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Sensational Gifting: Creative Ideas to Delight the 5 Senses

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Gift-giving is an art form, and the best gifts are those that engage our senses. After all, our senses are the conduits through which we access our emotions and memories. You can make your gift stand out and leave a lasting impression by tapping into them. In this blog, we will look at some innovative ways to delight the five senses and make your gift-giving experience truly memorable.

Sight:

The first sense we’ll investigate is sight. The appearance of something can have a significant impact on how we perceive it. Here are a few gift ideas that will appeal to your visual senses:

  1. Personalised photo album: Put together a collection of your favourite memories with the recipient and present them in a gorgeous photo album. This gift will not only appeal to the recipient’s visual senses, but will also elicit pleasant memories.
  2. Artwork: A beautiful work of art can transform a drab space into a vibrant one. Consider presenting an artwork that reflects the recipient’s interests and personality.
  3. Decorative candles: Scented candles in attractive packaging can add a touch of elegance to any room. They are also an excellent way to create a soothing atmosphere.

 

Sensational gift ideas

 

Sound:

Sound is up next. Music and sounds have a powerful influence on our mood and emotions. Here are some gift suggestions that will appeal to your auditory senses:

  1. Headphones: A good pair of headphones can improve the listening experience and improve the sound of music. Consider giving the music lover in your life a pair of high-quality headphones.
  2. Bluetooth speakers: Portable speakers are an excellent way to listen to music while on the go. They are also an excellent way to create a festive atmosphere.
  3. Vinyl records: For good reason, vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years. The sound quality is unparalleled, and they make an excellent collector’s item. Consider giving the recipient a vinyl record of their favourite artist.

 

Sensational gifting ideas

 

Touch:

The third sense we will investigate is touch. The way something feels has a significant impact on our emotions. Here are a few gift ideas that will appeal to your tactile senses:

  1. Soft blankets: On chilly nights, a cosy, soft blanket can provide comfort and warmth. Consider giving the recipient a high-quality blanket to snuggle up with.
  2. Massage oils: Massage oils can help tired muscles relax and recover. Consider giving the recipient a set of high-quality massage oils to help them relax.
  3. Soft toys: Soft toys aren’t just for kids. People of all ages can benefit from their comfort and emotional support. Consider giving a soft toy that the recipient can cuddle with during difficult times.

 

Sensational gifting

 

Taste:

The fourth sense we will investigate is taste. The way something tastes has a powerful influence on our emotions and memories. Here are some gift ideas that will please the palate:

  1. Gourmet food baskets: A basket of gourmet treats can be a fun way to try new flavours and tastes. Consider giving a basket of chocolates, cheeses, and wines as a gift.
  2. Tea and coffee sets: A good cup of tea or coffee can provide relaxation and comfort. Consider giving the recipient a set of high-quality tea or coffee.
  3. Cooking classes: Cooking classes can be an excellent way to discover new recipes and techniques. Consider giving the recipient the gift of a cooking class.

 

Sensational gifts

 

Smell:

The fifth and final sense we will investigate is smell. The smell of something can have a significant impact on our mood and emotions. Here are some olfactory-inspired gift suggestions:

  1. Perfumes and colognes: A good perfume or cologne can enhance the natural scent of the recipient and leave a lasting impression. Consider giving a scent that complements the recipient’s personality and sense of style.
  2. Essential oil diffusers: Essential oils have a variety of benefits, ranging from stress reduction to improved sleep. Consider giving the recipient an essential oil diffuser, which can help to create a calming and relaxing environment in their home.
  3. Bath and body products: Bath and body products can provide a relaxing and luxurious experience. Consider giving the recipient a set of high-quality bath and body products to help them unwind and relax.

 

Sensational gift

 

To summarise, gifting is an art form, and the best gifts are those that appeal to our senses. You can make a gift that is not only memorable but also meaningful by appealing to the five senses. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s a personalised photo album that appeals to sight or a set of high-quality massage oils that appeals to touch. So, the next time you’re stuck for a gift idea, consider appealing to the 5 senses and creating a truly sensational gift. Best wishes!

How to Curate a Perfect Cheese Board in Minutes!

