The holiday season is officially upon us, and as families finalize their menus, the focus shifts to creating the unforgettable atmosphere that frames the cherished Noche Buena traditions. This weekend, Anko is addressing this demand by hosting a pair of creative workshops designed to help households refresh their kitchen and dining rituals with guidance from two experts in styling and coffee.
Event stylist Elena Flor Salazar of Likha by Elena and coffee expert John Tumulak of Arcana Coffee will lead back-to-back sessions at Anko TriNoma on December 6 and at Anko Alabang Town Center on December 7, both beginning at 2:00 PM. These workshops aim to provide families with practical, accessible ideas they can immediately incorporate into their Christmas gatherings.
Beyond the traditional holiday staples like lechon, ham, spaghetti, and queso de bola, Anko highlights that it is often the look, feel, and flow of the celebration that makes Noche Buena truly memorable. Anko’s festive collection — featuring contemporary holiday dinnerware, glassware, décor, and coffee essentials — offers versatile, mix-and-match pieces designed to make holiday hosting both elevated and effortless.
Setting the scene: Table styling tips from Elena Flor Salazar
Salazar, drawing from her years of styling expertise, offers simple yet powerful advice for creating a welcoming table:
- Anchor the Table: Treat the base layer — a cloth or runner — as the anchor that sets the mood. Build depth by adding charger plates or placemats before placing anything else.
- Embrace Personality: Salazar encourages participants not to overthink the process. Her simple rule is to "make mistakes, adjust as you go, and stay intentional," ensuring personal style shines through. The ultimate goal is to make every guest feel special the moment they sit down.
- Play with Textures: To achieve visual richness, combine matte and glossy finishes, and pair patterned fabrics with simple dinnerware. Varying textures add movement and presence, making the table visually warm before guests arrive.
- Curate Focal Points: Small decorative touches guide the eye without overwhelming the space. Salazar suggests using just a few key pieces, such as stemless glasses that can double for desserts, jars filled with holiday treats, or a single handcrafted ornament positioned as a subtle centerpiece. Glassware, including wine glasses and holiday-themed tumblers, can serve drinks, desserts, or small treats, adding elegance and transparency to the setting.
Extending the mood: The home café corner with John Tumulak
Coffee expert John Tumulak emphasizes the value of creating cozy pockets at home where families can slow down and stretch the holiday mood:
- The Comfort Ritual: A compact espresso setup, Christmas-themed mugs, or a simple pour-over station can turn a quiet morning into a comforting ritual. Warm drinks paired with leftover pastries offer an easy way to continue the celebration into the next day.
- Holiday Coffee Recipes: For larger gatherings, Tumulak is excited to share easy holiday coffee recipes, from festive lattes to warm, crowd-pleasing drinks that pair perfectly with Noche Buena favorites and Christmas desserts. He will also provide a quick walkthrough of the features of Anko’s Compact Espresso Machine.
The weekend workshops are open to anyone seeking fresh holiday inspiration. Shoppers and families can join by signing up through the Anko Club at anko.com/anko-club, and can also look forward to special Santa visits in the coming weeks, adding a fun and festive touch for children.
For more holiday styling tips, browse Anko’s holiday Lookbook at anko.com/ph/lookbook or explore seasonal ideas on social media at @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.