Chez Zandra
Chez Zandra
Friends
Dinner Parties – The Gifts
dinner parties – the gifts
That classic question –
“Do you want me to bring anything?”
Here are some suggestions that might trigger your imagination, without breaking the bank.
1. the presents
2. the wrapping
Unless it’s 3 dozen roses, a small bunch of flowers bought at the petrol station or a bottle of plonk won’t do.
The Bloomsbury etiquette suggests:
Handmade gift from a french market,
Failing that a Cezanne,
Your manners,
A dazzling wit,
Your latest manuscript,
A thick skin (for criticism of your work)
Gossips, plenty of it.
Well, we live in different time. I say, it’s not about how much you spend – an inexpensive present beautifully wrapped shows that you care and made an effort.
“Think inside the box”
Here are some of my suggestions, for gifts I like to give… or to receive.
1. Bring back memories of holidays in the sun 2. One can never have too much good Olive Oil 3. Homemade jam is obvious – Lemon Preserve is zingy 4. Designer bottles by Basso & Brookes (www.turningleafwines.co.uk) 5. Cocktails, cocktails… cocktails set (www.tigerstores.co.uk) 6. Your very own Champagne, print your own label and stick it on the bottle 7. A very special key 8. Save the host the hassle of having to look for a vase 10. Chocolates are yummy, but Marrons Glaces are much more indulgent (www.fortnumandmason.com) 11. Let them eat cake 12. Apples from your orchard, or plums, or cherries…Metal basket (www.johnlewis.com)
1. No need to buy expensive paper, newspaper will do, if you wrap it again in cellophane paper, to give it a touch of class.
My tip – pick a page of the newspaper relating to the recipient’s interest- art, sport, fashion…
2. Brown packing paper can be given a makeover with colourful ribbons in velvet or satin. Foliage, a few sprigs of greenery, anything nice from the garden, will enhance the must ordinary brown parcel. Tie it with garden twine for a rural look.
Photocopy some old photographs or old postcards and make a collage.
Buy old stamps in bulk on eBay and stick them on the paper.
3. A single cellophane ribbon can look sad, so pile on multicolour strands for a fiesta look.
4. Fabric can also be used. A piece of hessian or denim will give your parcel a natural look, while a print can say “look at me.”
1. For the stamp collector 2. Cellophane paper (www.amazon.co.uk) 3. To the tea addict 7. For the sewing enthusiast 9. Large selection of wrapping papers (www.paperchase.co.uk) 10. Lace rolls (www.tigerstores.co.uk) 11. To the dog lover 12. Inside out – the gift becomes the wrapping
Cocktail Parties – The Guests
cocktail parties – the guests
As for any party, the success often rests with the guests.
They have to sing for their supper!
party girls
Here are my tips to make the party swing:
1. It is vital to invite the right ‘mix’ of people. The wider the variety of jobs they do, the less likely they will group to talk shop.
2. Bring in some controversial characters who might spice up the conversation.
4. Make sure people are introduced to one another properly. Giving their name isn’t enough to make them relax and start chatting away. Talk about their interests, their charming bolthole in Tuscany…
An amusing idea could be name tags. Something like:
– understanding neighbour
– aspiring actress
– failed politician, or if you dare,
– enthusiastic naturist
– looking for Mr Right (avoid that person)
– open to any offer
Hmm! It will definitely get the tongues wagging
7. People generally like to talk about themselves. Let them. A soupçon of harmless flattery and you are home and dry.
8. Someone greets you like a friend. You can’t remember who they are. Don’t let on. Just ask broad questions or “how are things at the moment?” Keep the conversation going, eventually the penny will drop.
9. To escape some boring person clinging to you, how about “Let me introduce you to someone you’ll find interesting” or “excuse me, I just spotted an old friend I haven’t seen in ages”
13. When thanking the host or hostess, be specific “I love your new kitchen”, “the food was delicious, Jamie Oliver eat your heart out.” You’ll be back!
3. Try to inject new blood into your guest list. Invite new neighbours or people you met on recent holidays. How about asking each guest to bring someone you don’t know? Think outside the box.
5. Offer to help the host or hostess. It gives you something to do and the perfect excuse to approach anyone you would like to meet.
6. Start with a compliment – like “nice glasses” rather than “you are the sexiest girl in the room!”
10. You meet a Celeb, don’t whatever you do talk about what they are famous for. Let them bring that up. It doesn’t usually take long.
11. Make sure you read the daily papers before going to the party. Whether its the Turner Prize winner, the election results in Ukraine, or who’s just been kicked out of the celebrity jungle, being informed will give you something to spark up the conversation.
