There is something rather fascinating about a home that doubles as a personal art gallery, where every painting, sculpture and thoughtfully curated corner has a story to tell. At Michelle Poonawalla’s Pune residence, art is not merely something to admire from a distance. It is part of the home’s personality, woven into its architecture, interiors and the many gatherings that unfold within its walls. From leisurely afternoon teas in the gazebo and intimate dinners in the living room to garden soirées and conversations over cigars and dessert on the terrace, entertaining here takes on many forms.
For Poonawalla, an internationally recognised artist, collector and Director of the Poonawalla Group, hosting is an extension of her creative sensibility. Her appreciation for art and design finds expression in everything from the interplay of lighting and textures to the arrangement of flowers, selection of tableware and presentation of food. Yet, despite the grandeur of her surroundings, there is an unmistakable emphasis on making people feel comfortable. A beautifully dressed table is just as important as the conversations that happen around it, and a memorable evening is measured as much by its atmosphere as by its aesthetics.
In a world where elaborate celebrations are often judged by their scale and spectacle, Poonawalla makes a compelling case for a more personal approach to entertaining. She believes in creating experiences that engage the senses without feeling overly orchestrated, allowing guests to settle in, discover something interesting and enjoy the company of one another.
As part of Manifest India’s The Art of Hosting series, we speak to Michelle Poonawalla about opening up her art-filled home, the finer details of entertaining, her love for tablescaping and why the most successful gatherings are often the ones where everything feels wonderfully effortless.
Michelle Poonawalla (MP): Art forms an integral part of our home as it gives it warmth and enhances the atmosphere. I love bringing together traditional elements with contemporary art and design. As a host, I want my guests to feel comfortable, but I also enjoy creating an ambience that sparks curiosity and conversation.
A painting, a sculpture or even a thoughtfully designed corner can draw people in, encourage them to look a little closer and share their interpretations. My own art studio, for instance, transforms into a gallery when I have guests over, allowing me to share my creative world in a more intimate way.
As an artist and collector, I am drawn to works that evoke an emotion or tell a story. Ultimately, hosting family and friends is about bringing people together, and art adds another layer of warmth, individuality and meaning to those moments.
MP: We like to create memorable experiences that stay with people long after the evening is over. Whether it is an intimate dinner with close friends or a larger celebration with family and guests, I love bringing people together in a setting that feels warm, personal and special.
Every corner of our residence draws the attention of guests, making them feel at ease and encouraging them to connect with one another and create memories organically.
For me, it is never just about hosting a beautiful gathering. It is about creating an experience that engages the senses, brings people closer and leaves them with something meaningful to remember.
MP: Our home in Pune is a very personal reflection of who we are, bringing together our love for art, architecture, design and collecting. Every space has its own character, and I enjoy how the different elements come together to create an environment that feels both grand and intimate.
We use the garden for entertaining when the weather is good, the gazebo for teas, the living room for intimate gatherings and the terrace for cigars and dessert afterwards.
Art is often woven into the smallest details of everything we do. It is an expression of individual style and sensibility, reflected in everything from the cutlery and crockery we select and the way we present food to the arrangement of flowers and the way we design and experience a landscape.
I enjoy creating different moods through the interplay of lighting, art, textures and thoughtful details, so that a gathering feels special without being overly formal. The most successful spaces are those that encourage people to relax, connect and enjoy themselves.
Ultimately, I want our home to be more than a beautiful setting. I want it to be a place where people feel welcome and conversations flow effortlessly.
MP: I believe every celebration should have its own personality, whether it is an intimate dinner or a larger gathering. I like to think about how I want my guests to feel when they walk in and what I would like them to take away from the experience. Once that is clear, the other elements, from the décor and lighting to the food and music, begin to fall into place.
As an artist, I naturally pay a great deal of attention to aesthetics. I enjoy playing with colours, textures, art and floral arrangements to create a setting that feels distinctive yet effortless. However, I don’t believe décor should simply be about making a space look beautiful. It should contribute to the atmosphere and tell a story.
Food is equally important because a wonderful meal has a way of bringing people together. For me, the most successful celebrations are those where every detail comes together seamlessly, but the experience itself feels warm, spontaneous and memorable rather than overly orchestrated.
MP: Tablescaping is an important part of how I approach entertaining because the table often becomes the heart of a gathering. It is where people come together, share stories and create memories, so I love making it feel special.
I enjoy being involved in putting the table together, experimenting with different elements and ensuring that it reflects the mood and personality of the occasion.
I love playing with beautiful tableware, linens, flowers, candles and interesting centrepieces, while incorporating pieces that have a personal story or hold sentimental value. We also always have our buffet table set with beautiful silver dishes and floral arrangements.
For me, the key is finding a balance between elegance and warmth. I don’t believe a table needs to be overly elaborate to make an impression. Sometimes, a thoughtful arrangement, beautiful flowers and the right lighting can transform the entire experience.
MP: I believe the key is finding a balance between sophistication and comfort. I am drawn to pieces that have character, whether through an interesting cut, beautiful detailing or distinctive accessories.
For me, personal style is ultimately about feeling confident and authentic. Just as I like my home to reflect my individuality, I want what I wear to feel like an extension of who I am.
The most important thing is to feel comfortable in your own skin because when you feel good, that confidence naturally becomes a part of the experience you create for everyone around you.
MP: There should always be room for conversations to flow naturally and for unexpected moments to unfold. Art and aesthetics are naturally important to me, and I love creating settings that have a distinct personality. However, a beautiful setting is only one part of the experience. What truly matters is the energy of the people in the room and the connections they make.
For me, the difference between a beautiful party and a truly memorable one lies in how it makes people feel. A beautiful party may leave you admiring the décor, but a memorable one stays with you because of the conversations, the laughter, the warmth and the little moments that become lasting memories.
MP: For me, being a good host goes far beyond creating a beautiful setting or putting together a well-planned celebration. It is about making people feel seen, valued and comfortable. I believe the true art of hosting lies in the ability to bring people together, create a sense of belonging and make everyone feel that they are part of something special.
I love the creative side of entertaining, from the art and décor to the finer details that set the mood, but what matters most to me is the human connection that emerges from these experiences.
It is about being present, engaging with your guests, encouraging conversations and creating an environment where people can truly relax and be themselves.