The sun is setting later, the days are getting warmer, the trees are blossoming, winter is disappearing and it’s finally time to refresh our dining tables for spring.
Not sure where to start? See my inspiration and ideas below.
Start with your colour scheme:
You can have so much fun with spring colours, bright shades of pink, red and orange. Alternatively, you may prefer the warmer spring colours, warm greens, duck egg blue, yellows, and browns.
Look at what you can reuse in your home for colour scheme inspiration; do you already have table runners and tablecloths?
Once you have a colour scheme in mind, it’ll be easier to picture how you want to build on your table display.
Spring is a great time to be bold, so if you’re choosing the warmer and neutral colour palette like I have, ensure to add a pop of bright colour to really make your design stand out.
Decorate with spring flowers:
In my opinion, all spring tablescapes should include some blooms and there are so many ways to include them. You can go as extravagant or minimalistic as you like, and there are plenty of ways to make your design affordable:
Make use of what you have:
Spring is a great time to get out your floral prints, vintage china and colourful glasses, don’t be afraid to mix and match, it can make your design fun and quirky.
Leftover jars, candle holders, vases, mini vases and faux flowers – most of us already have some of these decorations in our homes, and they work great for all seasons, don’t forget to look at what you can reuse first.
What salt & pepper mills do you have?
Your mills should complement the rest of your table. As I’ve used some neutral colours and shades of brown, I knew my Cole & Mason London mills in stained wood would go perfect with my table design.
I would recommend using an alternative colour next to the mills: for example, I have placed my wooden mills next to the bright tulips.
Can you include this colour in other elements of your table design like I have with mine?
Show your personality:
I always think dressing a table is a reflection of your personality, so make sure you have fun with it, I’m sure your guests will love it.
]]>Out of all the occasions that I decorate my table throughout the year, there’s something about decorating it for Christmas that makes it my favourite. The festive colours, candles, and décor make the room look cosy and inviting.
I’ve been looking forward to matching my table décor to suit my Cole and Mason red Hoxton mills (how perfect are they for Christmas?!), here are some of my top tips on how to match your table décor to suit your mills.
Start with your colour scheme
Picking a colour scheme will make shopping for decorations a lot simpler. There is nothing worse than buying numerous 'decs to later find out they don’t quite go together, and you end up feeling like you’re starting all over again.
The traditional Christmas colours are red and green. I personally love sticking to these as the main colours for my table design, but also love adding a touch of additional colours to combine, my favourite are gold and white. Silver and blue are another great choice of colours to use.
Make use of what you have
Leftover Christmas candles? Already have a garland you can reuse? Look at your existing decorations for inspiration and where to start. I have a bag of red and gold baubles that never all go on my tree at once, so these are a perfect accessory to add to my table. I went for red this year, as I knew these would pair perfectly with my Cole & Mason red Hoxton Mills.
What salt & pepper mills do you have?
My favourite Christmassy Cole & Mason mills are the red London and red Hoxton mills, and the gold Derwent mills, they’re bold and make a statement in their own way.
When incorporating your mills into your table décor, you want to allow them to stand out and make a statement. I would recommend using an alternative colour next to the mills i.e. I have surrounded my red Hoxton mills with green foliage which really allow the colours to complement each other.
What salt & pepper mills do you have? Use these to look at the additional colours to combine into your colour scheme, some of the mills have accents of gold or silver, which are perfect to pair with your Christmas themed table.
Once you’ve looked at the decorations you already have your ideas will flow and your table will come together.
Use decorations that complement each other
When using bold colours such as red, the key is to make your decorations balanced. By using too much of a bold colour the decorations can get a little lost.
Adding white or silver candles can help bring bold colours together and allow them to stand out.
Whichever colour scheme you choose, enjoy decorating your dining table, it really is so much fun and I’m sure your guests will love it.
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There are several things I love about hosting, one of these being decorating my table to the current season or a specific theme. It can be a fun way to add a festive touch and create a memorable atmosphere. Here are some of my top tips to give you some inspiration for decorating your table;
Foraging / Artificial foliage and flowers
Foraging is a fantastic way to decorate your table and, of course, it’s free. You can forage at any time of the year, however in my opinion Autumn is one of the best seasons to go outside and get foraging for your own flowers and foliage.
Before heading out I like to have in mind what I am looking for; the colours I am sticking to and the amount I intend to use. It’s always best to check for any local restrictions and be aware of protected species beforehand.
It’s not just foliage and flowers that I opt for, twigs and pinecones are both great for styling a table and can be spray-painted to fit in with your theme.
If foraging isn’t for you, artificial foliage and flowers work just as well, and they can be reused time and time again.
Table runner
A table runner is the perfect way to give yourself a centre point to decorate, it gives you plenty of room for styling whilst also ensuring you don’t go OTT. Alternatively, if you prefer a minimalist look, a table runner can be a subtle way to add décor without overcrowding the table.
They also protect the tables surface from spills, heat, or scratches, acting as barrier between the table and any objects placed on top.
Linen
Linen napkins add elegance and sophistication to your table, they can be a great way to add a pop of colour and inject some life into your table.
They can be folded in various creative ways, or you can use napkin rings to add an extra decorative element.
Finishing touches
For me the finishing touches are the most memorable.
Place cards are great if you would like to have assigned seating and make your dinner party a little more formal, I personally enjoy crafting my own. One idea is to write your guests name on a leaf you’ve foraged (gold writing pairs well with the green).
Ensure that your plates, utensils, and napkins are placed elegantly.
Impress your guests with a statement salt and pepper mill set which (as well as being practical) will add height and elegance to your dining table, I have chosen the London Mill in the colour Natural Beech to pair with my table setting and use as my centrepiece. Your guests can easily adjust the grind from fine to coarse by turning the knob on the top of the mill, bringing a touch of sophistication to your table and meal.
Decanters are another way to bring elegance to any table and once filled also add a pop of colour. Accessorize within season/theme - for autumn I like to add mini pumpkin candles and assorted squashes to my table design.
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There’s quite an array of cooking oils on the supermarket shelves these days from every shade (and price) of olive oil to relative newbies such as avocado and hemp oil. But which one is worth the price and what’s the best one for the type of cooking you are doing? Here’s a quick guide…
Which variety of oil should you choose?
Olive oil
This Mediterranean classic is a staple in most kitchens. The finest quality and most expensive olive oil is made from simply crushing the olives. This is from the first cold pressing and is called extra virgin olive oil. It is dark green in colour with a rich aromatic flavour. Make sure to use this oil sparingly in salad dressings, for dipping or drizzling over roast meat, fish, or vegetables.
After further pressings of the olives, and sometimes heat treatment, the oil becomes paler in colour and slightly thinner in consistency. Oils of this sort are noticeably cheaper than extra virgin olive oil and can be used more liberally in cooking because they have a higher smoking point. They are perfect for frying and are great for salad dressings – it’s worth having a bottle of good quality light olive oil in the cupboard to give a boost of flavour to everyday cooking.
