Workshop With the Experts: Anko Brings Experts to Elevate Filipinos’ Kitchen and Dining Holiday Traditions

As the holiday rush sweeps across the Philippines, families are gearing up not only with festive menus but also with plans to create the perfect ambiance for their long-cherished Noche Buena traditions. This weekend, Anko invites shoppers to elevate their celebrations through a pair of creative workshops that blend practical styling and warm coffee experiences—ideal for households looking to refresh their Christmas routines.

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 beginning at 2:00 PM. These workshops offer simple yet impactful ideas that families can immediately apply to their holiday gatherings.

While holiday classics like lechon, ham, spaghetti, and queso de bola will always take center stage, Anko emphasizes that it’s the overall look, feel, and flow of the celebration that make Noche Buena truly memorable. With contemporary dinnerware, glassware, décor, and coffee essentials, Anko’s Christmas collection offers families the freedom to mix, match, and style their gatherings with ease.

Salazar’s first tip: set a strong base for your table. She encourages families to choose a tablecloth or runner that sets the tone, then layer charger plates or placemats to build depth. Her key insight is to avoid overthinking the process. Instead, allow personality to shine through. According to her, creating a beautiful tablescape comes from intention, playfulness, and a willingness to make adjustments along the way. The goal is simple—to make each guest feel special the moment they sit down.

To add visual richness, Salazar recommends mixing textures and colors. Pair matte with glossy finishes, combine patterned linens with minimalist dinnerware, and let glassware introduce light and warmth. She also highlights the impact of subtle accents, such as stemless dessert cups, small jars with holiday treats, or a single handcrafted piece that acts as a gentle focal point without cluttering the table.

Meanwhile, Tumulak encourages families to extend the holiday experience beyond the dining area by setting up a cozy home café corner. Whether it’s a compact espresso machine, Christmas-themed mugs, or a simple pour-over setup, these small additions can turn slow mornings into meaningful rituals. During the workshop, he will also demonstrate easy holiday coffee recipes and showcase Anko’s Compact Espresso Machine.

The workshops are open to everyone through the Anko Club at anko.com/anko-club, with upcoming Santa visits adding extra cheer. Families can explore even more ideas through Anko’s holiday Lookbook or by following @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.