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Arguably, a beautiful and well-balanced cheese board is the most fuss-free, versatile, and impressive-looking appetizer that you could serve at gatherings. Be it a holiday, birthday, ladies’ night, or just your usual everyday entertainment, a cheeseboard is an undeniable crowd-pleaser; pair the cheeseboard with the right wine and it can effortlessly elevate the evening. It requires no cooking or extra work upon serving, and is more of an assembling and decorating job that can be super fun and more importantly, something that you can nail in minutes!

But how can we transform a classic cheeseboard into a beautiful visual statement? From cheeses to charcuterie and everything in between, read on to know more about the anatomy of a perfect cheeseboard.

Step 01: The Tools

Start with gathering all your essentials (there aren’t many!) so you can jump right into the assembling. Here’s a list of all the tools that you’ll need.

  1. An actual cheese board or charcuterie board: Wooden is a great choice that sways as both sophisticated and rustic, but you could also go for marble or slate. Handles are always a plus, and we recommend choosing a board with ridges to hold fruits in place (just in case your grapes and berries are planning to roll all the way down).
  2. Cheese knives: Essential to avoid flavor mingling, and for crafting those perfectly cut cheese slices every time!
  3. Cutlery set: You can have a set of small tasting spoons, forks, and cheese knives handy for your guests to dig into the board.

Small serving bowls: Keep these on standby for guests who’d like to keep the ingredients separate from one another to avoid mixing the tasting palette.

 

Cheese Tools

 

Step 02: The Cheeses

Now coming to the star ingredient of the appetizer, the cheese. You’d ideally want to have a variety of textures and tastes. We recommend picking three to five different kinds of cheese for the platter and bringing them to room temperature before serving in order to bring out the flavor. Here’s a mini cheese texture guide to help you pick the right cheese for your board!

  • Soft: burrata, mozzarella and brie
  • Semi-soft: stilton, Fontina, and Gorgonzola
  • Semi-hard: Swiss, comte, provolone
  • Hard: cheddar, parmesan, pecorino 

 

Cheese

 

Step 03: The Charcuterie 

Add some charcuterie, also known as cured meats, to elevate the cheese board, and add more substance to the elements. Prosciutto, salami, soppressata, chorizo, or mortadella are all excellent choices that pair wonderfully with the tasting palette of a cheeseboard.

 

Charcuterie

 

Step 04: Something Sweet 

Think seasonal fruits, sweet grapes and berries are the usual go-to’s but you can also include cherries, peaches, pears, figs, kiwis, and tangerine. Preserves such as honey and fruit compotes such as apricot spread or jams add depth in both flavor and texture. 

You could also use dried fruits such as apricots or dried mangoes, and some even like to add a touch of rich, dark chocolate or chocolate-covered almonds to go along with the cheese.

 

Cheese Board

 

Step 05: Something Savoury  

Olives (stuffed are great!), pickles, roasted peppers, artichokes, spiced or salted cashews, almonds, or blanched veggies all make for palatable savory elements that accentuate the profile of the cheeses. 

You can also add some savory condiments such as grainy mustard, pesto, salsa, or chutneys to add a little punch to the flavor.

 

Cheese Platter

 

Step 06: A Side of Bread  

A side of the bread is pretty much a staple, no matter what the appetizer. You can use various different pieces of bread to complement your cheese board, think sliced baguette, ciabatta, breadsticks, crostini, crackers, parmesan crisps, etc. 

We recommend checking with your guests about their preferences here, if need be, you can always include a few gluten-free or multigrain options!

 

Cheese Board Idea

 

Step 07: Finish with Garnish 

Garnish is a great way to give your cheeseboard a seasonal touch, you can use edible flowers or fresh herbs depending on the tasting notes of your cheeseboard. Rosemary sprigs, sage leaves, and parsley snips are popular garnishes that you could start with!

 

Cheese and wine board

 

And there you have it! The anatomy of a perfect cheeseboard that can curate in minutes. There are a lot of ingredient options to sift through but don’t get overwhelmed, you don’t have to include all of these things in curating a perfect cheeseboard. Everyone likes their cheese in their own different ways – some like it savory, some like it sweet, and some like a little bit of both. So as long as you have options, your cheeseboard is well-balanced. One protip to keep in mind is to consider adding a mix of ingredients that offer creaminess, crunch, crumbles, juiciness, and gooeyness – this way you have everything you need for a cheeseboard that leaves you with a full sensory experience.

