From Receptions to Dinner Parties: Rosh Mahtani’s 5 Hosting Go-To’s

Since the inception of Alighieri, it has always been more than a jewellery label. Founded by Rosh Mahtani more than a decade ago, the brand was born from her instinct to create something layered — not just in material, but in meaning. Pieces that felt like modern heirlooms. A universe where stories, rituals, and human connection could unfold. That same spirit led naturally to Casa Alighieri: a collection of textured tableware, sculptural cutlery, and weighty objects designed to ground a table — and the people gathered around it.

“It’s why I started Alighieri in the first place,” she confesses. “I was going through quite a difficult time in my life and I thought, we’re more connected than ever through social media and technology, but more lonely than we’ve ever been. And what do we need? We need to be around other people. We need to be sharing stories, listening to music together, going back to these very beautiful, human things that are tactile. And I think it’s all people want.”

“I’m always imagining entire scenes — tables dotted with textures and colors that speak to a certain mood or narrative. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with close friends or a more immersive evening of poetry, wine, and conversation — for me it’s about creating a space that feels slightly mystical, rich in symbolism and history.”

That philosophy begins in her own home. From her light-filled Victorian space in Clerkenwell (one of London’s creative quarters) Mahtani often hosts friends for Sunday evenings or atmospheric late-night dinners. The home itself mirrors her aesthetic: sculptural chairs, luminous marble, layered artefacts gathered on her travels, and Casa Alighieri pieces anchoring each table.

“I love creating smaller gatherings,” she says. “But I’m always imagining entire scenes — tables dotted with textures and colors that speak to a certain mood or narrative. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with close friends or a more immersive evening of poetry, wine, and conversation — for me it’s about creating a space that feels slightly mystical, rich in symbolism and history.”

“I think people really crave this now — magic, spirituality. We live in such a connected world, but we’re more lonely than ever. We need these human rituals: sharing stories, listening to music together, creating beauty, touching objects. It’s what people long for.”

Over the years, she has curated a series of larger dinners for Alighieri; layered, sensory evenings that feel almost cinematic in atmosphere.

When launching Casa Alighieri, she hosted a dinner that embodied this spirit. “We did a big dinner in a beautiful house that we decorated inside out,” she recalls. “A giant table with a crisp white tablecloth, and all the way down the middle — 150 candlesticks with deep brown candles. By the end of the night there was wax everywhere. And on each person’s plate I placed a specific pebble, engraved with their initials, so they could take something home to remember the evening. It was one of the most beautiful nights.”

Her aim? To create a sense of magic. “I wanted it to feel like a fairytale — but also very Italian in spirit. People congregating, relaxed, almost like an artist’s residency, quite bohemian. It’s not about perfection. It’s about soul.”

Another dinner that lives vividly in her memory took place just last December. “I was awarded something very special — which is embarrassing for me to say out loud,” she laughs. “But I hosted a dinner to say thank you to all my friends and family for helping me build this brand.” The setting? Terroni, the oldest Italian deli in London, a place filled with warmth and history. “We had this huge, long table set up between the shelves, surrounded by mounds of pasta, olives, and bottles of olive oil. People gave speeches. It was one of the most magical evenings of my life.”

Below, she shares where to begin if you’re dreaming up your own ceremony or dinner party — one layered with personality and meaning.

“I like spaces that are layered, unexpected — where you can create a bit of magic. I always want there to be a kind of spiritual layer, something that makes people feel they’ve stepped into a world.”

1. Start With the Setting

How would she imagine her own dream wedding dinner?

“A villa outside. One long table. Grandparents, babies, friends, family — no shoes, great food, great pasta. By the end of the night, great music, everyone dancing. A mess, in the best way. Everyone rolling into bed and staying the night, waking up to brunch together, telling stories from the night before. For me, that’s the dream.”

Shoes off, of course. “Taking your shoes off means you’re comfortable, connected. That’s when you know it’s a good night.” For Mahtani, any great event starts with picking the right space — one that feels authentic and full of character. “I like spaces that are layered, unexpected — where you can create a bit of magic,” she says. Over the years, Alighieri has hosted dinners in crypts, churches, and bohemian artist spaces. “I always want there to be a kind of spiritual layer, something that makes people feel they’ve stepped into a world.” Once the space is chosen, the focus shifts to flow and feeling.

2. Build in a Sense of Spiritual Meaning and Exchange

“Like I mentioned, we’ve done events in crypts, in churches — always places that feel spiritual, layered. We want our events to feel magical, to connect people on a deeper level,” she says. One of her most memorable? “We celebrated our Zodiac capsule with a beautiful dance performance in a crypt, with live music and candles everywhere. I think people really crave this now — magic, spirituality. We live in such a connected world, but we’re more lonely than ever. We need these human rituals: sharing stories, listening to music together, creating beauty, touching objects. It’s what people long for.”

3. Nail the Seating Plan

If you’re planning a larger gathering — perhaps even a wedding dinner — Mahtani believes the seating plan is crucial. “It’s an art,” she says. “You need to make sure everyone is seated with someone they know, someone they don’t, someone who will challenge them, someone who will make them feel safe. It’s a jigsaw puzzle — and yes, it often changes last minute!” Why does this matter? “You don’t want cliques. You want everyone to feel included, comfortable — no one left awkward at the edge of the table. That’s how the night flows.”

4. Focus on these Four Elements

Beyond seating, she swears by four elements: lighting, music, cadence, and delicious food. “We created an amazing soundscape with a record player for our Casa dinner — that shaped the whole atmosphere,” she says. “And cadence is key. Don’t wait too long between courses. Watch the room — sometimes you’ll need to move faster or slow down. It’s about reacting to the energy.” Above all: “The food must be generous and delicious. No one should ever leave a dinner hungry,” she says with a smile.

5. Sharing Is Everything

A big bowl of pasta — “with lots of Parmigiano” — never fails, according to Mahtani. Or a whole fish, deboned and served at the table. “It’s a beautiful ritual,” she says. Fish is also a personal motif: “We created the Gone Fishing collection inspired by the sea. I love the ocean.” And to finish? “Tiramisu. My favourite dessert — I could have it every day.” It’s this sense of generosity and kindred spirits that ties it all together.

To see more of Alighieri, visit their website.