Family Weekend Workshop: Anko brings experts to elevate Filipinos’ kitchen and dining holiday traditions

With the holiday rush in full swing, families are preparing not only their menus but also the atmosphere that will frame their Noche Buena traditions. This weekend, Anko is opening its doors for a pair of creative workshops designed to help households refresh their kitchen and dining rituals with guidance from two specialists in styling and coffee.

Event stylist Elena Flor Salazar of Likha by Elena and coffee expert John Tumulak of Arcana Coffee will lead back-to-back sessions at Anko TriNoma on December 6 and at Anko Alabang Town Center on December 7, both starting at 2:00 PM. Both workshops aim to give families practical, accessible ideas they can bring straight into their Christmas gatherings.

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

Elena Flor Salazar of Likha by Elena 

John Tumulak of Arcana Coffee

Here are the experts’ top suggestions that participants will explore in the workshops.

Set a strong base for your table

Salazar suggests treating your base layer as the anchor of the entire table by choosing a cloth or runner that sets the mood and adding charger plates or placemats to build depth before anything else is placed. She shares that after years of styling real tables, she has learned that anyone can create something beautiful as long as they let their personality come through. Her simple rule is not to overthink it. Make mistakes, adjust as you go, and stay intentional. For her, the goal is to make someone feel special the moment they sit down.

Red Bow Placemat with Cutlery Pocket (₱190), Candy Stripe Table Runner (₱190), Charger Plates (₱130), Bow Gravy Boat (₱350), Peppermint Stripe Sleigh (₱350)  | Anko Philippines

Play with textures and colors

Visual richness comes from contrast. Combine matte and glossy finishes, pair patterned fabrics with simple dinnerware, and use glassware to create a sense of light play. According to Salazar, varying textures add movement and presence to the table, making it visually warm even before guests sit down.

Green Wavy Placemat (₱190), Green Contrast Edge Napkins (₱90), Christmas Gingerbread Ceramic (₱590), Holly Side Plates (₱490) | Anko Philippines

Use accents to create quiet focal points

Small decorative touches can guide the eye without overwhelming the space. Salazar recommends adding only a few key pieces, such as stemless glasses that can double for desserts, jars filled with holiday treats, or a single handcrafted ornament positioned as a subtle centerpiece. Curated accents add personality while keeping the table functional.

Christmas Tree Cookie Jar (₱890), Gingerbread House Cookie Jar (₱890), Bottlebrush Trees (₱490), Standing Deers (₱540)  | Anko Philippines

Glassware to elevate your table

Glassware can be both functional and decorative. Salazar recommends using wine glasses, stemless dessert cups, and holiday-themed tumblers to elevate the table’s look. These pieces can serve drinks, desserts, or even small treats, adding elegance and transparency to the setting.

Lustre Flute Glasses (₱300), Swirl Wine Glasses (₱300), Bow Stemless Glasses (₱390), Novelty Glasses (₱690), Gold Look Stemless Glasses (₱400), Red Ornate Tumbler Glasses (₱400) | Anko Philippines

Extend the celebration to a home café corner

Tumulak highlights the value of creating cozy pockets at home where families can slow down. A compact espresso setup, Christmas-themed mugs, or a simple pour-over station can turn a quiet morning into a comforting ritual. Warm drinks paired with leftover pastries offer an easy way to stretch the holiday mood into the next day.

To make these moments more meaningful for gatherings, Tumulak is excited to share easy holiday coffee recipes from festive lattes to warm, crowd-pleasing drinks that pair perfectly with Noche Buena favorites and Christmas desserts, as well as a quick walkthrough of Anko’s Compact Espresso Machine product features.

Bow Jars (₱350), Compact Espresso Machine (₱3,490), 3D Gingerbread Man Mugs and 3D Santa Mugs (₱290), Santa and Gingerbread Drink Jars (₱120)  | Anko Philippines

The weekend workshops are open to anyone who wants fresh inspiration for the holidays. Shoppers and families can join by signing up through the Anko Club at anko.com/anko-club, and can also look forward to special Santa visits in the coming weeks, adding a fun and festive touch that children are sure to enjoy.

Those looking for more ideas can browse Anko’s holiday Lookbook at anko.com/ph/lookbook or explore seasonal styling tips on @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.