The run-up to Christmas is very stressful. There are deadlines nagging at you, and you still have presents to buy and wrap. You need to drop that outfit at the dry cleaners, buy groceries in bulk and keep the children amused. So how could you possibly be expected to produce a Cordon Bleu menu as well? You really don’t need to do it alone. Your Christmas invitation is BYO. Bring Your Own botanical taste sensation. At the very least that will provide enough ingredients for a fun conversation over the food!
A variation on BYO
It also fun to ask your guests to just bring their favourite ingredients and edible plants. Start the day early and spend the day together in and around the kitchen. It's bound to result in some new (and possibly crazy) dishes that you will talk about for a long time.
Delicious company
Not everyone is a domestic god(dess), so it’s fine to share some tips. How about the ultimate Christmas cake? We’re thinking of a delicious red velvet cake with red fruit and red roses. Finished with your favourite herbs. When you’re presented with a slice, remember to remove the beautiful greenery from your plate. You can display all this loveliness, but sadly not eat it.
Get conversation flowing
Does the talk grind to a halt because your friends and family (in law) don’t have very much in common? A festive drink may help loosen them up. This delicious cocktail with gin, cranberry, lavender and rose petals is a real Christmas cracker. The anecdotes and tall tales will soon be pouring out.
*One more thing: never tuck in to just any old (cut) flower or plant; only use edible flowers from specialist suppliers that have been grown for human consumption.
