance and transparency to the setting.
Extend the Celebration to a Home Café Corner
Tumulak emphasizes creating cozy spaces at home where families can slow down. A compact espresso setup, Christmas-themed mugs, or a pour-over station can turn a quiet morning into a comforting ritual. Warm drinks paired with leftover pastries help extend the holiday mood beyond dinner.\
Tumulak will share easy holiday coffee recipes, from festive lattes to warm crowd-pleasing drinks, pairing perfectly with Noche Buena favorites and Christmas desserts. He will also provide a walkthrough of Anko’s Compact Espresso Machine features.
Join Anko’s Holiday Workshops
The workshops welcome anyone seeking fresh inspiration for the holidays. Shoppers and families can sign up through the Anko Club at anko.com/anko-club. Participants can also enjoy special Santa visits in the coming weeks, adding a festive touch for children.
For additional ideas, browse Anko’s holiday Lookbook at anko.com/ph/lookbook or explore seasonal styling tips on Instagram and TikTok at @anko_philippines.
