Christmas is often the time when we spend the most time, money and effort on dressing our house and our table; preparing food; and serving drinks. So I was very interested to be invited to attend an event sponsored by Arthur Price, the cutlery people which focused on the getting ready for the festive season.
I’d never been to Wolverhampton Grand, where the event was hosted, before. Growing up in Birmingham we tended to go to the theatre there and it was easier transport wise. I hadn’t realised what a lovely building Wolverhampton Grand was and I was very impressed by Arthur’s Bar, which is sponsored by Arthur Price. Designed in an art deco style, it is the perfect pre-theatre location to entertain family, friends and clients. It is good to know that you can enjoy the red carpet experience with your personal waiter in one of their private booths to enhance your special evening.
To start with we looked at cocktails, after all it’s traditional to offer guests a drink before dinner. We had a skilled mixologist take us through the stages of making these two lovely seasonal cocktails.
Next we took a look at cooking for the big day. Christmas dinner can be a logistical nightmare, so it was good to see some ideas of how to prepare parts in advance and minimise the stress. In 20 minutes, Simon our chef managed to whisk up the starter: a Salmon and Cucumber Gateau, the main: Pan-Fried Turkey Escalope with Cranberries and the dessert: Orange and Mascarpone Snowball. I was particularly taken by the spectacular dessert which was so easy to put together, but looked fantastic and tasted delicious.
Festive cakes were next on the agenda. I tend to be put off making a Christmas cake by the icing side of things, but having picked up a few tips, I might actually have a go next year.
Next we moved onto dressing the Christmas table. I really liked the idea of putting baubles into a glass as an easy way of creating a bespoke decoration. The Christmas tree napkins were another nice touch.
Laying the table is the finishing touch to add to the Christmas feast and as well as being a practical thing, it should look beautiful too. I know from experience that it’s very easy to make a table look good using Arthur Price cutlery as we have been using ours daily for the last 12 years and it still looks like new.
I’m off to my local Arthur Price this Friday to see what’s in. I’m determined to have a lovely Christmas table this year.
I never do too much with our Christmas table but I think I’m going to have a go this year x
I tend to go all out for christmas. We have gold chargers and table accessories that we got as a wedding present 22 years ago!
Oh My, if only we had one locally – although my kids would wreck such a beautifully laid table in seconds – all they are concerned about is the crackers
I love Arthur Price silverware, you can rely on it. Some beautiful setting ideas there, especially like the Christmas tree napkin. Mich x
The cake and those cocktails how lovely! Presentation is important and the table is dressed beautifully! x
Oh doesn’t that table look amazing!
The table looked fab x great looking place x
We love laying the table. Take ages making napkin art!
What a lovely table, wish it was still xmas!
Seems like a nice event, some good ideas. Christmas is a Special Event. We all want to Celebrate Christmas, it is nice to make everyone feel welcome at the festive time of year.
This looks like a fabulous elegant festive event; I love the sound of that food!