12. If you want to get on everyone’s invitation list, be fun, and show genuine interest in who you are talking to. Try to pick up on a point they made earlier and bring it back to the conversation.
14. In today’s global work, serious socialites require some understanding of the international codes, if they want to “cut the mustard”.
The French never bring a bottle, unless it’s from their own vineyard. But they are offended if they are being served plonk. They will discuss food, art, but never sex.
Italians will turn up one hour late, with half their “tribe” following.
Greeks love to pretend they are Italians, and will arrive even later.
Americans men talk dollars, their wives about their shrink and their diet.
Germans don’t do small talk. They stick to sports and politics.
As for the English, they go on and on about the weather! Men discuss sports and cars, women, where to buy the latest discounted fashion.
under any circumstances should you mention Brexit or The Donald!
Kitchen Parties
pot-luck supper
‘Everybody is doing it these days’
Photo by Grant Sainsbury
I want to show you how easy it is, with little time and effort, to put a simple meal together, whatever the occasion. It could be a few mates watching sport on the telly, a friend in need of a shoulder to cry on, or a family get together… Sometimes it’s nice to throw an impromptu supper. After going with chums to a movie, or an exhibition, one might feel like extending the evening. “Come back to my place for something to eat.” It’s late, the last thing you want to do is cook, and the first thing your friends want is to sit and wait ravenously for food to appear on the table.
here are a few simple ideas…
1. Obvious but always appreciated, a plate of succulent pasta with homemade sauce, fresh herbs and grated cheese.
My tip – Keep grated cheese in your freezer, ready to use when you want to sprinkle it over a dish before putting under the grill, or as a base for a creamy sauce. Saves time.
Tomato sauce tastes best using half fresh, half tinned tomatoes.
3. My version of Ratatouille (see recipe)
super easy and very tasty
2. cheese and wine
4. assorted charcuterie– see Mother’s tips about slicing charcuterie
5. Speedy and easy potatoes wedges and mini sausages (see recipe)
6. In winter, a bowl of heart warming soup, served straight from the pan, with crusty bread.
Uber healthy!
My tip – In a coming post “The leftovers” I will show you how to use your leftovers to create the most delicious soups.
Zandra’s famous Pea Soup (see recipe)
7. A big mixed salad can also be made out of leftovers. Start creating your own unusual dressing which can become your trademark.
potatoes, vine tomatoes, ham, saucisson, cornichons,spring onions and mixed herbs
8. chicken provençal – the family’s favourite (see recipe)
Photo by Grant Sainsbury
chick peas, tinned tuna, spring onions and black olives
green beans, onions and chives
cos lettuce, vine tomatoes, radishes,spring onions,anchovies and chives
9. As long as none of your guests are allergic to seafood, how about a bowl of steamed mussels?
12. Being French, my Mother was a great cook and a great pastry maker. One of her specialities and one of my favourite was “Tarte aux pommes” – apple tart. (see recipe)
Here is a simple version of it. It takes no time to put together and it will impress your guests. I promise you.
Mother’s Tarte aux Pommes
I designed this kitchen for one of my clients
Cocktail Parties – The Drinks
happy hours
The cocktail party flourished in the 20s and 30s, but then suffered a decline for about 40 years.
Today, cocktails are very much the drinks of the fashionable youth, and cocktail parties are back!
“Shaken or stirred it’s Cocktails, Cocktails, Cocktails… Dahhhhhlings”
Remember Mike Leigh’s 1977 “Abigail’s Party “ the ultimate party horror?
Seventies decor, Alison Steadman played Beverly in a pink chiffon frock and blue eye shadow, trays of cheese and pineapple on sticks, and Demis Roussos singing in the background.
Yuck!
As I previously said, my own “Bete Noire” is an invitation to a cocktail party.
With a limited taste for alcohol, no memory for names, and little talent for small talk, cocktail party invitations are seldom tempting. But what would happen if I decided not to accept, and the following week someone tells me what a great party I missed? I’d be gutted!
So, I put on my “glad rags “and off I go.
Over the years, as my job demanded, I gained experience in blowing kisses in the air and moving, without sounding rude, from the boring person I’m stuck with, to a familiar face across the room.
Here are my 12 tips to enjoy a great Cocktail Party.
the drinks
my beautiful Goddaughter
1. A proper Cocktail barman is not essential, but if you can stretch the budget, the sheer theatricality of his performance will add pizzazz and glamour to the party.
Hendricks and tonic, with a slice of cucumber of course
8. The alternative to Champagne is a good quality sparkling wine like Prosecco, but do mix it with something fruity. I particularly like a Bellini cocktail –Prosecco and peach juice. France produces a large quantité of sparkling wines called Crémant, Cava in Spain, and Cap Classique in South Africa when you have plenty of glasses to fill.
