It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas... time to start thinking about food!

With the aisles filling with Christmas goodies and The Inspired Occasion gearing up for The Big Give, I thought it was time to start putting pen to paper for our own Christmas celebrations on Christmas night.

We will be in no shape to be slaving in the kitchen by the end of the day, so I’m putting my mind into gear for some easy, yummy and festive supper delights, that can be prepared in advance. 

Something that will bring us all together, over some bubbles, to reflect on the day. 

For the first time in our family Christmas history; out will be the hours basting turkey breasts and preparing roast vegetables, and in will be a trip to the local market on Christmas Eve to pull together a cold seafood platter. King prawns, smoked salmon, lobster, oysters and dipping sauces - an entree that come straight out of the fridge and onto the table. Add in a few finger bowls and lemon wedges, and our entree will be served. 

Whilst we relax and watch the kids play with their new toys, our main meal will be more rustic or should, I dare say Jamie Oliver style. Wooden boards piled with; freshly sliced ham off the bone, turkey or chicken breast, assorted cheeses and an array of condiments served with lots of fresh bread and good quality olive oil. Side dishes consisting of a pear and parmesan salad, a smashed potato salad and coleslaw, all of which can be prepared quickly and fuss free.

For dessert, we will still be enjoying my traditional plum pudding - it wouldn't feel like Christmas without it! With the fruit already marinating in brandy now - served with double cream and brandy custard, it will be delicious. We will also be enjoying an Australian classic - a pavlova piled high with lashings of cream and fresh berries.

Sounds easy and so yummy - can't wait!

Flutter on over... a foodie review

As promised, tonight we would like to share part two of our Butterfly party (see part one here), focussed on the food for the little butterflies. We had clear directions for an afternoon tea filled with sweet treats suitable for our 5 year old guests.

Knowing the birthday girl loves anything chocolate the task was set to perfect my chocolate mud cake with rich chocolate truffle filling and turn a plain 32cm round mud cake into something that resembles a butterfly. After many late nights researching, I decided that lashings of vanilla buttercream and rainbow coloured coconut would be all that was needed to decorate this edible table piece. It tasted as good as it looked!

In keeping with the butterfly theme and wanting a more delicate flavour, I thought a fluffy vanilla cup cake would help balance the flavours on the table. Filled with strawberry jam and whipped cream these butterfly cakes took flight with dusting of pink and purple sprinkles and icing sugar. 

Thinking we needed something not only refreshing but mildly healthy on the table, Strawberry and Jelly Cube cups were created, which gave great colour and variety to the table. Such a simple idea but a food choice that went down well with all the chocolaty goodness and something we will definitely do again.

However the show stopper on the table would have to be the White Chocolate Pops with the pink and purple sprinkles. With our twist on a modern classic, believe me these new treats were a party pleaser for all - and no left overs!

With additional extra's of popcorn and chip cones, assorted lollies and candies, bubbles, tot bags and butterfly back drops care of my partner in crime our wonderful desert/sweet buffet table was set....and with lots of games, face painting, music, pink lemonade and presents the party girl was a magical butterfly for the day.

 

 

We will do another post later in the week looking at some of the other aspects of this super fun party! 

PS - A big thank you to Candy Soirees for the fabulous colour coded chocolates that we used - they were so fabulous and looked so effective on the table!

Foodie Love - Butterfly inspiration

We already have Claire (our Inspired PR Guru) doing a weekly European style post here on our blog.  Now we are very excited to introduce you all to Alex, the other half of The Inspired Occasion - our foodie queen - who will be doing a weekly post on all things yummy. 

Enjoy... xox

This weekend has been all about research for our special butterfly event coming up next weekend... it's come around so quick! 

 All things butterfly have been consuming my mind, with the flowers in blossom and my children at play in the garden searching for all things that fly, it was time to start my own cyber search and stumbled across some perfect sweet treats as inspiration.  

My mind is now turning to rich moist chocolate mud cakes, delicate vanilla and cream filled cupcakes and sweet bread with pastel sprinkles. 

Lucky for me my partner Renee is all about pretty bunting, pastel cake toppers and hanging lanterns all to bring our fluttery theme alive. 

We are so looking forward to bring you all our master piece next week…….