Sunflower oil
This is a reasonably priced oil which is extracted from sunflower seeds. It is a pale yellow colour and mild flavour. It is good for all round cooking but best used for baking, salad dressings and shallow frying.
Rapeseed oil
This oil is produced from the seeds of the rape plant - those golden yellow fields seen across the English countryside throughout summer. It has a deep golden hue and a light delicate flavour. This is perfect for making mayonnaise, salad dressings or for dipping, but also great for shallow frying and baking. Look for cold pressed or extra virgin on the label for the best quality.
Corn oil
Also called maize oil, this is one of the most popular oils for general cooking. It has a fairly bland flavour and a high smoking point which makes it ideal for deep frying but it’s also a good well-priced oil for shallow frying and baking.
Sesame oil
A dark nutty flavoured oil pressed from raw sesame seeds, this oil is frequently used in Asian cookery. It’s great for adding flavour to stir fries and sautéed dishes. You can also buy toasted sesame oil which has a more intensely nutty flavour – save this one to use sparingly for drizzling and Oriental-style dressings.
Avocado oil
This oil is pressed from avocado fruit and not surprisingly has a lovely deep green colour, thick consistency and a mild fruity flavour. As it’s a little pricey, it’s best used as you would an extra virgin olive oil - for dressings, drizzling or dipping but it can also be used for high heat cooking such as frying, sautéing, or roasting.
Hemp seed oil
This oil is cold pressed from hemp seeds and has a pale green colour and a slightly earthy flavour with a hint of nuttiness. Like avocado oil it makes an interesting alternative to olive oil. A good cold pressed hemp seed oil is similar in price to a quality extra virgin olive oil so save for drizzling over grilled or roasted meat, fish and veg, salad dressings and dipping.
Top tips for cooking with oil
So if you're in the market for a brand new top-of-the-range kitchen gadget, investing in a salt and pepper mill is the way to go, and this blog is here to help decipher the perfect one for you. Whether the mill is Wooden, Acrylic or Electronic, we're here to help you find the design made for your kitchen. this handy buying guide will ensure you get the salt & pepper grinder you are after.
What features are you looking for?
While shopping for your new salt and pepper mill, whether this is a brand-new purchase or an upgrade from your current model, you may want to ask yourself; What features do I want my new mill to provide?
This can vary from the aesthetic design to match your kitchen to the mill size to suit your kitchen table. All features can be taken into account to leave you happy with your purchase.
Below we have listed various products specified by their stand-out features. Take a look;
2-in-1 Mills (also called Combi mills)
Adjustable Grinding Mills:
Electronic Mills:
Smaller-Sized Mills:
Designed to match your kitchen:
Mills for every setting
Another important consideration is how you will use your salt & pepper mill. Will it be for the armature home chef? Everyday use? Adding drama to a table setting? Or a travel set to ad to your next glamping trip?
Here we’ve listed the most common uses we find people want to consider a set for, and the products best suited to these uses.
Everyday Use
Let’s start off with the most common. Everyday use. You want some functional and affordable. It needs to withstand the usual day-to-day handling from grownups and children alike. And like everything that’s used regularly, it might not be the most well taken care of items so it needs to be durable.
That doesn’t mean you should sacrifice good design, however. In fact good design will accommodate all of these needs whilst still complimenting the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Our best advice here is to keep it classic. It needs to be lightweight, wipe clean, scratch-proof and withstand damage when being mis-handled.
Our recommendation:
It has to be the Beech Capstan Salt & Pepper Mills which are available in 5 different sizes and light or dark finishes. They also suit your pocket - and are priced from £13.
Home Chef
The next most common requirement is that of the home chef. This is someone who takes enormous pleasure in cooking and wants the equipment to help them design the perfect dish for friends, family, special occasions, and romantic nights in.
Key requirements include a good grip, easily cleaned, easily refilled, but most importantly, the ability to adjust the coarseness of the grind.
Our recommendation:
The Richmond Electronic Mill is the handy salt and pepper mill set you need when working quickly and efficiently in the kitchen, when having speed on your side is key. Season with one hand and stir with the other, in order to ensure you're concentrating on what matters the most; consistency and taste.
Adding some drama to the centrepiece
Many people don’t appreciate that whilst your everyday mills might look great on your kitchen counter, or brought out during a normal weekday family meal, they don’t appropriately compliment the look you’re going for when hosting a dinner party or special occasion.
For these events you want something a bit more special. Design, flare, and the unusual are the main considerations here. But you also want something that suits the ‘look’ you’re going for. These mills might be a finishing touch to a table design rather than a statement piece.
Our recommendation:
Available in 5 different colours to match the hardware on your kitchen handles, choose the Derwent Salt & Pepper Mill Gift Set 190mm
]]>So, when it comes to stoneware or ceramic tableware, we’ve discussed the differences below:
The main difference worth noting between stoneware and ceramic is the firing temperatures and properties of each. Stoneware is made at a very high firing temperature while other ceramics are made at relatively low temperatures. The high firing temperature of stoneware makes it both strong and durable. It is also oven safe after firing and suitable for use in a microwave and dishwasher.
PROPERTIES OF STONEWARE
PROPERTIES OF CERAMICS
Ceramic is a broad category which includes earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.
Therefore, stoneware is also a type of ceramic.
Discover our range of ceramic kitchen storage.
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Make sure the vessel you choose is clean. Whatever vessel you choose to display your flowers, you want to make sure it is clean and free from bacteria before you begin arranging your flowers. Cleaning your vase with a little bit of bleach will ensure the perfect environment for your flowers.
Choose the vessel carefully. If you have lots of stems in your arrangement you will need space for them, so they’re not cramped. Lighter, more fragile cut flowers belong in a taller vase and heavy blooms suit shorter vases where they will have extra room to spread out.
Cut all stems, regardless of if they’re from a florist. Allow your followers to absorb water by trimming the ends at a 45-degree angle and replacing the water regularly.
Prune any leaves below the waterline. Remove the leaves off the stems so that none are touching the water, this reduces bacteria getting into the water and helps your flowers to last longer.
Keep the arrangement out of direct sunlight or a direct heat source. Shaded and cool areas with indirect sunlight are the best place to display your flowers.
Sometimes you might need to substitute cold water for warm water. For some stems like Peonies, if you are trying to get your flowers to open, substitute cold water for warm water to get the flower heads to open. Once open swap the water back to cold.
Change the water every few days. Rinsing the vase and replacing the water regularly whilst removing any wilting flowers will ensure your arrangement lasts longer. If only a few stems remain, reduce your vase size down, or use a jug to display the remaining stems, remembering to cut them to size first.
Nurture your flowers with a flower food packet. If your flowers arrive with food be sure to use it. If not a few drops of bleach in the water will help preserve your blooms. Alternatively, make your own flower food by dissolving 3 tablespoons of sugar with 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar per litre of warm water. The sugar will act as the feed for your flowers, while the vinegar will eliminate bacteria in the water.