Posted in F&B

The Zero-Waste Party Plan

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It’s the roaring twenties again and we’ve ascended into the realm of a post-pandemic world. Parties and gatherings, no matter how big or small, have made a much-awaited comeback, and we’ve learned to not take these moments for granted. This is why it’s important that we party like we’re in 2022, with a zero-waste party plan that leaves no carbon footprint and is easy on the planet.

There is literally no downside to an eco-friendly party. All it takes is a little pre-planning, a few supplies, and some creativity. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a little guide for going waste-free for your next big (or small) shindig.

Make a Sustainable Statement with the Invite:

You can set the tone for your party with the invitation itself. Embrace paperless and opt for an e-invite accustomed to your theme. You can get creative or choose from countless templates online. If you’re still keen on traditional paper invites, opt for eco-friendly and plantable seed paper that will grow into something beautiful or delicious!

Keep it Real with Earth-Friendly Décor:

If you haven’t experimented with natural décor, you’re missing out. Mother Earth has some beautiful, otherworldly bounties that make for the most captivating décor. Think florals, ferns, fruits, twigs, and more florals! You can stay true to your color palette and even think of using dried foliage for an understated look. You can also focus on all kinds of lighting décor, and eco-friendly paper décor to mix things up.

Break Out the China for Table Essentials:

It’s easy to fall for disposables and their convenience, especially when you think of the cleaning job after. But there’s no denying that we’re making a gigantic, wasteful, and hazardous mess in choosing that. Don’t be afraid to break out the good china, or some stunning ceramics and glassware. It’s a cleaning job but it’s worth it. Besides, stunning tableware always doubles up as décor!

Pro-tip: Keep your washing machine empty so you can throw in all your cloth napkins for a quick wash right after hosting.

Make a Failproof Food-Waste Plan:

Prep and planning go a long way in avoiding food waste. Here are a few tips to help you curb food wastage. 

  • Make an audit of your guest’s eating preferences and stick to the catering industry portion size of two helpings per person.
  • Keep seasonal food in mind while planning your menu and prioritize local produce.
  • Set up a food compost bin and request your guests to get some tiffins to take home party leftovers. You can also tie up with a local shelter to send all the extra goodies to.

Feel Good Party Favours:

Party favors are a tricky deal, most guests either love their little token or hate it. Either way, party favors tend to be pretty wasteful if not thought out carefully. Here are a few of our favorite Earth-friendly options!

  • Kids: Eco crayons, natural play dough, candy, organic art supplies
  • Adults: Herb kits, plants & succulents, local/homegrown honey or chocolate, natural consumables (organic candles, lotions, wines, etc.)

P.S Ditch the plastic for packaging and go for cloth bags, potlis, ribbons, jars, or jute.

Fun, kind, and guilt-free, there’s no better way to throw a party than an Earth-friendly party. Small changes make a big difference, you don’t have to get everything right the first time. If you’re not in a position to switch to zero-waste completely, start with one department at a time. But start somewhere, because, in all honesty, zero waste is not a choice but a necessity.

Practise Mindfulness This Holiday Season

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Festivals, parties, weddings, birthdays! The holiday season is full of them and sometimes the social commitments can get a little too overwhelming. In times like these, it’s essential to pause and reflect. Listening to your mind and body is key and that can only happen in stillness.

We want to ensure that we’re able to be fully present for these social commitments instead of just being there physically while our mind wanders off. We’ve put together a few ways in which you can practise mindfulness to make sure you enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.

Make sure your prioritise

You will be getting a bunch of invites this season, there’s always something or another happening. If they’re not events, they’re plans made by your friends or family to go to different places. We recommend you make a list of everything and prioritise what’s important for you and the ones that would genuinely make you happy.

Yes, you’re right, it may tick some people off, but that will be fine, you come first, always.

 

Party

 

Make your own tiny rules

It’s easy to slip with the sweet treats and alcohol when it comes to parties and events. If you end up keeping a blanket rule of eating healthy and rely on your will power, chances are that you’ll give in easily. We all do! Instead, make your own silly rule and follow it.

For example: I will only have 2 drinks at the party and push it to 3 if absolutely needed. After that, I’ll politely decline.

 

mindfulness

 

Remove time for yourself

Like any other device, we humans also have a social battery and it tends to run out of charge after multiple social interactions. Let alone the ones that involve alcohol in it. The only way to recharge that is to remove some time for yourself to do things that make you feel happy and fulfilled. It could be spending time in your bed, bingeing a show or playing a sport or taking a trip closer to nature.

