Commencement of the holiday season at work is marked by a few early celebrations, one of which is a dinner with my team. This year I planned a vibrant red holiday theme, and boom…it was right in the middle of peony season! What is a girl to do other than embrace the exquisite season of peonies. They certainly were a talking point.

Peonies are lavishly indulgent and they set the scene perfectly. Yes, you are correct in thinking that it’s still very much tartan season in my house, hence the J.Crew scarves turned into table runners. My Ralph Lauren glassware and votives shimmered in the candlelight beautifully. As a take-home gift each guest had a china teacup that had been filled at my wonderful local candle refilling store. Of course, my Christmas table would not be complete without these adorable Meri Meri Christmas crackers, which actually contained funny jokes… Q: What do you call old snow?; A: Water!

To complement the menu I purchased some stunning wines from Great Little Vineyards.

Here is the menu enjoyed by my guests.

To Start

Lemon olive crostini
Joseph Perrier Cute Royale Brut Nature NV

Entree

Pear and blue cheese savoury tart
Chene Bleu Rose 2021

Salad

Citrus-Green salad with parmesan drizzle
Chene Bleu Astrolabe Blanc 2021

Main

Lemon scented & ginger roasted alpine salmon served on a bed of leeks with roasted potatoes
Chene Bleu Astrolabe 2016

Dessert

Chocolate mousse
Chocolate (GF) cake served with fresh seasonal berries and clotted cream

As the festive season approaches I hope you are having fun creating your own little bit of magic.

With love,

Sandra

Festive Red