Galentine's Tablescape Inspo

Galentine's Tablescape Inspo 🪩🎀✨💗⁠

Here are some inspirations for your Galentines Party Tablescape. 🤩⁠

We all know the table is the party's centrepiece needing the magic of transformation. For your Galentine's setup, place a stylish tablecloth or table runner then introduce pops of colour, pink bows, napkins, cutlery and flower arrangements.⁠

Don't forget candles for that warm touch. Also, add personal touches like name cards or small favours for your gals, I feel these are perfect for that Valentine’s charm. ✨⁠

Stay tuned for more content about Galentine's hosting!⁠

*All photos are obtained from Pinterest.*⁠

Hosting a Galentine’s Day Party

Welcome to the month of love! ❤️

This month is all about celebrating love and friendship, especially with your best girls! Of course, you don’t need a special holiday to shower your besties with love and gifts—but it certainly never hurts to have an excuse to get a little extra with it, ya know? 😉

More good news: We know how busy schedules can be during this period and that is why we are helping you make your G-Day planning as easy as possible. We’ve gone ahead and broken down the deets you need to know about Hosting a Galentine’s Day Party.

We have also included in the link in our bio a customizable Galentine’s Day Party invitation. If hosting a Galentine’s party sounds like your forte then you will need to send out those invitations sooner than later!

From tablescape inspos to cute little party favours, we are making everything about hosting a breeze. So, join us all month long to learn all the tips and tricks to hosting for Galentine’s Day! 💫

The Cocktail Party Amazon Essentials

Entertaining for a cocktail party is easier than you think and having the right items can make it a breeze. 🥂⁠

This month, we've been talking about hosting a Winter Cocktail party, and there are lots of small touches you can purchase to make your guests gasp with delight. ⁠

From ice cubes in adorable shapes to a self-service drink dispenser and a classy set of cheese knives, we’ve made an idea list that will surely impress all your guests. They might even earn you the title of best party host in your friend group.

From simple items to timeless flatware, we've got you covered. Tap the LINK to start shopping from our Amazon Storefront. 🛒✨⁠

Welcome Cocktails - Grapefruit Sparkler Cocktail

We love cocktail parties and if you're like us and you love trying something new, treat your cocktail party as an opportunity to experiment with some fun new combinations.

The easiest way to encourage your guests to stray from their typical cocktail of choice is by offering them a welcome cocktail as they walk through the door.

We like to suggest something light and charming, like a Grapefruit Sparkler Cocktail. It's easy to make and it requires just a few ingredients: simply add a sugar cube to a champagne flute along with a few dashes of bitters. ⁠

When your guests arrive, pour champagne or prosecco into the flute and watch the sugar cube fizz for that "wow" factor. A bottle of brut champagne tends to work best for this.

Tip: Consider setting up a mini cocktail station near your front entrance with a tray of flutes, a small bowl of sugar cubes, a little bottle of bitters, and a bottle of prosecco on ice. Mixing this cocktail takes only a few seconds and provides some entertainment as guests arrive.

⁠Yield: makes 1 cocktail • prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients⁠

  • 1 sugar cube

  • 1 dash grapefruit or other bitters

  • Prosecco, champagne, or sparkling wine 1 gooseberry, for garnish

Method⁠

  • Soak the sugar cube in the bitters and then drop it into a champagne flute.

  • Fill the flute with prosecco.

  • Make a small slice in the bottom of the gooseberry and place it on the rim of the flute to garnish.

So save this post, because we promise you will want to make it at your cocktail party!

5 Wines You Should Have at a Cocktail Party

When it comes to the preferences of your guests, you have to cater accordingly. For your less adventurous guests, have a few basic wines available should they not want to experiment with specialty cocktails.

Based on that, we will be sharing five of our favourite wines you should have at your winter cocktail party:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon is for those who enjoy bold reds.

  • Chardonnay is perfect for white wine lovers.

