Kudibal Portraits: Christiane Schaumburg-Müller Aaxman

KUDIBAL PORTRAITS

Christiane Schaumburg-Müller Aaxman

Christiane is wearing NitaDEA in Delamere Hunter and DabrinaDEA in Nat. White

Can you tell us about a time when you hosted an event that just felt magical? What made it so special?

"Oh, our daughter Ludovica's christening – that was simply magical! Everything just clicked, truly touching. What made it special was probably creating a concept for everyone – kids and adults. It felt like celebrating a huge miracle, after we'd given up hope of having children."

When your guests step through the door,what's the first thing you hope they feel? And how do you create that feeling?

"I'm all about semiotics – the meaning of signs. When people walk in, I want them to just feel a vibe. That's why I often use dress codes; it helps people 'feel the mood’. It's about being thorough – not expensive, just well-thought-out."

Christiane is wearing MerylDEA in Nat. White and DabrinaDEA in Nat. White

Conversations at a gathering can sometimes exclude someone. Can you share a trick to bring everyone together again?

"This is the essence of 'The Art of Hosting'! You always need the overview. My trick? Find those standing alone, and just subtly pull them into a conversation, or introduce them. As a host, you can't just chat with the same people for fifteen minutes – you have to be on and make sure everyone feels welcome."

Was there a particular person, or perhaps a family member or friend, who taught you the art of making people feel at home when you host?

"My mom! She was so good with the visuals. At home, our table was always set, every day. She taught me food should be served well – because 'you eat with your eyes.' It just impacts the vibe immensely when effort is made."

Try to describe a small detail, perhaps a light, a scent, a song, that you think makes a bigger difference than people realize

"A scent! For our wedding, we had a special 'wedding scent' sprayed throughout the house. It's so subtle but works incredibly well. Visuals are important, but scent adds a depth people often underestimate."

Is there a dish or a drink that, for you, always signals welcome?

"Definitely a glass of bubbles! It just screams welcome and makes you straighten up a bit. Even if you don't drink, the glass itself gives that feeling. It must be cold and in the right glass – no paper cups! It's about putting in the effort, guests feel that, and it makes them feel valued."

Christiane is wearing RosettaDEA in Cotton Dubby

Sometimes things don't go quite as planned. Can you share an experience where something went wrong during a party?

"Yeah, well, little things happen all the time. Like forgetting gas for the grill. But you solve it, and then it's forgotten. The most important thing is to stay calm and just smile."

How do you balance being a present host and being able to actually enjoy the party yourself?

"It's about preparation and experience. Like giving a lecture – the first time's hard, but it gets easier. Then you can be more present. It also helps that my guests contribute so much to the atmosphere. And having a clear division of roles with Daniel, my husband is crucial. For Christmas Eve, for example, we have fixed roles, so we both can enjoy it."

Dea is wearing SalmaDEA in Empire. Christiane is wearing MerylDEA in Nat. White and DabrinaDEA in Nat. White

If you could give just one piece of advice to someone hosting for the first time, what would it be? And it can be something very simple.

"My most important advice is to put a crazy amount of energy into the seating plan. It means EVERYTHING for the mood and dynamics. Don't put opposites together to 'spice things up'; often it works better to seat people with similar energy. It ensures everyone feels safe and welcome, and there's no awkward silence.”

Do you have a favorite cocktail that you can share a little about? What do you like?

"I'm really not a cocktail person, and definitely not into sweet stuff! I'm just all about bubbles. If I had to pick, it'd be an Espresso Martini or a Black Russian. But I'll always take a glass of bubbles instead."

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