 

Walk in a park

 

Stock up on those vitamins

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining energy levels in our body and keeping our vitals in check. Consult with your doctor to find out which multivitamin would suit your system the best and make sure you have it regularly as prescribed. The effects of it will magically surprise you.

 

Practice mindfulness

 

Move your body

Nope, we don’t mean by dancing at a party. While that’s great too, try to inculcate some form of physical activity in your life, this holiday season. It could be something basic such as taking a walk every week or doing a power yoga session. Choose what makes you feel good and make it a part of your routine.

Having that extra piece of pizza won’t feel so bad afterall.

 

yoga

 

Here’s a quick handbook to stay healthy this festive season and we promise, your body will thank you later and you can then thank us! 

Oh-so-delicious 5-Course Gluten-Free & Vegan Christmas Recipes

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The season of festivities, joy and lots of indulgences is here! Amidst all those parties and commitments, we know you’re pushing all the healthy eats to next year (we’re doing it too, we understand)

And so, we’re here with much needed holiday season recipes that are vegan, gluten free and most importantly – DELICIOUS! You can enjoy these by yourself or prepare them for friends and family as well. We love them all and hope you do too!

THE SNACK

Candied Nuts

Sweet, savoury, crunchy and oh-so-satisfying these Candied Nuts can be made days in advance. Not only do they make a great snack for guests to munch on during your Christmas part, they also make an incredible edible gift.

 

vegan recipes - Candied nuts

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 300 grams mixed nuts of your choice
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch ground black pepper to taste

Method:

  • Heat water, oil and agave syrup in a large frying pan until it starts to bubble (should take around 30 seconds)
  • Add the nuts and stir until they’re coated with the oil and syrup mixture – do this for around a minute until they’re slightly brown and crispy.
  • Mix together the sugar, salt and black pepper in a small bowl, then add to the pan and stir into the nuts.
  • Keep the pan on a medium heat and stir continuously for a few minutes – the nuts should become nicely caramelised quite quickly.
  • Remove the pan from the heat as soon as you think the caramel coating turns a nice golden-brown colour – be careful to not heat for too long as the sugar will burn very quickly.
  • Spread the nuts out over a plate or a sheet of baking paper, separating out any clumps, and leave them to dry out for a while until completely cooled – they may be quite soft at this stage, but ready to eat once they’ve cooled down. 
  • Keeps in an airtight container for up to a week.

THE APPETIZER

Carrot and Seed Loaf

Gluten-free and vegan, this Carrot and Seed Loaf is as perfect for the festive season as it is all year round. Easy to make, it pairs well with a side salad or along with your favourite dairy-free yoghurt dip.

 

gluten free recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • Carrots 3 large sized (or 400g approx.)
  • 150g ground sunflower seeds (1 cup)
  • 150g ground pumpkin seeds (1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 heaped tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 heaped tablespoon fresh or dried parsley
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt

Method:

  • Chop the peeled carrots into small pieces. Boil or steam until soft. Drain and then mash.
  • Grind seeds into a coarse powder
  • Crush garlic and finely chop herbs (if using fresh)
  • Mix seed meal, carrots and all other ingredients together.
  • Firmly press mixture into a loaf tin (lined with parchment paper). A 1kg loaf tin works well (approx. 20x10x6cm). Make sure that you press really firmly to encourage the binding process – if you are too timid, it tends to fall apart. If you get it just right, then it magically forms into a perfectly sliceable loaf.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at gas mark 6 (200˚C/400˚F) for approximately 45 minutes.
  • Gently lift from the loaf tin by pulling out the loaf along with the parchment paper. Turn over onto a bread board and slice with a bread knife.

THE MAIN COURSE

Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Balls

All good things come together to create this firecracker of a main course. Filling and delicious as is, better served over gluten-free spaghetti tossed in a simple marinara sauce.