]]>Creating a unique table centrepiece is the ultimate finishing touch in creating a table to impress your guests and bring the wow factor for an entrance table, console, or side table display in your home!
Making a table centre piece is unique and you don’t have to have endless skills to do it. The beauty of creating your own centre piece is that the finished piece will reflect your personality, the things you like and your style! It’s worth remembering the best table centrepieces show individuality and include simple personal touches including your favourite pieces from around the home.
For creating an at-home centre piece with serious style, the best place to visit for inspiration and greenery is your own garden. If you don’t have that option, then foraging in local areas is great – just always check foraging is permitted before you start!
Picking flowers and greenery that are in-season will bring a seasonal scent and colour to the table and choosing a colour scheme is a great start in choosing stems. From the bright colours of summer to the greens of spring and the golden tones of winter, to a display purely of greenery, the choice is yours!
CREATING AN INTERESTING TABLE
Creating an interesting table comes with building different layers and dimensions to your display. Choosing varying heights of vessels brings intrigue and allows for little bud vases to showcase singular beautiful stems, terracotta pots can be used for small potted plants and jam jars, or glass bottles can group small posies together. Using some of your favourite jugs on a table is also a lovely touch, simply fill with wire and arrange your stems to within 1.5 times as tall as your vessel. Don’t forget to leave space for chopping boards if you’re serving to the table, simply nestle your arrangement around them.
ADDING DETAILS
Create a memorable centrepiece by including extra details! Using seasonal fruits to dress around your florals gives a beautiful finish, from lemons in the summer, to nuts and berries in the winter. If you have the luxury of picking from your own garden, leaving the fruits on their stems is a must for displaying and you can simply place on the table around your arrangements. For a really professional centrepiece use moss or extra greenery to dress the empty areas of the table and place an element of your chosen seasonal fruits on each place setting.
SCENT, SCENT, SCENT!
If you do one thing when you arrange a centrepiece, it is to remember the scent! Adding herbs and scented greenery or florals adds extra sensory elements to your display. Mint and Rosemary are fantastic herbs to use amongst your arrangements and bring added dimension and long-lasting scent. As do natural scented candles which can mimic your display with scents of lavender and rose.
STEMS FOR THE SEASON
Spring | Summer table centrepiece
Stems for a Spring/Summer table: Hellebores, Snowdrops, Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, Roses, Peonies, Hydrangeas, Sunflowers, Sweet Peas, Dahlias, Fennell, Cow Parsley, Strawberries, Lemons.
Autumn | Winter table centrepiece
Stems for an Autumn/Winter table: Hedgerow Berries, Nettles, Rosehips, Hawthorn Berries, Dried Hydrangeas, Ivy with berries, Eucalyptus, Crab Apples and Cobnuts,
Viburnum, Yew, Box, Fir, Holly, and Mistletoe.
]]>Spending much of my spare time hosting is one of my favourite things to do. I get such an enjoyment from being able to have all my friends/family around one table, and you can’t deny that feeling of achievement when someone really enjoys your food.
When hosting there are a few things that I consciously try to stick to, as I want to make it as enjoyable as possible, not just for my guests but also myself, and two, I host to be able to spend time with the people I have around my table, not to watch from a distance in the kitchen! So here are my top tips...
Plan
Firstly, be sure to ask about any ingredients your guests are allergic/intolerant to, and don’t forget to ask if there are any ingredients they don’t enjoy. There’s nothing worse than making a mushroom risotto, to then find out on the day one of your guests doesn’t eat mushrooms… I think we’ve all been there!
I like my food to link together, I usually come up with one dish that I know I want to make, I will then look at what other dishes/courses to make to go with it - i.e., if I’m cooking fish for main, I tend to follow with a lemon-based dessert as I know these two ingredients go well.
Prep
In my opinion, it’s such a key component to hosting, and ensuring you spend as much time with your guests as possible. I much prefer choosing one or two dishes (usually starter and/or dessert) that can be made in advance, leaving little to do for when your guests arrive.
Some recipes may not be possible to make from start to finish in advance, however many recipes can be part-made and finished before serving – these are my go-to.
Cook in season
Buying in season has great benefits, you get the best flavour (think super sweet strawberries) along with perfectly ripe produce, it helps the environment and is more nutritious.
Don’t forget your nibbles
I’m not sure about you but I do love nibbles! There’s no need to go over the top, but some crisps/olives/peanuts always go down a treat.
Little touches
This one depends on who you’re hosting for, and for what occasion, however I love a decorated table. For me it’s those little touches that make a difference. It doesn’t have to be expensive – pick some flowers from your garden to place in the centre of your table, fold your napkins in a ‘fancy’ way, if it’s for someone’s birthday tie up balloons or have them loose, scattered over the floor.
Finally, be present and enjoy it!
The Cole & Mason Gold Derwent Salt and Pepper Mills set go perfectly on our table, here it is, paired perfectly with the Duo Oil Pourer.
]]>With the citric acid in lemons offering both antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it means that they can kill bacteria, and their acidity, which is what gives them their cleaning power, makes them so effective as natural cleaners - perfect for cleaning your home.
Using lemons around the home, in the kitchen, and to clean bathrooms can also bring added health benefits. Reactions that can occur from the over exposure to harsh chemicals found in traditional cleaning products, can also aggravate allergies and skin sensitivities. By switching to a natural alternative this is avoided, being both better for you and for the environment.
The final benefit, if you weren’t convinced already, is that lemons are understandably much cheaper than traditional cleaning products, a huge positive and a great reason to incorporate them into your cleaning routine when price increases for other day-to-day necessities are happening more frequently.
TOP 5 USES OF LEMONS AROUND THE HOME:
Alternatively, your dishwasher can benefit from a deep clean by filling a small tub with a cup of lemon juice, or cut up a few lemon slices to place on the rack and run the dishwasher with a full load of washing as normal. This will enhance your wash and give perfectly shiny clean dishes as well as rinsing the dishwasher of it's grubby film.
To really bring your wooden board looking back to new, use some fine sandpaper to lightly sand it down. Once complete wipe clean with a dry cloth and re-oil the board with a food safe oil and leave to dry fully before using. Repeat as necessary to maintain your board’s appearance over time.
In the summer months when ants and insects can enter the home, chemical insecticides and ant traps can be used, however, using a natural alternative of lemons is just as efficient and can be more affordable.
To keep insects at bay the natural way, simply squeeze lemon juice on doors and windowsills as well as into any holes or cracks that appear, this will act as a deterrent. Alternatively, creating a diluted solution of lemon and vinegar can be used to mop your floors, and will leave them sparkling in no time.
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Pestle and mortar, mortar and pestle — you may hear these implements referred to in either order. Because they are always sold as a set rather than separately, it can be confusing to remember which part is which!
A pestle is described as a ‘heavy, blunt tool used to grind things up’. The term ‘pestle’ comes from the Latin word pistillum, which means ‘pounder.’