  • Prosecco adds a touch of essence to the celebration.

  • Pinot Noir offers a lighter option for red wine lovers.

  • And of course, Sheila's favourite is a rosé for guests who enjoy a light and crisp option.

Cheers to a well-stocked bar and happy guests! 🍷🎉⁠

Hosting a Winter Cocktail Party

In our previous post, we discussed the flexibility of hosting a cocktail party, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy cocktails and canapés in any part of the home while ensuring a clear distinction between the bar and food stations.

A cocktail party doesn’t need to be formal, so you can reduce the décor. Small floral arrangements and strategically placed votive candles can add elegance. Simple, inexpensive greens with a single stem or two can add colour to the party.

To enhance the cocktail party atmosphere, choose the right music. Listen to “Seb and Sheila” on mixcloud.com for Dinner Series Playlists. Choose a simple playlist with old-time classics and familiar songs. Play at the right level, avoiding too-loud music to prevent guests from talking over each other.

During a cocktail party, serve a variety of canapés using classic platters or trays on an inviting surface like a kitchen counter or coffee table. If entertaining in a large space, spread the canapés out for guests to enjoy nearby food.

Displaying florals and candles strategically at the bar, seating areas, and food presentation areas can show guests your effort and serve as a guide for gathering and showcasing your efforts and presentation.

Happy Hosting!🥂

Welcome to 2024!

As we bid farewell to the holiday season, it’s that time of the year when we nestle in, focusing on keeping warm and cozy. Hence this month’s theme: A Winter Cocktail Party! ❄️🍸

After the holidays, it’s sometimes hard to think of hosting again, but the colder days ahead require some love too! So, keep it simple. We love casual get-togethers, and you should too—no need to let a busy schedule get in the way of spending time with loved ones.

Ever heard of ‘cinq à sept’? It’s a French tradition, and it’s the inspiration behind our favourite way to socialize: cocktail parties. They’re light, simple, and perfect for those new to hosting. Plus, they’re the source of our most memorable evenings, filled with laughter and mingling.

The best part about cocktail parties? It is so easy to adjust the menu based on your guest count. No need for formal seating—whether in the backyard or the kitchen, we encourage party crashing. We also love inviting guests who don’t know each other. Cocktail parties are a fantastic way to make new friends. During introductions, a comment about shared interests helps conversations flow.

Seb’s tip? Signature cocktails add a touch of fun and unexpected elegance. Greet your guests with a specially crafted cocktail—it’s a warm welcome from the moment they step through the door.

So buckle in, because that’s what we’ll be diving into all the tips and tricks all month long. Cheers to hosting and happy New Year’s!

Dinner Series Playlist - New Year’s Eve edition (Volume 8)

Welcome to our New Year’s Eve edition of the Dinner Series … Volume 8! 💃🏼🎶

Going into 2024, we are looking forward to a big year ahead with lots of exciting things on the horizon, and what better way to welcome the new year than with a playlist that will get you up and dancing perfectly, paired with a cocktail or two?

It took a little longer for Sheila to get this playlist together but the wait will be worth it as we mix up some old favourites (remixed, of course) along with some brand-new tracks that are on the verge of becoming the first hits of 2024!

Check it out HERE!

We wish our followers all the best for 2024.

Seb & Sheila

📸 Photographed by @brucemgibson

🎧 Co-produced and mixed by Rick & @lexxdecibel at @spectrum_to

Holiday Hosting Amazon Essentials

Christmas is in 4 days! 🎄🎁

As the most anticipated day of the month draws closer, you’re either hosting a holiday meal or party or you are attending one; either one is great.

If you are hosting, you know that the excitement of creating a wonderful experience for everyone means a lot of planning and organizing for you. And all that planning, organizing, cooking and cleaning can add up to a lot of stress.

To help make holiday entertaining an easier and more enjoyable experience, we’ve created must-have items that make hosting a breeze.

