blog

Lesley’s simple tips for hosting during the holidays

The holidays can feel overwhelming, especially if the big festivities are taking place at your house. I have established a few essential steps for hosting over the holidays that help keep me organized and plan a successful evening.

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finding the perfect pairing

When entertaining, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large soirée, you want to create an atmosphere that’s pleasant and memorable. A successful event can be shaped by the food you serve, so it’s important to think through what you will offer your guests. Part of the joy of entertaining is that you have the power to create combinations that bring out the strongest flavour profile of the dishes that you serve. That’s why I’ve created a pairing guide for a few entertaining occasions with suggestions on what flavour combinations best complement our crisps, and I want to highlight some of my favourites.

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Bring the outdoors in for Christmas

I take inspiration from the seasons when I’m setting a table, and Christmas is my favourite time of year for this! I gather greenery, acorns, chestnuts, and holly, then buy pomegranates and citrus. Rather than a formal centrepiece on the table, I create a setting tablescape, with greens spilling across the table, interspersed with the […]

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a word about hors d’oeuvres

My philosophy on starters (if you can call it that) is that they should set the tone for what follows but not upstage everything else. If you are having a sit-down dinner with lots of courses, it’s probably best to keep the hors d’oeuvre offerings down to a dull roar, unless you are going to […]

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The Essentials

If you want to make interesting variations on your old standbys without constantly running to the grocery store every time you pick up a cookbook, it’s essential to have a well-stocked pantry. If you do, you can be more spontaneous and adventuresome more often. Of course, not everyone has enough cupboard, fridge and freezer space […]

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Party Tips: planning, prep & presentation

Entertaining at home is such a great way to connect with family and friends and slow down our frenzied world. For a meal that’s memorable, take the time to add some special touches, not only to your cooking but also to your table. Place cards, napkin rings and knife rests are extras that are often […]

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