Spring has definitely sprung this week, which is the perfect excuse for excessive indulgence in yummy, home-grown treats with loved ones. Cheese and wine, anyone?
As a twenty-something, dinner parties are an increasingly exciting prospect for me (a real turning-point in my transition from young adult to just ‘adult’, I know). I don’t know about you, but the idea of dressing up to socialise with girlfriends over food and drink is potentially my ultimate happy place.
To give you a little inspiration, here are my eight dinner party must-haves to help you achieve the perfect, quintessentially British dinner party!
Yes, we’re starting off with some alcoholic beverages. If the social acceptance of day drinking isn’t the best thing about being in your twenties, then I’m not sure what is.
Described as the quintessential expression of a classic, traditional London Dry Gin, this beauty is smooth enough for a Martini, but rich enough for a G&T.
A dinner party without cheese and crackers is quite simply a gathering. The Fine Cheese Co.’s crackers are a dinner party staple for me. These Lemon, Sea Salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crackers are delicately subtle, allowing the flavours of the cheese to prevail. Always.
Part of the fun for me is really getting into character and playing the part of the host. My Mr Badger apron from Roo-Tid LTD receives endless compliments!
A beautifully fragrant home is sure to impress your guests, and add to the relaxing atmosphere. I love this candle and diffuser set from Scarlet and Nell.
Buttery and packed FULL of flavour, biscotti is a delightful snack to serve to your guests. Plus, they’re almost definitely the prettiest biscuits you’ll ever see. The Great British Biscotti Co. make biscotti that is far less crunchy than its Italian cousins. What I love most about it is that it’s flavourful on its own, but equally earns its place on a cheeseboard.
What says ‘hello spring’ more than Wharf Distillery’s Lemon Hello Liqueur? The sharp, tangy lemon spirit is perfect out of the freezer as a post-dinner, palate-cleanser, and superb in a glass of prosecco. Enjoy!
Since we’re heading into warmer days, it’s only right that we involve some fresh, seasonal, fruity jams. The London Jam Factory uses half the amount of sugar as supermarkets, meaning more room in the jar for scrumptious, flavourful fruits! Their Raspberry & Rose offering is a personal favourite, and serves perfectly with scones.
Nothing feels more quintessentially British than the taste of the Cornish ice cream parlour. The Strawberries & Cream pot makes the perfect addition to a spring dinner party, and I find that their ‘Out and About Mini Pot’ is the ideal portion size to serve to guests who have just spent hours consuming gin, cheese and biscotti.
