Kirthanaa Naidu
A well-set table is more than just an arrangement of plates and cutlery — it’s an invitation for conversation. For Kirthanaa Naidu, a London-based cook and stylist, the dining table is a canvas where flavors meet aesthetics, and meals transform into meaningful moments. Her expertise has not only graced home gatherings but also caught the attention of partners like Dior, Harrods and Belmond.
To truly understand her craft, Kirthanaa welcomed us into her home, explaining how she brings her vision to life. Join us as we learn how Naidu sparks joy and connection to every gathering, one thoughtfully set table at a time.
‘I spent half of my childhood in Malaysia, and the other in the UK. I started cooking to stay connected with my heritage. Living between these two cultures, my friends in the UK didn't necessarily understand where I came from. Whenever I got the chance, I would always cook food for them, with flavors from home to share my culture from a young age’.
Much of your work is about bringing people together. What are the key ingredients to create an environment that enables connection and dialogue?
‘I think creating an inviting space that is not too over the top. You want it to feel natural and inviting, and spark conversation. I’m a big fan of sharing plates and having things on the table that start conversations. Recently it’s very much been through the use of nameplates. By doing it in a different way than writing down the guest’s name, they become keepsakes for people to take home with them after the event’.
‘For me, it’s really important to not look to social media for references and inspiration too much. Sometimes inspiration comes from walking around or from having a conversation with someone. When you’re looking for references online, you’re seeing what other people have done, and you’re not really reflecting on what you find interesting about the project, so that’s where I always start first’.
Your audience is deeply engaged with your work — why do you think people connect so strongly with your work online?
‘I think people enjoy seeing the mix of hosting and setting tables, and get inspired for their own cooking or table setting. What makes me very proud is when people tell me they’ve started setting tables for their friends or have taken the time to create something for themselves because of my page’.
''I think we’re all so used to commercial things on a daily basis that when you go and sit at a dinner and you’re having interactions it’s quite nice to allow it to be natural.''