Tasty!
9. Make the first drink strong. Later, the guests won’t notice if the drinks are less alcoholic
Cheeky!
2. If you wish to spice up the party, the pinkbutlers.com will provide staff wearing very little while remaining classy…well sort of!
3. If you can’t afford professional help, enlist some of your teenage friends and family to serve food and clear away glasses. You’ll be surprised how good they turn out to be, and they’ll enjoy it.
4. Tequila and Gin are the cool spirits right now, and rumour is that Pina Colada is this season’s answer to Negroni. But this year’s No.1 hottest cocktail is Aperol Spritz, or if you are already bored with Aperol,
it’s darker cousin Campari is very tasty, mixed with Prosecco.
goes down a treat!
5. Kir Royale, a classic aperitif, is also making its way back to cocktail lists
6. If you are serving Champagne, don’t just crack a few bottles, serve Magnums. It costs the same and looks much more opulent.
7. Contrary to public opinion, and many will disagree, Champagne is best served at room temperature rather than chilled.
ready mixed and ready to enjoy
10. Don’t ignore the non alcoholic drinkers – the one designated to drive home. Think of attractive looking, but also tasting “Mocktail” that a non drinker can enjoy without being constantly asked “wouldn’t you prefer something stronger?”
11. Some guests might ask for water. Clear water jugs look more attractive than bottles if you add “pretty as a picture” ice cubes. Fill compartments of your ice trays with flowers- rose petals, violets, pansies, or sprigs of herbs – basil, rosemary, mint…before adding water and freezing. Look out for organic farms which sell trays of edible flowers such as maddocksfarmorgnaics.co.uk
12. Stop serving drinks 1/2 hour before you want the party to end. Even hardened party animals will get the message…Hopefully!
santé!
Dinner Parties – The Guests
the perfect guests
While you can set the scene, dress the table, and serve wonderful food and wine, the truth is that ultimately, the success of the evening rests with the guests. They have to sing for their supper!
Therefore, who do you invite to create the right mix of people who will sparkle and stimulate?
Here are some of my tips about how to put the perfect guest list together:
1. It’s vital to invite the right mix of people. The wider range of jobs they do, the less likely they are to “talk shop” . In cities you can mix people much more than in the country where they feel more comfortable with their own types. In towns, you can sit an hereditary peer next to a working class hero. Both might be surprised to discover how many interests they have in common.
5. Don’t invite Ex-es unless you are 100% sure they are still on good terms with one another.
6. Try to inject new blood into to your guest list. Old friends have heard your stories time and time again. Invite a new neighbour, a distant acquaintance, or someone you met on your last holiday. I have recently been to a very entertaining evening where each guest was asked to bring someone the others wouldn’t know. Think outside the box.
7. When possible, each guest should be placed next to someone they know on one side, and someone they don’t on the other. Don’t seat children at one end of the table and oldies at the other. Mix them up. You’ll be surprised how much they enjoy each other’s conversation.
2. If you are confident enough to handle the fireworks, include someone controversial to spice up the conversation.
3. Your best friend married a bore, invite someone with a boring partner and sit them together. You could be pleasantly surprised!
4. If your friends have children, try to avoid inviting them with singles. This has often been my “bête noire”. Parents want to repeat their kids “bon mots”, the problems finding the right schools etc… The singles want to boast about the great parties they have been to and the good times they have had On the way home, each set will complain how boring the others where “all they wanted to talk about was their bloody children.”
8. Nowadays, the boy-girl-boy table plan seems anachronistic since couples may be of the same sex.
9. In these days of casual invitations, obstacles can await: You are asked “are you free Friday evening?” Having said yes, you discover who the other guests are. You are not too fond of them. Too late to retract. A better approach for both parties would be “on Friday we are inviting X and Y for dinner, and we would love you to join us. Are you free?” This allows time for that face saving excuse.
10. In today’s global world, serious socialites require some understanding of the international codes, if they want to “cut the mustard”.
The French never bring a bottle, unless it’s from their own vineyard. And they are offended if they are being served plonk. They will discuss food, art, but never sex.
Italians will turn up one hour late, with half their “tribe” following.
Greeks love to pretend they are Italians, and will arrive even later.
Americans men talk dollars, their wives about their shrink and their diet.
Germans don’t do small talk. They stick to sports and politics.
As for the English, they go on and on about the weather! Men discuss sports and cars, women, where to buy the latest discounted fashion.
and no Brexit or Donald talk please!
Dinner Parties – Setting the Scene
Setting the Scene
Great food, great company, great conversation… We all know the formula, but it’s how you achieve it that’s the problem.
