This winter, we worked with Chanel beauty and Paula Ordovás in her architectural oceanside residence in Marbella, to design her annual Christmas party.

Ten creative women from around Spain joined Paula at her Christmas table. This year, the luncheon was inspired by the thoughtfully designed Casa Manuela by architect Juan Bengoa, where slow mediterranean living meets sustainable luxury.

As soon as you step foot into Casa Manuela, time slows down. You slip off your shoes and feel the coolness beneath your feet as you flow from space to space. There are no lines, no corners, just soft curves easing you into a new setting. Each space is open and luminous, embracing Andalusia’s light and proximity to the sea. It almost resembles a shell you’d find on a morning stroll, smoothed over time by crashing waves and the roughness of textured sands. The summer home is dotted with artisanal furnishings handcrafted from natural materials such as cloth, wood, clay, and glass by local artisans.

At Open the Door, we believe in enhancing a space rather than transforming it. Casa Manuela easily became the foundation of the design concept for this event. Each place setting was handcrafted by a local ceramist in the shape of shells, with the name of each guest indented into them so the guests could keep their personalized detail. The artisanal candle holders dripped creamy wax and pearls, casting a golden light on the delicate glassware. Monochromatic florals sprawled across the table amidst tulle fabrics, taking on the shape of water.

The idea was to unveil each part of Paula’s home with an experience: Local oysters chilling on a bed of ice in the marble sink, appetizers of sourdough breads, cheeses, and cured meats spread across the bed of the master suite, a three-course meal prepared live in front of the guests, local aromas scenting the air, followed by a clandestine flamenco show on the rooftop by the great artists Alba Molina and Fran Cortes, and to finish, desserts and cocktails by the floating floral Christmas tree in the garden and a surprise DJ set.

A luxurious and creative corporate event designed with heart and inspired by coastal aesthetics.

Photographer Joy Zamora |Videographer Yes & Tonic | Location Casa Manuela