Check out our Amazon storefront by clicking the LINK 🔗

Tips to a Stress-free Hosting this Season

11 more days till Christmas! 🎄🎁

Today, we will be sharing some simple ways to simplify meals for the holidays because these days, as the festive invites roll in and the holiday to-do list gets longer, simplifying your menu becomes the secret ingredient to stress-free hosting. Here are some tips to make your hosting effortless:

  • Plan ahead! Knowing what’s on the table reduces last-minute chaos.

  • Opt for sides that share ingredients or can be prepped ahead, saving you time in the kitchen.

  • Instead of a full bar, simplify with a signature holiday cocktail. It adds a festive touch without the hassle.

  • Encourage guests to bring a dish; this turns your gathering into a potluck-style feast.

  • Choose recipes that can be made ahead and frozen, allowing you to spread out the cooking workload.

A great source of menu recipes and tips can be found in the Eatertainment Book. It is the best guide to effortless entertaining that can help you simplify your menu and your holiday hosting is bound to be a breeze!

2023 Holiday Gift Guide

'Tis the season of giving, and what better way to spread joy than with thoughtfully curated gifts?

Our 2023 Gift Guide is your ultimate source of inspiration, featuring a handpicked selection of items that promise to delight and surprise your loved ones. From chic home essentials to unique pet treats, we've got something for everyone on your list.

White Ruffle 16" Platter (Crate & Barrel): Transform your table with the White Ruffle 16" Platter from Crate & Barrel. This exquisite platter is a true fusion of style and function, perfect for showcasing culinary creations and making a statement at any gathering. Shop Now

Sir Glass Beverage Dispenser (CB2): Elevate your gatherings with the Sir Glass Beverage Dispenser from CB2. Perfect for serving refreshing lemonades, infused waters, or signature cocktails, this dispenser becomes the focal point of your beverage station. Shop Now

Milano Stainless Steel Ice Bucket (CB2): Make your celebrations cooler than ever with the sleek and sophisticated Milano Stainless Steel Ice Bucket from CB2. Keep your favorite beverages perfectly chilled with this functional and stylish accessory. Shop Now

Pleated Stoneware Vase (Hawkins New York): Add a touch of elegance to your home with the Pleated Stoneware Vase from Hawkins New York. This black vase is a perfect blend of style and craftsmanship, making it an exquisite addition to any space. Shop Now

Laguiole Olive Wood Steak Knife Set (Williams Sonoma): Upgrade your dining experience with the Laguiole Olive Wood Steak Knife Set from Williams Sonoma. Crafted with precision, these knives bring both functionality and a touch of rustic charm to your table. Shop Now

Santal 26 Scented Candle (Le Labo Fragrances): Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with the Santal 26 Scented Candle from Le Labo Fragrances. This luxurious candle offers a rich and captivating fragrance, turning any space into a haven of comfort. Shop Now

House of Hackney Dessert Plate (Anthropologie): Elevate your table setting with the House of Hackney Dessert Plate from Anthropologie. Featuring original illustrations of flora and fauna, these plates bring opulence and sophistication to your dining experience. Shop Now

Champagne Tower Set (Pottery Barn): Toast to special moments with the Champagne Tower Set from Pottery Barn. This elegant set adds a touch of glamour to your celebrations, creating a visual spectacle that's sure to impress. Shop Now

Dinner and Drinks White Ceramic Pet Food Bowl Set (Squishy Cheeks): Pamper your pets in style with these personalized ceramic pet bowls. Crafted for both dogs and cats, these heavy-duty bowls from Squishy Cheeks are dishwasher and microwave-safe, ensuring a touch of sophistication in every meal. Shop Now

This holiday season, go beyond the ordinary and choose gifts that resonate with the ones you love. The 2023 S&S Gift Guide is your passport to a world of chic and elegance.

Click, shop, and make this season truly unforgettable for everyone on your list. Happy gifting! 🎁