Chez Moi in Provence photo by Grant Sainsbury
Formal dinner parties were all very well in the days of “Downton Abbey”, but that was a century ago. These days, the only people with a taste for silver candelabras, bone china and fish knives, are the likes of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet!) and its not about how much money you spend to make a dinner party memorable. It is the trouble that the hostess or host has gone through to show how much she or he cares. Hopefully, people don’t come to you expecting to eat lobster and caviar, or Michelin-star cooking. They come because they like you and are hoping to have a good time.
Having said that, dinner parties still require a sense of occasion, but with a fresh approach.
first impressions counts
Don’t be afraid to be theatrical. Be bold. An exquisite and imaginatively decorated table will create the mood of the evening and a lasting memory.
Here are some of my tips to create simple and imaginative table decorations.
Chez Moi in Provence photo by Grant Sainsbury
1. Start with one thing, a colourful dish, a bunch of flowers, an antique piece… A bouquet of sweet peas will lead to a romantic mood- pastel table cloth, pretty china.
A tangerine tablecloth fits an autumn setting- an arrangement of sunflowers, dahlias, germanise and red roses, or a pyramid of oranges and pomegranates on a bed of dried leaves and nuts scattered all over the table.
My favourite colour is white. My house in the South of France is all white. But an all white table can look very formal. I suggest adding touches of colour. Green foliage is my answer. But of course you can chose a bouquet of multi-or single colour flowers, colourful napkins, glasses, or an interesting piece of vintage china as a centre piece. For a special occasion-say a golden or silver wedding anniversary, I would use silver or gold antique pieces.
2. The days when young couples put on their wedding list 96 pieces bone china dinner service are mostly over. They often like to follow trends and be able to change now and then, without spending a lot of cash. Luckily, many stores produce good stuff at reasonable prices. Start with one pattern. Over the years you can update with additional pieces in different styles and colours to compliment the originals.
3. If you plan a large party and have to borrow from family or friends, it’s not imperative that all the china matches. In fact, an eclectic mixture is more fun and bound to attract comments from your guests. There are no rules, only that colours and shapes compliment one another. The choices are endless. And why not use different styles for each course as in Japan, when each dish is served on meticulously coordinated bowls or plates? I like to mix vintage and modern china. It always creates a “WOW” factor. Antique fairs, second hand shops or car boot sales are good hunting grounds. So are art fairs and art colleges. You might even discover the next Grayson Perry!
Chez Moi – photo by Grant Sainsbury
Dried leaves pressed under two sheets of Perspex make an original tray. You could also use photographs, postcards, stamps…
5. Food looks more impressive served on extra large plates. The empty space frames and enhances the look of the food.
4. How you present the food is just as important as it’s taste. It can be on a dish, but also on many other things – a basket , a terracotta pot, a piece of wood , a slate tile, fresh or dried leaves…It’s how the food interact that is important . So, think about it carefully and try to be original.
6. A bowl overflowing with seasonal fruits can be an alternative to a flower arrangement. In summer, a pile of glowing red cherries look stunning, In the autumn I would use oranges, pomegranates, pumpkins, and an assortment of nuts. A dish served on a bed of dried leaves in all shades of bronze, always looks spectacular. Baskets filled with fruits- and also vegetables and aromatic herbs give a more rustic look. For a formal dinner, I love an opulent table laden with fruits and nuts, Caravaggio style.
7. Herbs in terracotta pots – rosemary, thyme, mint, not only adorn the table, but fragrance the room. Keep an eye out for old terracotta pots in different sizes the next time you visit a nursery.
8. A drop of perfume on light bulbs also fragrance a room.
9. Hollowed out apples, oranges, artichokes, pumpkins, squashes – depending on the season, make attractive candleholders. When I entertain on my terrace in France, I often use shells witch complement the Mediterranean view. Such candleholders add wit to the table and are usually a great talking point.
10. Use as many candles as possible, not just on the table, but around the room. Their flickering light create a magical atmosphere. Place them in front of mirrors and you double the effect. Group candles in various shapes and sizes, all around the table, but never use scented ones as they interfere with the aroma of the food – the same applies with strongly scented flowers.
13. Did you know that adding a few drops of bleach into the water, will keep it crystal clear, and lengthen the life of your cut flowers? The French say that a glass of red wine given to an indoor plant, once a month will strengthen it. They would say that!
14. Be original. How about moss instead of a tablecloth?
How about using old baking tins as candle holders?
11. To double the burning time of your candles and to reduce the dripping wax, put them in the freezer for a couple of hours before lighting them.
12. Tie a fresh flower or a sprig of herbs, and a name tag around a napkin with garden twine. It gives an understated charm.
Celebration tea
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