 

easy vegan main course

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 caramelized onion
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 300 grams mushrooms, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup oats

Method:

  • Prepare brown rice ahead of time and keep aside.
  • Prepare the caramelized onions in advance and let it cool down. 
  • Add oil, mushrooms and all seasonings to a non-stick pan or pot, cook over medium heat until the mushrooms have released their juices and softened. Set cooked mushrooms aside.
  • In a food processor add walnuts and oats and process for 20 seconds until crumbly.  Add cooked brown rice, caramelized onions and cooked mushrooms.  Pulse until everything is well combined and no large chunks of anything remain. However, do not over-process the mixture – you don’t want it to turn into mush.  A little texture is good.
  • Use a table spoon to scoop out the mixture and form it into balls with your hands.  You should have about 18 balls.  Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and coat the bottom of the pan in olive oil.  Once the oil is hot, place the balls in the pan.  The balls should not be touching each other, so do it in batches.  Cook the balls about 5 minutes per side or until all sides are seared, crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve over your gluten-free spaghetti with a generous garnish of grated gluten free cheese.

THE SIDE DISH

Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy outside and melt in your mouth inside, these herb roasted potatoes are what dreams are made of. This side dish definitely packs a punch and all you need are 4 ingredients to get it done.

 

Herb Roasted Potatoes

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg potatoes
  • 2 ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tsp mixed dried herbs
  • Salt

Method:

  • Pre-heat your oven to 200C (390F) and then peel and chop your potatoes
  • Now place the potatoes into a large pot of water and a few pinches of salt and bring to a boil
  • Par boil the potatoes for 12 minutes 
  • Now pour 2-3 tbsp of olive oil into a large baking dish/tray and place in the oven to get very hot ready for the potatoes
  • Drain the potatoes and place the potatoes back into the pot you boiled them in, place the lid on and give them a couple firm shakes. This helps to break them up and to get nice and crunchy
  • Remove the baking dish from the oven, place the potatoes inside (you should hear them sizzling from the hot oil)
  • Drizzle over a good few glugs of olive oil across the potatoes making sure each is covered evenly, along with a few pinches of salt and your herbs. Give it a toss.
  • Place in the oven for 45 minutes
  • Remove from the oven, turn the potatoes so they cook evenly and place back in the oven for 45 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy

The Dessert

Vegan Rum Balls

We didn’t think vegan and gluten free desserts could taste heavenly, but we changed our minds with this recipe. Perfectly chewy, fudgy and flavourful, this one is our new favourite Christmas dessert.

 

Vegan Deserts

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups almonds
  • 1 cup dried figs (pre-soaked and strained)
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
  • juice of ¼ lemon
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp rum (OR 2 tsp rum essence)
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • pinch of salt
  • Optional: more cocoa powder for dusting (or can use icing sugar or shredded coconut)

Method:

  • Place the almonds into a food processor and process until they are finely crumbled (just a bit less fine than almond flour).
  • Add in all remaining ingredients and process until everything is combined and the mixture begins to form into a ball.
  • Take small bits of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands.
  • Optional: Roll in some extra cocoa powder for a dusted finish.
  • Enjoy right away or refrigerate for an hour or more for a firmer consistency.

We hope these recipes add in some merriment to your holly jolly Christmas celebrations. 

The Basics of Wine & Cheese Pairing

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A fancy set up, with elegant wine glasses and a cheese board comes to your mind when you read the headline, right? While it may seem daunting at first, the world of wine and cheese is easy and a rather delicious one, once you get your basics right. 

This super simple and easy guide is going to help you become an expert at pairing. Consider this as your cheat sheet. Before we begin, let’s understand the pillars of both wine and cheese. 

Wine – Acidity, Sweetness, Body & Structure 

Cheese – Moisture Content, Fat Content, Texture, Flavour 

Okay, so let’s get to the serious business for now. To make it simple, we’re going to become a little cheesy – we mean, we’ll take cheese as the protagonist here and then talk about the types of wine that pair best with them. 

The Delicate Cheese

Remember, we mentioned the fat content and texture and two of the pillars of cheese? Taking that thought forward, buttery cheese like brie camembert and the less fussy ones and get along with most wines. (safe bet, we know!)

The fat content on these are perfectly balanced with the acidity of white and sparkling wines. If you’re feeling a little experimental, a sweet dessert wine would also do the work here. 

Recommended wines: Fratelli Sangiovese Bianco, Vallonne Vin de Passerillage

 

The Basics of Wine & Cheese Pairing

 

The Tough Nut

The hard and nutty ones like mozzarella and gruyere pair well with medium bodied reds to begin with. Since we’re talking about the basics here, the red wine’s sweetness complements the nutty flavour profile of the cheese creating a great culinary experience.

