Easy Entertaining This Christmas

Easy Entertaining This Christmas…

Festive Home Catering Made Simple

The run up to Christmas is magic. It’s such a special time and a great excuse to spend quality time with family and friends under the glow of twinkly lights. Allow me to set the scene… you’ve invited some guests to dinner in your home, perhaps its close friends, work colleagues or your family. The objective of the evening is to give your guests something really great to eat along with flowing drinks and conversation. However, with these times of celebration can come exhaustion, stress and excess. We’re here to help share some of the load and keep the spirits bright.

Great food brings friends and family together like no other. The key to a relaxed evening is a relaxed host so plan a meal that is not too complicated and that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. The number one rule of the “hostess with the mostess” is having time to chat to your guests, making them feel welcome and keeping their glasses full! Arriving at the table for your ta-da moment frazzled from the kitchen is not a good look for anyone! Guests will be wowed by tasty and hearty dishes that comfort them at this time of year. Keep it hassle free with our Christmas entertaining tips.

1) Deck The Halls

Use fresh flowers and seasonal foliage to create relaxed and fragrant decorations. We love to use eucalyptus, mistletoe and holly draped across the mantle and in vases on the dining table. Why not add a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme for that special foodie touch! Pine cones make lovely place name settings. And don’t forget the candles – lots and lots of candles! Setting the table the night before will ease the pressure on the day.

2) A Festive Tipple

Welcome your guests in from the cold with a warming glass of mulled wine, champagne or our very special mulled apple punch. It’s always important to have something delicious for the designated drivers too. We have a range of cordials in our shops  which can be added to sparkling water along with some fresh fruit for a delicious glass of fizz. A fabulously festive drink will be sure to kick off the evening’s festivities.

3) Get Ahead

Anything that can be prepared ahead will save you stressing on the day. Perhaps a chilled dessert that can be served straight from the fridge or a main course that can be prepared the night before? We find that rich casserole dishes can taste better if they have time to rest and let the flavours mingle overnight…we highly recommend our beef bourguignon. If cooking sounds too much like hard work, simply order your meal through any of our shops and pretend that you have been slaving away at the stove all day! For home catering, see a sample menu from our Autumn Winter menu below for inspiration:

Canapés

Lightly poached salmon, egg puree and pea shoot
Goat Cheese and Red Onion Tartlet smoked almond
Ham Hock and Herb Terrine pickled carrots, pineapple gel

 

Starter

Wild Mushroom Rissotto Croquette with saffron aioli

 

Main

Beef Bourguignon
Creamy Mashed Potato
Roast Root Vegetables with honey and thyme

 

Dessert

Chocolate and Raspberry Yule Log

While these are all helpful tips to keep in mind, the most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself! Unwind, relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends in your home.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.