A mortar is a bowl used to hold ingredients crushed by the pestle.
The pestle and mortar have been used for thousands of years for grinding grain, herbs, and medicines. Nowadays, you can use your mortar and pestle to create an array of dips, marinades, and spice mixes and enjoy the aromas they release in the process.
When considering grinding up ingredients for a recipe, you may first look at a blender. However, a pestle and mortar enable you to have more control over the resulting texture.
There are two main methods when it comes to using these tools.
Firstly, you can bash the pestle against the mortar using large motions. This is a great technique for crushing larger seeds and spices but it’s a good idea to hold one hand over the bowl to stop the contents from ricocheting across the kitchen.
Muddling is another method you can use. Holding the pestle firmly in one hand, twist it against the ingredients, so they grind against the bottom and sides of the mortar. Muddling works well for producing smoother results. The finer you want the grind, the more you can twist.
Unlike a blender, pestle and mortar sets are easy to clean. There are no nooks and crannies to get to. If you’ve only used dry ingredients, you can just give the utensils a quick wipe. Some sets, like the Suribachi Mortar and Pestle, come with a handy brush to help you remove any crushed seeds, herbs, and spices.
If your set needs a deeper clean, you can wash the pestle and mortar with warm water or put it in the dishwasher if suitable. However, it’s best to avoid washing up liquid, which can leave a lasting residue and taste.
It’s worth noting that, before you use your pestle and mortar for the first time, you’ll need to ‘cure’ them. When you first get your set, you might notice some loose grit particles. To prevent these from ending up in your food, you can place a small handful of white rice in the mortar, add a tablespoon of water, and grind the mixture into a paste. Work the rice paste around every inner surface of the mortar. Rinse and repeat a few times until there is no longer any loose debris.
The pestle and mortar are a dream team when it comes to making punchy pesto.
Rather than shredding or finely chopping garlic, basil, and pine nuts, which can cause them to taste bitter, muddling the ingredients with a pestle and mortar releases the oils, flavours and fragrances.
Add in a generous glug of olive oil, and you’ll have a sauce that’s tempting to eat by the spoonful as well as melt into pasta.
Achieve rustic, textured hummus by muddling chickpeas, garlic and tahini with your pestle and mortar. A squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil will have you vowing never to plump for store-bought hummus again!
Try our delectable Za’atar and Smoked Paprika hummus here - just swap the food processor a pestle and mortar for a chunkier texture. Or, for some perfect hummus tips, take a look at this video.
Unleash a world of fragrance by creating your own signature spice blend. Sure, you can get pre-made rubs and mixtures, but grinding them yourself ensures that they’ll be super-fresh and potent.
Whether you bash chilli flakes, cumin and paprika for a fiery fajita mix or muddle a vibrant tandoori spice blend, the joy of using a pestle and mortar is that you can decide how coarse or fine you’d like the texture.
Have you ever tried to blitz almonds or peanuts with a hand blender and been pelted with shards? Using a pestle and mortar gives you direct control. Just remember to hold the mortar steady if you’re using the bashing method and cover the top of the bowl so nothing escapes.
Nothing beats the flavour of a homemade curry paste. Plus, making it from scratch will infuse your kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance.
Curry paste recipes might require lots of ingredients, but once you’ve gathered them all, the mashing process is straightforward and the authentic flavour will be worth it. This Thai green curry paste recipe offers the perfect way to put your pestle and mortar skills into practice.
If you’re looking to get a strong flavour from your garlic puree without bitterness, using a pestle and mortar could be the option for you. Muddling the garlic produces a smooth paste with a slightly sweet flavour — ideal for spreading on bread.
The first thing to take into consideration when choosing a pestle and mortar is its size. Are you going to be grinding small amounts of spices at a time or preparing large batches of pesto and hummus?
It’s a good idea to go for a pestle and mortar made from a solid, sturdy material — particularly the mortar, which you don’t want to wobble. Marble is a popular option, or you could go for ceramic if you want something a bit more lightweight. If you plan on using ingredients like turmeric, which can stain, you may wish to go for a darker material such as granite.
New Year, New Me? Well, no not exactly! However, putting in practices to becoming an improved version of myself is something I want to work on.
I’m passionate about nutrition, fitness and well-being and I really do believe that they all interlink with each other in some way. Most of my cooking I do from scratch, it’s a good way to work on my cooking skills and allows me to include fresh ‘simple’ and basic ingredients that aren’t inundated with added preservatives.
One aspect I want to focus on more in the near year is being less wasteful and being more aware of the environment. So, how am I going to do that? To becoming less wasteful, I think preparation is going to be key! My aim is to plan my meals for the weekday (at the weekend I find I can be a bit over the place so will avoid planning for these days) choosing several vegetables for the week and making recipes involving these, so I know if one day they’re not used for one recipe, they’ll fit in with another recipe from that week. I also aim to alternate my ingredients on a weekly basis, as variety is the spice of life (and is good for the gut microbiome).
I’ll be having a clear out of my freezer, I don’t use it no where near as much as I should. Cooking in bulk, or having leftovers is perfect for if you have freezer storage, not to mention how handy it is on those days when you just don’t have the time/cant be bothered to cook, all in all an overall winner.
One ingredient I do find hard not to waste are fresh herbs. I’m not sure about you, but I tend to find they don’t last very long, and I’m guilty of using them in only one recipe for the week, and then forgetting about them as they sit at the bottom of the fridge. How to keep them fresher for longer? Cole & Mason Tealby Freshly Cut Herb Keeper Pot it will keep your cut herbs last up to 10 days longer and sits neatly in the fridge. It also has a fill indicator at the front of the pot to aid refilling, an investment most of us could do with!
How to become more aware of the environment? I admit this is something I struggle with, and something I’m going to work on. One change I will be making is to the best of my ability food shopping loose items, as opposed to items already packaged in plastic. I’ll be using my own storage containers, including my Cole & Mason Saunderton Herb Storage and Shaker
(which I also 100% recommend when cooking from scratch). Not only are you helping the environment, but storage containers can look so much more aesthetic than numerous plastic jars and bags.
Overall, I personally think not adding too much pressure, and creating little changes can in return make a bigger difference than we realise.
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Using Refill Stations eliminate unnecessary waste and reduce use of plastic bags, packaging and potentially unrecyclable food waste cartons which take hundreds of years to biodegrade, disrupting the eco-system. They can displace and harm animal habitats all over the world in both waste disposal and production of new packaging, often using virgin-plastic.
Using the new Cole & Mason Saunderton Storage Shaker is a handy, eco-friendly and certainly guilt-free way of refilling your kitchen with those essential herbs, spicing and seasoning ingredients. Just pop a funnel over the chamber and pour in. This eliminates the need to buy a jar of supermarket spice which you would then only use once to throw away. Refill stations sell herbs, spices, cake decoration hundreds-of-thousands straight from the dispensers and you often pay less than the supermarket charges due to having saved money on packaging.
