Family Weekend Workshop

With the holiday rush in full swing, families everywhere are preparing not only their menus but also the atmosphere that will frame their Noche Buena traditions. A week ago, Anko hosted a pair of creative workshops designed to help households refresh their kitchen and dining rituals. Two specialists in styling and coffee guided families through simple and practical ideas they can bring straight into their celebrations.

Event stylist Elena Flor Salazar of Likha by Elena and coffee expert John Tumulak of Arcana Coffee led sessions at Anko TriNoma on December 6 and at Anko Alabang Town Center on December 7, both starting at 2:00 PM. These workshops aim to empower families with easy ways to make their holiday gatherings more meaningful and beautifully put together.

Beyond staples like lechon, ham, spaghetti, and queso de bola, Anko emphasizes that it is often the look, feel, and flow of the celebration that makes Noche Buena truly unforgettable. With contemporary holiday dinnerware, glassware, decor, and coffee essentials, Anko’s festive collection offers mix-and-match pieces that make holiday hosting both elevated and effortless.

Setting the Stage for a Warm and Welcoming Table

Build your base layer with intention

Salazar recommends treating the base layer of the table as the anchor. Choosing a cloth or runner that sets the mood and adding charger plates or placemats can create depth before anything else is added. After years of styling real tables, she shares that anyone can craft a beautiful setup when they allow their personality to guide them. Her approach encourages mothers and homemakers not to overthink. Make small adjustments as you go and focus on making each person feel special the moment they sit down.

Play with textures and colors

Visual richness often comes from contrast. Mixing matte and glossy finishes, pairing patterned fabrics with simple dinnerware, and incorporating glassware can create dimension and warmth. Salazar notes that varied textures bring movement to the table and make the space feel inviting even before the first dish arrives.

Add quiet focal points

Small decorative touches can guide the eye naturally. Salazar suggests adding only a few accents such as stemless glasses that work as dessert cups, jars filled with treats, or a single handcrafted piece placed at the center. These curated additions make the table expressive while keeping it functional for a busy Noche Buena.

Bring in glassware that works beautifully

Glassware can be both decorative and purposeful. Salazar encourages families to explore wine glasses, stemless dessert cups, or holiday-inspired tumblers. These elevate the table and can hold drinks, sweets, or small festive treats.

Creating Cozy Cafe Moments at Home

Tumulak believes that small pockets of coziness at home can help families slow down and savor the season. A compact espresso setup, Christmas-themed mugs, or even a simple pour over station can turn quiet mornings into comforting rituals. Warm drinks paired with leftover pastries extend the holiday feeling into the next day.

During the workshop, Tumulak also shared easy holiday coffee recipes, from festive lattes to warm drinks that pair perfectly with Noche Buena favorites. He also gave a quick walkthrough of Anko’s Compact Espresso Machine and its features.

A Weekend of Inspiration for Families

These workshops were open to anyone hoping to refresh their holiday ideas. Families and shoppers can also join any upcoming workshop by signing up through the Anko Club at anko.com/anko-club. Children can also look forward to special Santa visits in the coming weeks for a festive surprise.

Those who want more inspiration can explore Anko’s holiday Lookbook at anko.com/ph/lookbook or follow seasonal styling ideas at @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.