The post Home for the holidays: Transforming your dining table for Christmas appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>CHOOSE A THEME
Start by selecting a theme that resonates with your style and the ambiance you want to create. Whether it’s a classic winter wonderland with silver and white or a cosy and rustic woodland theme with natural elements, a well-defined theme sets the stage for your table transformation.
ELEGANT TABLEWARE
Invest in high-quality tableware that you can reuse in the future, sustainability and versatility are always pillars in the selection process. Consider fine china, crystal glassware, and silver or gold cutlery to add an air of luxury to your table. This is the foundation upon which you’ll build your Christmas table setting.
QUALITY LINENS
Choose high quality and high thread count table linens. A well-made tablecloth in festive colors or with intricate patterns can be the focal point of your setting. Complement it with linen napkins that match the theme and exude sophistication. Fold or drape napkins creatively to enhance the overall aesthetic. Consider festive napkin rings or bows to add a dash of holiday spirit to each place setting.
AMBIENT LIGHTING
Enhance the mood with ambient lighting. Candles in various sizes and styles, strategically placed around the table, can work wonders. Alternatively, consider a chandelier or pendant lights directly above the table to cast a warm, welcoming glow.
ILLUMINATING CENTREPIECE
The centrepiece is the heart of your table. Choose an illuminating centrepiece like a candelabra with pillar candles, a crystal or silver bowl filled with glass ornaments and twinkling fairy lights, or an arrangement of fresh winter flowers with candle accents. The soft warm glow will instantly create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate fresh greenery and evergreen accents to evoke the essence of winter.
PLACE SETTINGS
Layer your place settings for added dimension. Start with charger plates in metallic shades to add a touch of opulence. Place fine dinnerware on top, and consider using festive salad plates or soup bowls to add a holiday flair to each setting.
CUSTOMISED PLACE CARDS
Design personalised place cards for each guest. This not only adds a personal touch but also helps guests find their assigned seats. You can use elegant cardstock, calligraphy, or even small holiday-themed ornaments with their names.
Transforming your dining table for Christmas is an art that combines elegance, creativity, and attention to detail. Whether you’re hosting an extravagant holiday feast or an intimate family dinner, these expert tips will help you create a luxurious and memorable Christmas dining experience.
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]]>The post The Art of Hosting: An 8-Step Culinary Guide for Stress Free Entertaining appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION
Begin your preparations as soon as possible, as the social calendar often becomes filled with countless social and work festivities directly after Thanksgiving. To avoid Christmas overwhelm, create a detailed timeline and checklist for everything from menu planning to decorating that you will require to host a Christmas event. This meticulous approach ensures that you can enjoy the festivities alongside your guests when the event date arrives.
INVITATIONS
Send out beautifully designed invitations that hint at the opulence of your event. Encourage guests to RSVP early, so you can plan accordingly. We suggest using online evite solutions or if you’d like to go the extra mile, a traditional print looks stunning and can set the stage for what’s to come. We recommend sending out invites 6-8 weeks before the event date.
CUSTOMISE YOUR MENU
Tailor your menu to match your event’s level of sophistication. Offer a mix of traditional and innovative dishes, and consider dietary restrictions and preferences. Consult with a professional chef to curate a memorable culinary experience or hire a caterer to remove all of the stress that may come with cooking for a large group. Alternately, an elevated potluck amongst friends or family, can be guided by the host and again alleviates some of the stress of entertaining, whilst adding an element of fun trying the various dishes on offer.
DESSERT EXTRAVAGANZA
Create a visually stunning dessert display for your Christmas party by arranging an array of festive treats on a large, tiered dessert stand adorned with evergreen branches and twinkling fairy lights. Feature classic favourites like a Yule Log, gingerbread cookies, and peppermint bark, alongside modern delights such as mini cheesecakes with cranberry compote and chocolate fondue with an assortment of small bites. Incorporate a vibrant mix of red and green desserts, such as raspberry tarts and matcha-flavored macarons, to capture the holiday spirit. Decorate the table with seasonal ornaments, pinecones, and a white tablecloth to evoke a winter wonderland. And don’t forget to offer a selection of hot beverages like spiced cider, hot cocoa, and a variety of teas to accompany the sweet spread, ensuring a memorable and festive dessert experience for your guests.
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS OR WINE
Craft unique and festive cocktails to impress your guests. Think about a sparkling champagne cocktail or a sophisticated martini infused with holiday flavours. We recommend considering cocktails that can be prepared in large batches and self-served to allow the host to enjoy the event. The other option is hiring a bar team to manage the cocktails for the evening, which can also add an experiential element to your event by incorporating a Christmas themed bar menu. Or, you can partner with a sommelier to offer exquisite wine pairings for your Christmas menu, elevating the dining experience.