This guilt-free way of refilling the container in your cupboard is an exceptional idea, comes with a 2 year guarantee and above all, keeps the contents fresh, wont spill it's knocked over... what's not to like?
As refill stations gain pace and popularity, changes in shopping behaviour have made retailers re-think their approach to waste. Deloitte research found that 61% of people limited their consumption of single-use plastic in 2020 and 34% choose brands that have environmentally sustainable practises.
Click here to find your nearest Refill Station
Click here to check out Zero Waste Home
How can we work towards reducing our plastic or taking it away altogether?
Remove the use of cling film and use re-usable and re-sealable food storage boxes to store left-over food in the fridge. Cling film takes hundreds of years to degrade - more information here.
Think about how you decorate your kitchen - plastic heat-proof worktops may be a more affordable alternative but think about their sustainability. Granite and marble will be a better choice, as they are naturally derived.
Don't cook too much food than you need - as energy bills rise just measure out exactly what you need. Ensure you have a compost heap to dispose of the left-overs.
Consider using plastic-free kitchenware such as Cole & Mason Granite Pestle & Mortars and Cole & Mason Ceramic Storage Jars and Cole & Mason Wooden Chopping Boards, coming 2022. Our wooden mills use less plastic than their acrylic counterparts. Click here to view the range.
We hope this has boosted your eco, why not try these tips for a more sustainable kitchen?
]]>Try these top ten hacks to get your table ready for the season ahead.
Save your surface with our Mill Tray
Oils, Vinegars and salt can be corrosive to most surfaces and you’ll not want to be rushing to the kitchen for a cloth every time someone chooses to season their food. If you’re conscious of keeping your table not just neat and tidy but future proof, invest in our Mill Tray, which is not only great for wet drizzle spills but presents your salt & pepper to take centre stage.
Ensure your Salt & Peppers are topped up
Just keep our Refills Jars on standby. They also make a great gift to accompany any of our mills this Christmas, ideal as they come in a box so are easily wrapped.
Don’t over-crowd it
It’s easy to get carried away with cramming the table with lots of lovely things, but we believe less is more. There’s nothing worse than not finding a clear place to set down your wine after the toast.
Table confetti – it’s a no-no
Do away with eco-enemy single use plastics this Christmas by setting an example to all of your guests. Instead choose a beautiful woven tablecloth or neat, plain white settings for ultimate luxe.
Go for Gold
If in doubt, just go all out! Gold is making a huge come-back in the kitchen thanks to the new glamour or the resurgence of the roaring twenties. For 2021, choose our Gold Derwent Salt & Pepper Mills, which not only look great but will last for more Christmases to come, as they have a lifetime guarantee. Buy once, buy well is our motto for 2022.
Beware the heat-freaks
Yes - you know the type. They put chilli on everything, spoiling all the time you've spent slaving away in the kitchen sampling with a big spoon throughout the last few hours. So get them back with our Chilli Salt, available in our Aromatic Salt & Pepper Set, coming soon. Just refill a salt mill with this hot salt, and watch as they crawl around the room trying to recover and hear the room roar with laughter.
Set the ambiance safely
Candles are a great idea, so keep them away from flying hands and knocked by drinks in a storm vase. Classy and practical, you can burn larger candles for hours in these, they look pretty and their reassuring weight ensures they stay put on the centre of the table when someone gets up to move.
Always provide after-dinner chocolates
The old fashioned tradition which will never date. Serves just after or with coffee, a selection of mini chocolates is a nice treat. We dust them with fine ground salt for a classy twist. Just try not to eat them all before hand...
Serve Coffee topped with Cocoa and Nutmeg
Go all barista on your guests and dust off coffees with seasonal toppings, using our Beehive Shaker Set. Sprinkle a touch of nutmeg on their latte's, or top a bowl of ice cream for the little one with some cocoa.
But, like any ingredient storage jar, it’s a good idea to give your salt and pepper mills a clean once in a while to keep them in tip-top condition. A handy time to do this is when you need to refill your grinder. You may also need to clean your mill if you notice less seasoning is coming out — this may indicate a clog which you’ll need to remove.
Cleaning the external body of your salt grinder is quite straightforward. The best way to clean it is to use a damp cloth. Plain water is sufficient — do not use any cleaning products such as antibacterial spray. Always dry the salt grinder thoroughly before putting it away.
If you’re looking to clean the inside of your salt grinder, you’ll need to follow a few more steps. However, before you start, it’s worth noting that salt is only suitable for use with a mill that has a nylon or ceramic mechanism. So if you’re cleaning both your salt grinder and pepper mill at the same time, remember not to put any salt in a mill containing a steel grinding mechanism!
Firstly, unscrew the top nut so you can remove the top of the salt grinder.
Turn it upside down to remove any remaining salt granules. This is easier to see with transparent mills — if you have a wooden or metal salt grinder, you may need to look a little more closely.
Then use a small brush (such as a paintbrush or pastry brush, depending on the size of your mill) to gently clean the inside of the mill. This will dislodge any small particles.
Clean the bottom of the grinding mechanism in the same way.
Once you are happy your salt grinder is clean, you can refill it, then replace the top and screw the nut tightly. You may need to test the grind a few times and adjust it to your preferred level, so it’s ready to go next time you cook.
To clean a pepper mill, you need to follow the same steps for cleaning a salt grinder. A damp cloth is ideal for wiping the outside of the mill, but don’t use any cleaning sprays.
Some salt grinders have nylon mechanisms that are not suitable for peppercorns. So if you are cleaning a nylon salt mill at the same time as your pepper mill, make sure you replace each one with the correct seasoning!
Unscrew the nut on top of the mill (this is the part you use to adjust the pepper grind). Remove it so you can take the lid of the mill off, too.
Turn the mill upside down to remove any peppercorns. If there are any lodged low down in the grinding mechanism, you can try replacing the lid and cap and then grind the mill a few times to get rid of the lodged peppercorns.
As with cleaning a salt grinder, use a clean, dry brush to gently remove any debris and peppercorn oil. If you don’t have a paintbrush or pastry brush, you can use a soft, dry cloth.
Clean the bottom of the grinding mechanism in the same way.
Once your pepper mill is clean, refill it with fresh peppercorns, then replace the top and screw the nut — the tighter it is, the finer the grind. As such, you may like to adjust the grind and test it out until you have the desired level of coarseness.
At Cole and Mason, many of our salt and pepper mills contain a high-quality ceramic grinding mechanism, which means you don’t need to worry about mixing up your salt and pepper. Of course, having an elegant salt and pepper mill set, like the Marlow or Southwold Classic collections, is a stylish way to keep your seasonings fresh and neat. But if you do accidentally switch them up, no harm done!
Just remember that our Precision+ designs, including the Milston Precision+, feature carbon steel for the pepper mills, so it’s important not to put salt in these.
