Oh hello December! You came around quickly didn’t you!
Today I have some really gorgeous dinner party inspiration to share with you, just in time for the festive season. The last time we created inspiration like this was over 2 years ago, and since then a lot has happened in the world! In fact I wasn’t able to do one last year because of the ‘you know what’. With November being a bit kinder to us all, I was able to reach out to some incredible local suppliers and get the wheels finally back into motion.
I’ve always been a big fan of Christmas. For me it’s about seeing family, catching up with friends, eating good food, playing games, drinking, laughing and generally having a good time. I always love to dress my table to look special and today’s inspiration should help you create a magical dining space… no matter how big or small the festive celebration…
When planing this shoot, my first call was to Binky from Binky Nixon Photography who I adore working with on photo shoots, especially when food and drink involved! Binky always understands the brief and nails the photography time after time. I mean, just look at that cake 😍
Kate from Wren Ark provided the beautiful tableware which included dark rattan placemats, modern dining and side plates, chic matte gold and clear handle cutlery, candlesticks and some fun colourful glass goblets. I love the idea that you can loan pieces for a dinner party, and not just a big wedding. It means you don’t have to spend out buying expensive pieces; instead you can loan, return and chose another style for another year.
Neighbourhood Bakes made some festive cakes for the table… because who doesn’t love cake at a party! She even made some gluten free versions so I didn’t have to miss out on eating any. We had an assortment of cupcakes and an epic buttercream mini cake with glitter cherries on top 🍒
Louisa from Tuck In came back this year and brought with her small dishes inspired from around the world. I can’t even begin to tell you have tasty each canapé and small dish was… ideal for dinner parties, buffets and casual style dining.
And let’s not forget about the BEAUTIFUL seasonal blooms that completed the look from Becky at Flowers at 58. Flowers at Fifty Eight is a family run flower farm based in the Bedfordshire countryside. They have always had a love for flowers and use environmentally friendly techniques, being as organic and sustainable as they can. For the three table arrangements Becky used deep plum and cerise carnations, roses, astilbe, scabiosas, Autumn leaves and raspberry canes still baring fruit, fresh and dried Pepper berries, and rich Amaranthus in reds and pinks. All arrangements were in water and used flower frogs & chicken wire for support. No floral foam used over here!
I hope you love the inspiration as much as I do and I hope your festive celebrations are fun, colourful and packed full of flavour! To kick start your celebrations off, I have a couple of cheeky cocktails recipes below for you… Enjoy!
Espresso Martini Recipe…
100ml of vodka – we used Crystal Head Vodka
50ml of freshly brewed espresso coffee
50ml coffee liqueur – we used Kahlua
Ice a load of ice to a cocktail shaker and add the vodka and Kahlua measurements. Next pour a hot, fresh espresso on top and put the shaker lid on. Shake for a minute of two – you want a frothy head! Pour into a beautiful cocktail glass, serve and enjoy!
Espresso Martini Recipe…
50ml of Chambord – a premium black raspberry liqueur
Glass of Prosecco – we use Waitrose own but you could use any bubble favourite
Add raspberries to garnish
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