ELEVATE THE DÉCOR
Set the mood by adorning your home with high quality Christmas decorations. Think beautiful fine china, crystal glassware, and elegant cutlery to set your dining tables. Personalised name cards and linen napkins add a touch of luxury. Consider a colour scheme that complements your culinary offerings and pulls the entire event together.
CHILDREN’S CORNER
If you have younger guests, set up a special area with activities and age-appropriate treats to keep them engaged and entertained. The additional thought and preparation will ensure both adults and children alike can enjoy the festivities with age appropriate activities and also consider offering a more palatable kids oriented menu that can please the fussiest of eaters.
ENTERTAINMENT
Organise live music, carolers, or a jazz band to create a festive ambiance. If space permits, set up a dance floor to ensure everyone can groove the night away. This almost always becomes the highlight of the evening for guests as it gives all an opportunity to let their hair down and enjoy the festivities of the season.
FAREWELL
As your guests depart, provide them with warm, individually wrapped cookies, hot cocoa, or a keepsake to remember the evening. Ensure you have organised transportation for those who are unable to drive after enjoying the many Christmas cocktails. See your guests off with warmth and gratitude.
By incorporating these elements, your Christmas event will surely be an unforgettable experience for your guests, one filled with the joy and wonder of the holiday season, all while you bask in the glory of a stress-free, high quality hosting experience. Cheers to a truly beautiful Christmas celebration!
The post The Art of Hosting: An 8-Step Culinary Guide for Stress Free Entertaining appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>The post Five tips to hosting the best summer soiree appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>One of the best ways to create a memorable summer soiree is to choose a theme that sets the tone for the event. A beach party, luau, or garden party are all popular themes for summer gatherings, but don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with something innovative that speaks to your personal style. I am a big fan of garden chic. Once you’ve chosen your theme, make sure to carry it through all aspects of the event, from decorations to food and drinks.
2. CREATE A COMFORTABLE AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE
To ensure that your guests feel welcome and relaxed, it’s important to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. This begins when your guests arrive, so one should consider suitable parking arrangements and helpful sign postings if guests are unfamiliar with the location. In addition to, thoughtful decor choices, such as outdoor lighting, cozy seating areas, and ambient music. Make sure that there is plenty of seating available, both indoors and outdoors, so that guests can mingle and socialize.
3. PLAN A MENU THAT CATERS TO ALL TASTES
When it comes to hosting a summer soiree, the food and drinks you serve are just as important as the atmosphere you create. Plan a menu that caters to all tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, and be sure to have plenty of refreshing beverages on hand to keep your guests cool and hydrated. Consider setting up a DIY cocktail station or a self-serve lemonade stand to add a fun and interactive element to the event. This will also allow you to enjoy hosting without acting as the bartender for the event.
Here are some summer soiree menu ideas to consider:
APPETIZERS
ENTREES
SIDES
DESSERTS
BEVERAGES
With these summer soiree menu ideas, you;re sure to create a delicious and memorable spread that everyone will enjoy! And, if you don’t feel like cooking, there are always great catering options available to keep things simple and mess free.
4. KEEP YOUR GUESTS ENTERTAINED
To ensure that your guests have a great time, it’s important to plan activities and entertainment that everyone can enjoy. Lawn games, such as cornhole and croquet, are always a hit, as are karaoke or a DIY photo booth. Consider hiring a local band or DJ to provide music, or create a playlist of upbeat summer tunes to keep the party going.
5. PLAN FOR SAFETY AND COMFORT
Finally, it’s important to plan for safety and comfort at your summer soiree. If you’re hosting the event outdoors, make sure to provide shade, such as a tent or umbrellas, to protect your guests from the sun. Provide insect repellent such as citronella candles and sunscreen, and consider setting up a first-aid kit in case of any accidents. If you plan on serving alcohol, make sure to have a designated driver or offer alternative transportation options for your guests.
Hosting a summer soiree can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these five tips, you can create a memorable event that your guests will be talking about for years to come. Remember to have fun, stay organized, and enjoy the company of your loved ones as you celebrate the season in style.
Liz Blankendal is the founder and creative director of the high end event planning and design company EETTAFEL based in Bermuda and available worldwide. Visit www.eettafelbermuda.com or email [email protected] to learn more!
The post Five tips to hosting the best summer soiree appeared first on RG Magazines.
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