You’re Invited! Dining with Cultural Inspirations: Toni Black, CEO, House of Black
Imagine hosting a dinner party where every detail – from the enchanting venue to the eclectic guest list – reflects the passions and inspirations that have shaped your creative life and work. In this joyful feature, we step into the mind of Toni Black, CEO, House of Black, to explore her ultimate dinner party with the people who have influenced her as a creative.
Party Set Up
Venue
Somewhere on a rooftop in a tropical setting surrounded by lush greenery, warm lighting and layers of colour and texture. It would feel relaxed but immersive, with shaded areas to soften the heat of the sun and a terrace opening out to beautiful views where the evening could naturally move into cocktails afterwards.
I’d also include a small dance space so the night could shift easily from dinner into music and dance.
Menu
Two words: Caribbean flavours. I’d want dishes full of colour and vibrancy the sweetness of mango and papaya, the richness and comfort of ackee and lots of bold seasoning and layered textures. Presentation would be important; I want to serve food that feels joyful, generous and full of flavour.
Entertainment
A live reggae/soulful band would start the evening – keys and bass setting a warm relaxed tone while people arrive and settle into conversation. As the night builds, the rhythm would deepen and shift into a deep baesline to get everyone on their feet and moving their hips!
Guests
The atmosphere would be vibrant and relaxed, meaningful conversation, but not too serious. Real life already gives us enough of that. I’d want a slightly eclectic mix of people from different creative worlds who bring energy, humour and perspective to the table.
Tolu Coker
I really admire Tolu’s voice in fashion and the way she uses her work to explore identity, heritage and storytelling. There’s a real depth and sensitivity in how she builds narrative through clothing, and I think that perspective on culture and authorship would bring a thoughtful and layered conversation to the table.
Mekalene Thomas
Mekalene’s work is bold, layered and full of character and detail. I recently went to see her exhibition in London at the Haywood and have become a real fan of her work. I think she’d bring a great energy to the conversation around art and identity and it would be good reason to get her around a table do I can grill her on her work
Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte)
I love period drama and I’m a big theatre fan, I try to go at least once a month. I’ve seen Golda perform a couple of times now, and she never fails to bring real presence, warmth and humour to her roles. I think she’d bring that same energy to the table.
The Brontë sisters
I know it’s a bit of a cheat, but you cant have one Brontë sister without the other. I’ve always loved classic period writers, and they were writing about women’s independence and emotional strength at a time when that really wasn’t the norm. Can you imagine seeing them now in 2026, sitting on a rooftop somewhere with a rum punch and letting their hair down, moving to the sound of reggae? I think that would be quite something.
Toni Black, CEO, House of Black
Toni Black is the CEO of House of Black, a luxury lifestyle studio. With over 25 years of global industry experience, working with the likes of St. Regis, W Hotels, Marriott and Hyatt, Toni has deep experience and knowledge in designing hospitality, lifestyle and brand-led environments.
Driven by an instinctive understanding of narrative, space, and atmosphere – shaped through early exposure to art and design and formal training at Camberwell and Chelsea School of Arts, Toni is known for her clear creative vision and craft-led approach. Today, she leads House of Black in delivering highly considered hospitality and lifestyle projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa through an integrated approach to brand strategy, F&B, and interior design.