Now the cold weather is finally here and the nights are drawing in, it is the season for evenings in at home with family and friends. And with the festive period just around the corner, dinner parties are a perfect and delicious way to bring people together through good company and great food.
Here at Barton Croft, we love to keep things convenient and relaxed, but there are a few things you can do this season to make the evening a little more special; even the simplest of touches can transform your home into the most welcoming place for all to enjoy.
Keep tones muted but warm
It's no secret that darker tones create warmth and depth. We always think a dark wooden dining table is a safe bet for an inviting table style, but warm-coloured crockery is equally as effective.
Our collection Barton Croft ceramics are perfect for this. From dinner and side plates to our versatile hand bowls, each piece has been hand thrown and glazed in our muted colourways. Make your guests feel right at home, with the perfect balance of tones.
Bring the outside in
The weather might be cold and bleak, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a bit of life indoors to brighten up your home. And plants and flowers are a great way to spruce up your table setting without breaking the bank.
Extravagant centrepieces are often overrated and garish, distracting away from the premise of the evening. More natural decorations are an ode to summer and give you the chance to focus on what really matters; engaging and socialising with the people you love.
Eat seasonal
From squashes and potatoes to parsnips and carrots, it’s all about the root vegetable this season. And each one of these ingredients happen to make the heartiest and most warming dishes for a delicious dinner party menu.
Quick, easy and flavoursome, there's nothing better than a good bowl of soup to kick of the evening. This Pumpkin, Chilli & Sun-dried Tomato Soup is divine, especially when followed by something as comforting as this Rustic Vegetable Pie. We also have our very own Apple, Pear & Hazelnut Spiced Crumble recipe to share with you, ideal for finishing off the evening with something sweet.
Candles and lanterns
Winter and candlelight come hand in hand, especially if you're looking to create an ambient space for guests to relax and unwind after food. If you don't want the hassle of lighting a fire, scented candles are a great alternative for cosiness and warmth.
Our Oh So Toasty Candle is a subtle blend of cinnamon, ginger, thyme and nutmeg, bringing to life the warmth of a wood fire. Hand poured and held in the finest porcelain clay, it is a beautiful and delightfully scented companion for any evening.
Gifts
‘Tis the season for gifts, so why not add a little something to each table setting? It doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive, but it is always nice to give guests something to remember the evening by.
A small gesture or token from nature is always a wonderful and free idea, especially when there's plenty of beautiful, dried leaves outside for you to enjoy. Perhaps you could gather a few of them up, dust them off and tie them together into something decorative with some chestnuts and flowers.
If your guests prefer something edible, then truffles are a simple alternative. We tend to adapt recipes to suit what we've got in the cupboard, but these Raw Chocolate Truffles are a good place to start if you need some inspiration.
Whether you're already planning a seasonal dinner party or you've been looking for a way to bring everyone together this winter, we hope we've provided some inspiration for the evening. Either way, we hope December proves to be a month of family, friendship and a time to share your home and your heart with those most special to you.
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