Whichever salt and pepper grinders you go for, whether it’s a traditional wooden design or something a little more contemporary, just remember to keep water away from the mechanisms.
It might be tempting to store your salt and pepper mills beside or above the stove so they're in easy reach when you’re cooking. Although this may be convenient, the heat and steam from your oven and hob may cause your mills to clog up. This is especially true for salt grinders, as the salt can clump together if it gets damp. The more your seasonings clog up the mills, the more often you’ll need to clean them, and there’s a chance the grinding mechanisms could become damaged.
Try to store your herbs and spices away from the heat of the stove. You want to keep them somewhere cool and dry, away from too much moisture or direct sunlight. A rotating spice rack carousel can be a great storage solution — whether you store it on your kitchen counter or in a cupboard, you can easily get to all your seasonings, including the all-important salt and pepper.
Alternatively, you can keep your salt and pepper in stylish standalone mills and display them on your kitchen table. Why not explore the Cole and Mason collection to find the perfect salt and pepper mills for you?
]]>To use a manual pepper grinder, you usually twist the top or turn a crank to operate the burrs.
The mechanisms in electric salt and pepper grinders work the same as in manual mills. However, the movement of the burrs is powered by an electric battery rather than a crank.
At Cole and Mason, our Classic mills have diamond-sharp ceramic mechanisms so that you can use both salt and pepper interchangeably. It’s important to remember that salt may damage the metal in steel pepper grinder mechanisms — this is one of the main differences between salt and pepper grinders.
Unlike manual grinders, electric pepper mills operate using a button. This feature means you can use them one-handed — ideal for busy chefs who need to keep stirring with the other hand!
Both manual and electric pepper grinders come in a variety of price ranges. Before buying, it’s a good idea to consider how much you want to spend and set a budget.
On the whole, the cost of electric grinders is generally higher than manual ones because of the electrical mechanisms. You will also need to factor in the price of the batteries required to power them.
Salt and pepper mills are essentials when it comes to adding seasoning during the cooking process. However, they’re also handy to have at the dining table so your guests can add more seasoning if they so wish. If you have salt and pepper grinders at the table, you might like to get a set that complements your kitchen or dining room style.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, you’re sure to find a pepper grinder to suit your taste.
For a classic option, why not take a look at our manual wooden mills? Available in smooth, dark beech or light and airy ash, these pepper grinders add a fresh twist to a sophisticated design. The capstan form is the quintessential pepper grinder shape.
Alternatively, you might like a more contemporary look. Many electric pepper grinders have a more modern aesthetic. Take, for instance, the Battersea Classic Electronic Salt and Pepper Mill Set, which has a glossy chrome finish and sleek cylindrical shape.
An acrylic manual set not only looks smart but also makes it easy to know when you need to refill your salt or pepper.
The burrs in a pepper mill grinding peppercorns are inevitably going to make a little bit of noise. But isn’t the gentle twist and crack of a manual pepper grinder a part of the seasoning experience? Electric pepper grinders produce a different kind of noise. The whirring of the motor generally covers the sound of the burrs.
The joy of using a pepper grinder is that you can keep your peppercorns fresher for longer. As soon as they’re ground, they start to lose potency. However, keeping the same peppercorns in the mill’s chamber will also lead to some deterioration in flavour.
If you don’t get through very much pepper, you might find it best to buy a small mill to keep your seasonings as fresh as possible.
On the other hand, you could go for an electronic or automatic grinder. Electric pepper grinders have an airtight casing to keep moisture out. Keeping your spices dry and away from oxygen can also help them retain flavour.
In days gone by, peppercorns and other spices would have been crushed using a pestle and mortar. Fortunately, the invention of the pepper mill makes the task quicker and more efficient.
If you’re really in a hurry, an electric pepper grinder can save you even more time. With just one click of a button, you’ll get perfect, consistent results. You may find that achieving a very fine grind with an electric mill tends to take a little longer than a coarse setting.
Finding the ideal salt and pepper grinders depends on your individual culinary needs. Before deciding which to buy, here are a few questions to consider.
Do you need a pepper grinder for home use or within a commercial kitchen?
It’s worth thinking about how many people will be using your pepper mills and how much you’ll get through. For home use, a small manual grinder can be sufficient for everyday use. If you need mills for commercial kitchens or businesses, you might find it more practical to go for a bigger grinder with a large capacity. Perhaps consider something like our Forest Capstan Dark Wood 405mm Precision+ Pepper Mill, which can add the finishing touch to dozens of dishes.
Manual grinders tend to be smaller and more portable than electric ones. They are a good way of adding extra flavouring to your favourite picnic items and also great for use when travelling - perfect for camping!
Would you like to be able to adjust the grind of your pepper?
An adjustable pepper mill gives you the opportunity to change the coarseness of the grind. With just a couple of twists, you can go from a delicate dusting of fine pepper powder to a more rustic sprinkle. All Cole and Mason salt and pepper mills have an adjustable grind for versatility.
How easy is it to refill?
Salt and pepper mills are an excellent way to get fresh seasoning that's more flavoursome than pre-ground shakers. But there’s no point having an empty grinder sitting on the kitchen side! It’s helpful to look at how the mill comes apart for refilling, especially if you need to top your pepper grinder up frequently. To find out more about how to fill your Cole & Mason mills, contact us or take a look at our helpful Youtube channel.
Whether you go for a manual or electric pepper grinder, it’s a great idea to browse the whole Cole & Mason collection to find the right mill for you.
]]>A sprinkle of salt and twist of cracked pepper can bring a meal alive. But have you ever considered what features you’d like in a salt and pepper mill set?
Manual, electric, inverted, interchangeable — these handy gadgets come in an array of designs, models, and materials.
When it comes to a good salt and pepper mill, usability is a big factor. Look for sets that twist effortlessly and comfortably, are simple to refill, and easy to clean. And if you plan on using seasoning within your cooking as well as at the table, try finding mills that are steam-resistant.
Another consideration is the size. Grinding whole peppercorns and salt crystals as you need it can help keep your spices fresher for longer. However, the longer seasonings sit in the chamber of a mill, the more their flavour will deteriorate.
Small mills are perfect for home use — you can just top up with fresh ingredients when needed. If you have a big family or serve food commercially, you might be best with a larger size.
From rustic wooden designs in sophisticated beech to acrylic models for ultimate clarity, there’s a salt and pepper grinder to suit every kitchen.
Why not make a statement at the table with something stylish and modern — perhaps a chrome or copper finish?
Or for the perfect balance of traditional and contemporary, the Bridgwater Precision+ collection brings together smooth lines and classic materials.
There are two sections to think about when it comes to choosing a salt and pepper mill set. The grinding mechanism itself will affect the quality of your seasoning. The material of the grinder is one of the most important differences between a salt mill and a pepper mill, as salt can corrode some metals. Corrosion can reduce the blade’s sharpness, and clumps of salt can block the mill and make a mess.
