Ashley MulvihillChristie Vuong/The Globe and Mail
Who are you, and what do you do?
I’m Ash Mulvihill, and I am the founder of 9th Editions and Studio 9th. Studio 9th is art advisory that works with real estate developers, hospitality, residential and corporate collections, and 9th Editions is an online gallery that I run along with a studio space that supports emerging artists in Canada.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment in 2025?
Relaunching both my businesses after taking time away to have my fourth baby.
Where are you right now?
I’m in my Toronto dining room at my table, which was made by the Dutch company Kooij.
What are you wearing?
The shirt is Nathalie Garçon. I walked by the window of this store every day on a trip to Paris and could not stop thinking about this shirt. The pants are vintage men’s trousers, and shoes are Neous’s Kora boots from the store Absolutely Fabrics in Toronto. The jewellery is my mum’s that I inherited when she passed; I always make sure I’m wearing something of hers.
How would you describe your fashion sense when you’re hosting?
I want to feel comfortable, but I also want to feel a little bit over the top by wearing something that transports me into a different energy. Then, you know, you’re holding a martini glass and it feels like you are present and outside of your everyday life.
Any entertaining hacks?
My husband is an amazing cook, which is great because I really love to set the ambience and the mood; we are a great pair in terms of hosting and have our own strengths. We gravitate towards dishes that can be prepared in advance and prefer serving platters of food family-style; that way if people have certain eating preferences, they can pick and choose from a variety of dishes. And I like to have a cocktail ready for people when they arrive.
How do you get the ambiance right?
I am an absolute nut when it comes to lighting. Low mood lighting and adding candles around a room sets the scene for people to gather, chat and enjoy each other’s company. I collect candlesticks, so I’ll usually place clusters of them everywhere.
What’s your priority when guests arrive?
Creating a sense of warmth. Beyond that, we try to have most of the heavy lifting for the food out of the way so that aside from getting drinks, we don’t have to worry about what’s left to be done. But I find what makes the biggest difference is care; showing people when they come to your home that it isn’t about anything except that you want them to have a great evening. And, I think that having zero expectations makes for the best night.
Do you believe in entertaining etiquette?
I really like what a friend from Paris described as a French rule of showing up 15 minutes after the time the host gives. So, if I say come at seven, you show up at 7:15. But no later than that.
This interview has been edited and condensed.