A Lovaan guide to preparing for the festive season
As soon as the daffodils begin to bloom, twinkling lights line the streets and mince pies stack up at your local supermarket, you know that Christmas is just around the corner.
To help you navigate the festive, fun-filled frenzy ahead, we’re sharing our tips and tricks to lighten the load and enhance your enjoyment.
Scroll forth, fellow hosts!
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Planning & Prepping
Choose dishes that can be made ahead
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Starting simple; we can get so carried away in menu planning and schedules that we often overlook how much stress a few make-ahead dishes can save.
Soups and dips are excellent starters that can be prepared days in advance and frozen.
Sides, like a Scandinavian cucumber salad teeming with dill and potato gratin, can be carried out a few hours before serving and quickly heated if needed.
For desserts that are ready to serve instantly, think wine-poached fruits, fresh or frozen berries and brandy ice cream.
Set deadlines
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(We promise we’re getting the boring ones out of the way first.)
Task lists are helpful, but deadlines keep you accountable and organised. For each item on your list, assign a target date for completion.
Apps like Trello, Microsoft To Do, and Google Calendar can really help support all your hosting deadlines.
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Image via Pinterest
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Decorating
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cCreate an edible centrepiece.
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If you want to branch out from traditional flowers this year, consider using fruits, vegetables, herbs, bread, butter or cheese that can be enjoyed during or after the event.
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For inspiration, look to food artists Laila Gohar (@lailacooks) and Hannah Kleeberg (@herrlich.dining). Their swoon-worthy arrangements range from strawberry sculptures to prawn towers and butter masterpieces.
Remember to choose seasonal ingredients for the best flavour.
Tie bows upon bows
By now, you might have noticed our healthy obsession with bows. That’s why we’ll be adorning every space with floppy knots galore, from our pine Christmas tree to napkins, candle holders and perhaps even our pets.
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Image via @object_la_my
Drinks
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cConcoct a simple festive cocktail
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We’ve got two delightful ideas, both shades of blush pink and aperitif-primed.
The first is courtesy of the goddess herself, Nigella Lawson, and the second is a welcome suggestion from Instagram.
Poinsettia
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Mix a bottle of prosecco, cava or sparkling wine with 125ml of orange liquor (Cointreau or Grand Marnier) and 500ml of cranberry juice. Stir in lots of ice and serve in a jug.
Shiraz Sbagliato
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Combine equal parts sweet vermouth, Campari and sparkling Shiraz or Lambrusco in a glass with ice. Garnish with a slice of orange or a green olive.
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Image via Pinterest
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Gifts & Giving
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Reuse fabric for gift wrapping
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Save money and resources on gift wrapping by repurposing fabric remnants and paper.
You can elevate any wrap by adding hand-drawn elements or ribbon. And if you don’t have fabric, why not ask your friends and family if you can take any offcuts off their hands? The more we share and reduce waste, the better.
Craft menus, place cards and greetings cards by hand
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This tip covers multiple bases: It’s a relaxing activity if done in advance; it helps clarify decisions; it adds a personal touch to your table; and it creates thoughtful favours for guests to take home.
All you need is some cards and a few pens or paints to infuse your signature style into menus, place cards or holiday cards. Picking a theme can help guide your creativity. And Pinterest is your friend.
Do you have your own tips and rituals for the holiday season? Write to us on Instagram! And don’t forget to share your Lovaan moments by tagging @lovaanstudios with the hashtag #lovaan.