A ceramic grinding mechanism is a perfect choice if you want to use your mill for salt and pepper interchangeably. Our classic mills use a unique diamond-sharp ceramic mechanism for ultimate efficiency. For a step up, our Precision+ mills use carbon steel for pepper, offering an even more effortless grind.
You might also want to consider the material of the mill’s body. As well as looking great, grinders with a steel body, like the Witney Classic Electronic Mill, are strong and durable — ideal for everyday use.
Some recipes call for different levels of seasoning. Pre-ground salt and pepper can be quick and easy to use but won’t give you texture variety.
Different types of salt can add new flavour dimensions to your dishes. To reach their full potential, some are best roughly crushed while others release their taste in a finer grind. Adjustable salt mills give you the flexibility to switch between fine and coarse seasonings with one quick twist. And the same goes for pepper, which releases different levels of oils and spice depending on its coarseness.
Whether you fancy a gentle dusting of black pepper for a stew or want to add a bit of crunch to a salad with a pinch of sea salt flakes, an adjustable mill will have you covered.
Traditional salt and pepper grinders release the ground ingredients through the bottom of the mill.
Inverta mills, on the other hand, include the grinding mechanism at the top, so they need to be turned upside down to use. The innovative design keeps your kitchen worktops clean and free from excess salt and pepper.
If you go for a classic set without inversion, you can keep your countertops spotless with a salt and pepper mill rest.
Manual grinders require you to twist the top of the mill or crank a handle to crush and release the seasoning. Electric mills eliminate this part of the job, instead grinding your salt or pepper to the perfect consistency at the press of a button.
Battery-powered or rechargeable grinders can be helpful for busy chefs who may need to season with one hand and taste with the other.
Whether you go for an electric or manual salt and pepper mill set, there are a wealth of practical and stylish options available to suit all kitchens and culinary needs.
A classic and convenient way to do this is with a spice rack or carousel - something that we believe every kitchen needs. Luckily for you, we have several excellent ones to choose from. Our range includes herbs and spice carousels that come with 8 jars, 16 jars, or 20 jars, so you can easily select one depending on how many different herbs and spices your cooking usually requires. Sleek and easy to store, this would be an asset to any kitchen.
However, if you want to know a little more about storing herbs and spices like a pro, keep reading…
Herbs and spices don’t go off like most other foods - they’ll never get mouldy or make you feel ill - but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they last a long time. Spices should always have strong colours, strong aromas, and strong flavours. Unfortunately, this strength fades after a while, making them practically useless (nobody wants a dull curry or a chilli con carne that has no kick). There are only a few spices whose potency never fades, the most famous of which are salt and vanilla.
However, the time it takes for herbs and spices to lose their strength varies. Whole spices like peppercorns, fennel seeds, and lemongrass are the most resilient spices, with their flavour and vibrancy lasting up to four years. Ground spices like ground cumin, ground paprika, ground ginger, and chili powder aren’t quite so durable - their flavour usually begins to ebb six months after you’ve bought them and they’ll become too weak to infuse your cooking with flavour after about two years.
Herbs aren’t much better, with dry herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary lasting about one to three years, depending on how well you store them.
If you have some herbs and spices hanging around at the back of the cupboard and you want to check if they’re still good to use, you should crush them up and see how they smell. Spices should always smell vibrant, so if a lively aroma doesn’t immediately fill your nostrils when they’re crushed then it probably won’t give your cooking much pizzazz. To double check, you can always sample a bit and see if it tingles your taste buds or simply check the colour - a dull-coloured spice is often a dull-flavoured spice.
Forgetting about your herbs and spices in a cupboard or drawer is always disappointing. But don’t worry, our carousel can prevent this from happening. Its unique design allows the herbs and spices to rotate smoothly, making finding your chosen flavourings easier than ever. No more frustration at rummaging through countless jars in your cupboard for a specific ingredient!
Storing spices and herbs well is the key to keeping them fresh and flavourful and luckily it’s not too difficult. It’s important to remember that air is their worst enemy. This is because exposure to oxygen dilutes the flavours of herbs and spices, so make sure you keep them in an airtight container. It’s also a good idea to ensure they are in a cool and dry place away from heat or sunlight.
Luckily, all jars in our herb and spice carousels are glass and foil sealed to maximise longevity. The carousel is also super easy to store, perfect for taking pride of place on a cool countertop (just make sure that it’s not too near the oven) or for slipping easily into a cupboard. If that wasn’t convenient enough, they’re also easy to clean - the carousel itself can be wiped with a damp cloth and the jars can be washed in warm soapy water.
Whilst storing them correctly is the best way to keep your herbs and spices fresh, it’s also a good idea to shop wisely. Unless you’re planning to cook for all your friends every night, we advise against bulk-buying herbs and spices (only a professional chef needs a 5kg bag of paprika) because they’ll weaken before you have a chance to use them.
However, if you’ve already done a little bulk-buying and have bags of herbs and spices to use up before they lose their vibrancy, our top tip is to cook with them like they’re going out of fashion. After all, being liberal with flavourings is a great way to add extra oomph to your food, so sprinkle lots in.
You can even get adventurous with spices by adding them to your bakes and sweet treats. Chilli dark chocolate brownies? Yes please. Orange and coriander cake? Oh, if you insist…
To get the most out of your herbs and spices, you should replace them as regularly as possible. When it comes to whole spices, we recommend replacing them at least every four years and when it comes to ground spices, we recommend replacing them once a year.
By doing this, you’ll know that your herb and spice supply is always fresh and vibrant, letting you cook up yummy curries, soups, and risottos, safe in the knowledge that your meals will be bursting with irresistible flavour every single time. Your next dinner party will definitely be a hit.
And don’t forget to spice up your kitchen with a brand new herb and spice carousel, you’ll need it when you’re cooking up a storm...
]]>Choosing your theme is an important first step. Basing your decorations, crockery and other accessories around a select few colours will really tie the whole look together. If your dining room already has a bold colour scheme, it’s worth taking this into consideration. Although your pink feature wall or statement lamp may not scream Christmas to you, matching your seasonal picks to your existing decor could be a wise choice.
Otherwise, there’s always the option to keep it classic with festive reds, greens and hints of gold, or create your own winter wonderland with frosty whites, silvers and greys. For something different, deep blues are incredibly striking. Paired with metallics, they give a real feel of luxury, with the ambience of a midnight sky.
This gives you the chance to locate any missing plates or chairs, and make sure everything’s immaculately clean well ahead of your guests’ arrival. Certain parts of the process may take longer than you anticipate, but by getting it all done early you avoid the last-minute rush. And once you’ve decorated like a professional, it means you’ll enjoy the set-up for longer before the chaos of dinner descends on it.
Start by finding your table cloth and ironing it so it’s neat and crisp. It doesn’t have to be particularly fancy. White linen often looks best, and even paper cloth works just as effectively.
