There is a chill in the air (enough for me to start wearing boots and flannels), my inbox is getting flooded with catalogues, and I just saw an enormous Christmas display at Target. It has all got me thinking about holiday parties, it's never too early to start planning! I put this shoot together for Tiny Prints two years ago with a group of friends & family. It was a small, cozy gathering hosted in a vacation rental at Greengate Ranch, a gorgeous property in the Edna Valley. We drank egg nog cocktails, took our time over a delicious coursed menu, and ate apple cake by the fire. I hope it offers some inspiration for you this holiday season!
MENU
Chicories
pear, quinoa
Gnocchi
parmesan brodo, parsley
Halibut
saffron, clams
Ham Hock
carrots, cider
Apple Cake
thyme glaze, whipped ricotta, port caramel
COCKTAIL
I never thought the words “refreshing” and “egg nog” could ever go together, but this cocktail has proven me wrong! The Egg Nog Fizz is a holiday must for egg nog lovers, and it may even make egg nog haters change their minds:
SPICED EGG NOG FIZZ
1 T spiced simple syrup
1 drop orange flower water
3/4 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
1 oz gin
1 egg white
1 oz club soda
1 oz egg nog
Crushed ice
Freshly grated nutmeg
To make the simple syrup: Combine equal parts water & sugar in a small pot, heat until the sugar dissolves, add the spices (star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom) & steep like a tea, strain after about 5 minutes.
To make the cocktail: Whip the egg whites in a mixer or with an egg beater first until white & frothy (like whipped cream), combine with the the other liquid ingredients in a tall mixing glass, add crushed ice, cover with a tall metal tumbler and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and garnish with grated nutmeg.
DECOR
Menus, invitations, cocktail napkins, ivory throw blanket - Tiny Prints (paper- “Gently Gathered” line) // Fur place mats & stockings - Pottery Barn // Flatware, glassware, “cheers” sign - West Elm // Candles - Creative Candles // Copper “Merry Christmas” sign - Target // Custom ceramic plates - Heidi Peterson // Gift boxes - Small kraft boxes from World Market, with copper spray paint, wrapped in antique ribbon
TEAM
Planner / Designer Grace Lorenzen // Photographer Jennifer Young // Florist Carla Wingett, Idlewild Floral // Chef & Food Stylist Jensen Lorenzen // Pastry Chef Christina Bonnett // Venue Greengate Ranch
