What does it really mean to entertain? Is it about creating a space for interesting conversations and hungry stomachs? For some, hosting is a fine art. For others, it feels like solving an algebra problem. Writer and cook Jago Rackham’s first book, To Entertain, is subtitled “Instructions for a Dinner Party,” but it’s much more than a simple guide to etiquette or hosting. Part memoir, part cookbook, the British cook and writer celebrates the magic of bringing friends together and satisfying their appetites.
Rackham’s approach avoids fussiness and focuses on good food, no matter your budget or who’s at the table. His advice is warm and easy to follow, and the recipes highlight simple but indulgent dishes: there’s an oregano and beef sauce woven through tagliatelle that’s “not Italian… not really from anywhere, except [his] kitchen in London,” chicken and rice for “when you’re really sick,” and a “sort of” ratatouille that puts a twist on Delia Smith’s version. There’s also a proper custard, and very British sticky toffee pudding and trifle. He offers tips for cooking for new friends, lovers, and family, as well as handling unexpected guests, lateness, getting people to leave, making speeches, and choosing the right glassware.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, Rackham and his partner, artist Lowena Hearn, welcomed friends and other creatives to their east London home to celebrate the launch of To Entertain. “Parties are really important to me,” Rackham tells Vogue. “In our early 20s, we used to throw lots and lots of parties.” (This writer has been to several of Rackham and Hearn’s famously lively parties at their old home in Forest Gate—this time, Rackham wanted it to be a bit more “civilized and grown-up.”) Their apartment is airy and filled with sunlight: a swirling sculpture by Hearn wraps around the fireplace, and piles of the book are surrounded by large plant-like sculptures and candles, creating a beautiful display.
“It’s not often you go to a party where carrots are artfully placed on cabinet tops and spilling your drink is encouraged,” says Song-I Saba, a London-based fashion and art writer and founder of the tinned fish brand Pyscis.
“I think there’s something really special about people opening up their homes,” says Egle Loit, chef-owner of Darling’s Eatery and Studio, and a culinary artist who’s been captivating Instagram with her current series of pasta shapes inspired by fashion runways. (Think edible, colorful sheets referencing Simone Rocha prints and Dior tutus.) “Getting everything ready for guests and sharing what you’ve made is one of the most joyful things for me. I really didn’t want this escape to end, and I stayed too long… I definitely made new friends.”
For drinks, guests enjoyed South African winery Krone’s Cap Classique, a vintage sparkling wine made in the champagne tradition, along with wines from Sandridge Barton—a vineyard in South Devon, near where Rackham and Hearn grew up, and a leading producer changing the face of English wine. Red wine stains spread across the white tablecloth, where tins of Runan Caviar sat on cold concrete stones, and people spooned it onto handfuls of chips. The door kept opening, and Rackham warmly welcomed guests like Alexa Chung, Wooden City Substack writer Isaac Rangaswami, The Goal is to Eat writer and podcast host Panayiota Soutis, floral designer Christie Leigh, and APOC concept store founder Ying Suen.
“It’s a relaxed mess,” says Rackham, “which ties into the book really—this is about entertaining when you don’t want to be formal, but still want something pleasant and easy. It’s not about stress or anxiety.” At the center of this carefully curated culinary chaos? A giant domed cake filled with Cornish strawberry jam and rosemary syrup, with jagged peaks of ivory buttercream. “It’s like the Titanic,” he observes.
When I catch up with restaurant PR and socialite Pink Squire late the next day, she echoes that spirit of friendliness—and confirms that she, too, leftWith a much busier schedule. “By the time we left, the tablecloth was soaked in red wine, there was rosemary icing on the floor, and I had three more dinner party dates in my diary with new friends,” she tells me. “I guess that’s exactly what Jago’s magical world was meant to do. He and Lowena have a very special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to return the favor soon.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the scenario At his East London home this firsttime cookbook author served cake caviar chips and chaos
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q Who is the person in this description
A A firsttime cookbook author who hosted a meal at his home in East London
Q What did he serve
A Cake caviar chips and chaos The chaos likely refers to a messy fun or unplanned atmosphere rather than a specific dish
Q What are caviar chips
A They are probably potato chips or crisps topped with caviar Its a simple salty and luxurious snack
Q Is this a real event or a fictional story
A It sounds like a real unique event to promote or celebrate his cookbook but the details are written in a colorful journalistic style
Intermediate Questions
Q Why would a firsttime author serve something as simple as cake and chips
A To show that cooking doesnt have to be complicated or fancy It suggests his book is about accessible fun food rather than strict fine dining
Q What does chaos mean in this context
A It probably means a relaxed slightly messy party where things didnt go perfectlymaybe a dropped cake spilled drinks or loud happy guests It adds personality and charm
Q Is this a typical cookbook launch
A No Most cookbook launches are polished events at restaurants or bookstores This sounds more intimate and personal focusing on reallife cooking and hospitality
Q What kind of cookbook might this be
A Likely one focused on simple homestyle recipes entertaining without stress or fusion food
Advanced Questions
Q What does the combination of cake caviar chips and chaos say about the authors cooking philosophy
A It suggests a philosophy of highlow cookingmixing luxury ingredients with everyday items and embracing imperfection It values experience and fun over perfection
Q How does hosting at his East London home affect the books brand