Recommended wines: KRSMA Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Grover-Zampa La Reserve

Being Salty

Well, we know that no one appreciates people who’re acting salty, but when it comes to cheese, they’re just delicious. Salty cheese, which is also mostly crumbly in texture like feta and halloumi pair best with light-bodied white wines, rose and if you’re feeling a little celebratory, pop in the champagne

Recommended wines: Charosa Viognier Reserve, Chandon Brut Rosé NV

The Sour One

We love gorging on these cheeses, using them as spreads and alongside popular dishes, or just on bread. Yes, bread and cheese stands right next to the heavenly pairing of wine and cheese. These include sour cream, cream cheese, ricotta etc and as a rule of thumb, avoid painting it with full-bodied red wine. A light bodied red or white will do the trick here.

Recommended wines: J’Noon White, Grover Zampa Chêne Grande Reserve

High on Umami

The fruity and high on umami cheese are most common and liked by almost everyone! We’re talking about cheddar, colby, parmesan etc. You can pick a good medium to full bodied reds for this one.

Recommended wines: Reserve Tempranillo, KRSMA Sangiovese

 

wine and cheese

 

Now that you’ve got the cheat sheet with you, you’re already a pro. Like anything else, once you get on with it, with trial and error, you’ll finally master the right pairings.

Who knows, in a few months you wouldn’t even need this guide.

How to Throw a Fun & Stress-Free Dog Party for Your Pooch!

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The fun, laughter, memories that come with being a party is meant jsut as much for our furbabies as it is meant for us. So why not throw a cute little pawty for your pooch?! It’d be day filled with memories for not only the pets but also their hoomans and it is far more stress-free than you think. Read on to know about the key elements for throwing fun and fuss-free pooch pawty.

dog party ideas

#1 The Pawty Venue

You’ll have to do some research before deciding on your pet party venue. Firstly, you’ll have to find a pet-freindly place that is open to hosting pet parties. Secondly, as a pet party host, it is crucial that you first go to the venue beforehand to scope out the space and invite the number of dogs accordingly. You’ll ideally want to choose a place that has good capacity, and can be modified to be accident-proof. Also opt for a venue that can organise a make-shift play area for dogs, this is essential to avoid puppers from getting overwhelmed with too many dogs in small spaces.

Here’s a list of pet-friendly places in Mumbai that you could checkout for your pet-party venue!

  • Keiba, Mahalaxmi
  • Doolally, Andheri/Bandra
  • Brewdog, Bandra/Lower Parel
  • Herb House, Cuffe Parade 
  • Zane’s, Lower Parel
  • Fetch, Versova

 

pet party ideas

 

#2 Pet-Friendly Decor

Decor for pet-parties may not sound like the most favourable idea, but there is a way to make it simple, stunning and fun! You’ll want to go for installations that are easy-to-assemble (and disassemble!). We recommend opting for interactive decor that allows dogs and their humans to engage with the party. Here are a few ideas you could explore for interactive dog-friendly decor!

  • Photobooth – always a great idea, because all hoomans love to take pictures of, and with their pets. 
  • Ball Pit – Easy to put-together, and super fun, dogs and ball-pits are a match made in heaven!
  • Dog Masks (for hoomans!) – Allow the humans to blend in the party with adorable masks or doggy head-bands. You could even allow them to take it home as their own little momento!

 

 

 

#3 Pawsome Party Treats

Coming to what will be your pets favourite part of the party – doggo treats! Easy, fuss-free snackables is the best way to go about deciding the party menu for the dogs – think pupsicles, fetch treats or crunchy dog chowder. 

We’ve listed a few safe and easy preparations that we know the puppers would loovvee to chomp down. 

  • Yogurt Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Dog Treats
  • Chicken and Oatmeal Doggy Cutlets
  • Watermelon Pupsicles

 

 

Pawsome Party Treats

 

But you could also hire professional dog caterers in the city to handle your puppy party menu from end to end. Here’s a list of our favourite dog bakeries in Mumbai!

  • The Spoilt Brat Barkery (9820873287)
  • Gormutt, The Pet Bakery (visit website here)
  • Piper’s Pet Bakery (9820218236)
  • Harley’s Corner (visit website here)

P.S. Do keep water bowls handy at every corner of the venue, and don’t forget the party menu for humans!

#4 Pawlympic Party Games

Keep the doggos (and hoomans!) engaged throughout the party with some fun, doggy games. The venue would ideally have a play area for dogs, but you could also organise a few party games for the pets and give out little treat hampers to winners and participants!

