October 22, 2025 |
The Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal has struck up a fascinating relationship with Italian tableware house Ginori 1735. Here, the Jarhead, Nocturnal Animals and Presumed Innocent star explains how the luxury porcelain house’s vivid designs enhance his love of chilled-out entertaining.
What’s your approach to hosting and how would you describe your hosting style?
If it feels at ease, laid-back. A few people, good conversation, a table that invites people to sit and stay a while.
Which are your favourite kinds of guests?
People with good energy, good appetite and a sense of humour. The ones who show up curious and leave a little later than they planned to – those are the best nights.
Jake Gyllenhaal; photography courtesy of Ginori 1735
How do you prepare when people are coming over?
Music, lights low and table set early. I cook something that doesn’t demand too much attention once the guests arrive. And I always [try to] give myself a minute to take a breath before anyone shows up, but it never happens!
How do you make people feel comfortable when you host?
Try and make a space where people don’t feel like guests. That means leaving room for the night to unfold naturally. A thoughtful table helps. So does food you can reach for without asking.
Let’s play a fantasy dinner party: who’s on your guest list?
Let’s say Paul Newman, Frances McDormand, David Byrne, my sister Maggie – she grounds any room – and maybe someone unexpected. I like the idea of a table where everyone brings something different to the conversation.
What’s on the menu?
Roast chicken and a salad with some bite to it. Roasted vegetables in season. Lemon tart maybe.
How will you set the table?
With Ginori’s Oriente Italiano!
What’s the soundtrack?
Bill Withers, Caetano Veloso, Jake Wesley Rogers and so many more.
How important is the table setting? What does it bring to the occasion?
It does more than people realise. Something like Ginori signals to your guests that the moment matters.
Jake Gyllenhaal relaxes with the Oriente Italiano collection by Ginori 1735; photography courtesy of Ginori 1735
Who does the washing-up?
Usually me. After the noise of the evening, it’s a good reset. Some people like the after-party, but I like the part where the house is quiet again.
Which Ginori collection do you use the most in your life and why?
Oriente Italiano. That collection brings presence to the table without overwhelming it. It’s also just plain beautiful.
Taken from 10 Magazine Issue 75 – BIRTHDAY, EVOLVE, TRANSFORMATION – out on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
GINORI 1735: DINNER DATE
Photographer CEDRIC BUCHET
Talent JAKE GYLLENHAAL
Text CLAUDIA CROFT