As charger plates are used to dress up formal meals for special events, they’ll add an instant touch of sophistication to your table. These large, decorative bases go beneath your plates. There are a wide variety of materials and colours available, so if you don’t already own any, choose some that tie in with your theme. Metallics are a classy, failsafe option, for the festive season and beyond.
Another great benefit to charger plates is that they help retain the heat in your dinnerware, so your guests will be just as enthusiastic about their second helpings of the main course.
It’s better to do this before decorating the rest of your table, as by laying them out first, you’ll have a better idea of how much space you have left to work with. Pick out your favourite porcelain and silverware, then position the main plates onto the charger plates, followed by the starter plates and soup bowls on top.
If you have the option, layering a couple of different colours adds depth to the arrangement. Place the cutlery on either side, with the first course on the outside working inward. It’s also worth picking out any serving bowls or other accessories which will be kept on the table. Upgrading to more elegant salt and pepper mills will contribute your aesthetic - and when placed on a mill tray, they’ll tie into your centrepiece without looking out of place.
The real fun is about to begin. Your centrepiece is where you can get especially creative, with endless possibilities for customisation. To ensure your table’s beautifully lit, choose between sturdy pillar candles or floating candles in a decorative glass bowl of water. Candelabras are a great option if you’re short of space, as they’ll give the table height rather than intruding on precious food space. Any metallics on the table will reflect the candlelight, making the ambience even more warming and magical.
Around the candles, make a runner inspired by nature. Wreaths, pine cones, sprigs of herbs, foraged berries and other woodland finds all make for gorgeous table features, especially when arranged together artfully. And you don’t have to stay away from flowers. Although they may not be typically festive, the pop of colour they’ll bring to your aesthetic certainly won’t go amiss.
This can be as simple as handwriting each guest’s name on a small piece of card, although some prefer to attach the place name cards to a small gift - perhaps a game or toy that will be a talking point around the table.
Another way to personalise place settings is by tying ribbon or charms to wine glasses or flutes. With each one varying slightly, it’ll also prevent glasses from getting mixed up when you take the party to the living room.
The final finishing touches. Instead of picking up the first crackers you see in the supermarket, plan ahead and order some that coordinate with your theme. If you want to make them extra personal, you can now purchase fill-your-own crackers which are sure to impress.
And for napkins, why not try your hand at some origami for a real wow factor? Napkin pockets, Christmas stars and intricate fans are all relatively easy with the help of an online tutorial. You’ll be a napkin-folding master before you know it.
There you have it, your Christmas table is all set and ready for your guests. Sit back, admire your handiwork, and enjoy being the host with the most.
]]>But you don’t have to choose between satisfied dinner guests and joining in on the present opening around the tree. By preparing parts of your roast the day before, you’ll save yourself tons of time - and make the much-anticipated feast even better. We’re talking more trimmings, more flavours, and much less hassle prior to the main event.
Press play on your favourite Christmas playlist and get stuck into some festive preparation. You’ll love yourself all the more for it. Getting started on Christmas Eve allows you to revel in the pleasure of cooking, without the pressure of the ticking timer. And, of course, you can get a lot of the tough, time-consuming prep out of the way early. Some sides can be made oven-ready a day in advance, while for others you can set yourself up for success with small bits of preparation that will make make a huge difference.
There’s knowing you could do some peeling and chopping in advance… then there’s mastering it. With carrots and parsnips, all it takes is some peeling and trimming, but make sure you submerge them in water overnight. Peel your onions too - this is a mess-saving exercise as much as it’s to do with saving time.
Then you have the potatoes - those precious, precious potatoes. Again, peel them first, then parboil them so they’re ready to roast. To get further ahead, fluff them up after parboiling and coat them in your chosen fat. Even consider half-roasting them for half an hour, then they’ll only need 20 minutes extra on the day. Freeing up more of that much-needed oven space can only be a good thing.
With only a handful of ingredients required, making your own cranberry sauce is a small task with huge pay-off. Try this recipe by gently simmering light muscovado sugar, orange juice and cranberries, then choosing add-ons based on your own preferences. For an added kick, try adding orange zest, or grate some ginger into the mixture with a touch of chilli. And make it in abundance! Then you’ll have plenty for the turkey sandwiches, pies and pastries in the days to follow.
Quick Yorkshire puddings don’t have to be bought frozen. Simply beat together flour, eggs and milk until lump-free, then season to perfection, then pour the mixture into a preheated and oiled Yorkshire pan till they’re gloriously crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Once they’ve cooled, pop them in the freezer, and you’ve got a better-tasting version ready for the oven.
Getting the first bake in a dry oven ensures your Yorkshires will have a better rise and more satisfying crunch. Often they get soggy fast due to all of the moisture in the oven from the potatoes and the roast itself.
In the event that the meat is a touch overcooked, the gravy is its saving grace. Even if the roast’s worthy of a Michelin star, it only takes it up a level. Gravy is a hugely important part of your Christmas meal and the fact that homemade reigns over shop-bought is an undisputed claim. Make your favourite recipe in advance then heat it up with the meat juices in the turkey tray on Christmas day. We recommend this classic recipe.
With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, wine and clementine zest, festive red cabbage is a real crowd-pleaser. Rustle it together on Christmas Eve and leave it in the fridge to continue soaking up the flavours. Its appearance on the big day will be as effortless for you as it is delicious for everyone else.
These indulgent stuffing balls are made from parsley, sage, lemon and sausage meat for extra Christmas Day decadence - and they can be pre-baked the day before, so all you have to do is reheat them and they’ll still taste just as incredible. Most other stuffing recipes can be made in advance in a similar fashion.
That Christmas food shopping list can be notoriously lengthy, so forgetting a thing or two is easily done. When a last-minute dash to the shops is no longer an option, the last thing you want is to remember there are no pigs in blankets, or that you’ve run out of oil. Go through what you’ll need on the big day, then double and triple check you have everything ready in the cupboard.
Next on the checklist, equipment. Start with the essentials. Do you have all the right pans, trays and utensils needed to cook everything at once? Then there are the time-saving accessories that act as your own personal sous chef. To have all your dried herbs and spices organised and to-hand without rooting through the cupboards, invest in a tiered carousel. Or if you’re cutting up fresh herbs, make light work of chopping with a hachoir and board set.
Writing down the timings of how long everything takes and when they need to go in the oven will help you go from step to step seamlessly. With your schedule handy, you’ll be able to buy yourself more time relaxing with family, rather than constantly checking how each dish is getting on in the oven.
Avoid the stressful sight of towering pans by cleaning up as you go wherever possible. Or better yet, recruit someone else to do it while you focus on the food. Then when you’ve finished cooking, you’re free to spend the rest of the day as you please. That takes us onto our next tip.
This goes beyond washing up - and it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Give your family members fun jobs, like topping up people’s glasses. You always have a drink to hand, and you don’t have to run around serving everyone else. It’s a win-win situation.
It will all work out wonderfully - we promise! On behalf of everyone at Cole & Mason, we hope you have a fantastic Christmas.
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