Here are a few ideas for some super fun, and super simple to organise pet party games:

  • Obstacle Course for Dogs – this doesnthave to be too complicated, you could have 2-3 obstacles such as a doggy tunnel, zig-zag cones and a hoop jump.
  • Musical Mats – yup you guessed it! This is just like musical chairs but fot dogs and humans. They may not be as smart about sitting down when the music stops, but thats what the fun is all about!
  • Dog Fancy Dress – a pet-party classic! You could use a polaroid camera for clicking each dog and hanging the picture to the pet parent at the end of the party for a sweet little party favour!
  • DIY Pet Collars – this one’s for hoomans! You could hav a small booth for pet parents where they would be able to design or paint their new dog collars with pet-safe paints.

 

Pawlympic Party Games

 

Pawlympic Party Games

 

#5 Pawty Rules for All 

Perhaps the most important part of the puppy party – Pawty Rules. Draft a set of regulations to ensures that the dogs have a tail-wagging time, and send it across to all the pet parents before the party. The Pawty Rules will allow the pet parents to come prepared with the essentials and will make your job easier as the host. Here are a few essential pointers to include in the Pawty Rules docket.

  1. Ask pet-parents about allergies to ensure that the party-food is allergy free.
  2. All pet parents must bring their own little cleaning kit consisting of a pooper-scooper and paperbags. 
  3. Keep dogs on leash in indoor areas.
  4. Make sure all the pets are up to date with their vaccines. 
  5. Print out puppy pawty etiquettes for all the guests to avoid any accidents.

Fun & Adorable Games for Baby Showers

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So you’ve taken the huge responsibility of throwing your friend or close one a baby shower in India. Food – check, decor – check, entertainment? Well, we understand your woes. While baby showers are all cute, one needs to bring in the much needed entertainment to ensure a fun evening.

We’re going to make life a whole lot easier for you! In the next 200 odd seconds you’ll have, at your disposal, a list of some super fund and adorable games that’ll make the evening a memorable one.

Is that candy?

Here’s a game that’s going to make everyone go ewww, but we promise it’s going to end up in a series of laughs. Here’s what you got to do. Take some popular brands of chocolate, melt them and put it on a clean diaper. Have the guests smell/taste/lick it and guess the brand. If you’re hosting this baby shower in India, make sure you use local chocolates.

 

baby shower games

 

Baby? Not me

What’s the most common word heard at a baby shower? Baby! Yes, you got that right. When your guests arrive, attach a safety pin or a cute customized pin on them. Everytime someone catches someone saying the B word, you get to keep their pin. At the end of the evening, the guest with the most pins takes away the prize.

Match the baby

We all love cute adorable images of babies, don’t we? If the first game makes people go eww, this one will make them go aww. Ask the guests to bring in their baby picture and hang up each photo next to a number. Give the guests 5 minutes to match the baby photos to the guests. We say, this makes for a perfect ice breaker too.

 

fun baby shower games

 

Baby food tasting

Yes, you heard that right! In this delicious game, you puree various types of baby food. Think: Pureed bananas. Now that you’ve set up the list, it’s time to put everyone on a tasting test.

Have the guests taste different types of food and write their guess on a sheet. How well do you know your baby food?

baby shower game ideas

It’s time for music, baby!

A more modern game, this one is going to test everyone’s music knowledge, but with a baby twist! Make a playlist with songs that have the word baby in it. Yes, we’re thinking about Baby, one more time by Britney Spears or Baby by Justin Bieber. If you’re hosting this baby shower in India, go innovative and use bollywood music as well. Baby ko bass pasand hai? Yes!

Play the first 5-10 seconds of the song and have the guests guess the tune. The one who gets the most songs right, takes the cake.

So, we got you the perfect starter kit for hosting just the right baby shower! It’s time to get this in motion and watch people trying to book you for their next baby shower.

 

Affordable wines in India that are great for gifting

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We all love a good glass of vino! Owing to the new wave with craft alcohol and wine, we’re seeing a bunch of new wines that have recently arrived on the block.

These wines are delicious, affordable and help make wine as a drink accessible to all. We’ve put together a list of wines, across different ranges. Hold tight, we’re about to enter the very fascinating world of wines.

 

The budget-friendly wines under INR 2500

 

The budget-friendly wines under INR 2500

A good wine doesn’t feel artificial on the palate and has a nice mouth-feel. Depending on the type you’re going for – which is light-bodied, medium-bodied or heavy-bodied, pick something up after a little research on where it’s produced, is the winery a known-one etc.

Including international wines, here are a few picks by our team to get you started. These are great to inculcate yourself into this world of god-sent grape juice or even from a gifting stand point.

  • Jacobs Creek Merlot – INR 1500
  • Amaris Pinot Grigio – INR 2100
  • Antares Cabernet Sauvignon – INR 1700
  • Batasiolo Moscato Spumante Rose – INR 2310

 

The classy yet affordable wines under INR 4000

 

The classy yet affordable wines under INR 4000

These wines will definitely catch eye-balls and make for great gifts for parties and for special occasions. One can never go wrong with a good bottle of wine; it’s thoughtful and elegant at the same time.

  • Black Stone Chardonnay – INR 3300
  • Cape Mentelle Shiraz – INR 3369
  • 958 Santero Ice Moscato Dry – INR 2750
  • Château Routas Rose – INR 3475

 

The classy yet affordable wines under INR 4000

 

The fancy wines for special occasions under INR 6000

You’re celebrating something special, or want to gift something to someone super special, we’ve got your back. These wines are tried and tested by wine connoisseurs and will take you straight to wine heaven.

  • Alexis Lechine Saint Emilion – INR 4900
  • Bad Boy Bordeaux Thunevin – INR 5795
  • Bramito Della Sala Chardonnay – INR 4250
  • BY OTT Cotes De Provence Rose – INR 4950

 

The fancy wines for special occasions under INR 6000

 

fancy wines for special occasions

 

With this guide in hand, you can become a master at wine, both to pick something for yourself or to gift it to someone. We highly recommend trying all these yourself too. Bring out some cheese and olives from the shelf and find out for yourself on what pairs better with what.

The Experts Guide to Setting the Perfect Dinner Table

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Hosting again? Let’s get to talking tables. Setting a dinner correctly is not only an invaluable life skill but also a fantastic way to give your guests a wonderful evening that leaves them feeling enamored and impressed.

We’ve broken down the process of laying a basic, informal, and formal dining table right from linens, serveware, crockery, cutlery, and glasses. Read to know about the place-setting rules and ideas that help you set a splendid dinner table of dreams.

Basic Table

The basic table setting is a casual, no-frills necessary spread that is laid out for usual morning breakfasts or weeknight dinners. The table may be basic, but it’s put together enough to present a splendid meal.

 

Setting the Perfect Dinner Table

 

What you’ll need:

• Table mat
• Dinner plates
• Forks, knives, and spoons
• Drinking glasses
• Napkins

Directions

• Lay the table mat and place a plate in the middle
• Place a napkin on the left side of the table, adjacent to the plate
• A fork to the left on the napkin, a knife, and a spoon to the right (make sure the knife blade is pointing towards the plate)
• The glass must be positioned above the plate, or over the knife

Informal Table

Ideal for small gatherings such as special dinners, friendly reunions, or casual brunches, the informal table setting is an elevated version of the basic table with a fancier feel.

 

dinner table decoration ideas

 

What you’ll need:

  • Table cover, table runner (optional), table mats, and napkins
  • Dinner plates, quarter plates, and small plates
  • Salad fork (if you’re serving salad), soup spoon (if you’re serving spoon), dinner fork, dinner spoon, dinner knife, and dessert spoon.
  • Water glass, wine/cocktail glass, tea/coffee cup & saucer (optional)
  • Serving bowls, plates, and spoons

Directions

  • Lay the table cloth, and table mats and spread the table runner through the middle of the table (you can use a circular one for round tables)
  • The serverware is placed on top of the table runner
  • Place the dinner plate in the middle of the mat, with the quarter plate on top. Alternatively, you can also place the quarter plate to the left of your forks.
  • The bowl goes on top of the dinner plate (or quarter plate if that’s on top of the dinner plate).
  • Place the napkin to the left of the decorative plates
  • Place the fork on the napkin left on the dinner plates. Put the knife on the right side of the plates and next to it place the spoon.
  • A water glass with a wine/cocktail glass to its right; a tea or coffee cup to the right of the wine glass

Formal Table

This is the setting fit for birthday dinners, wedding dinners, festive feasts, or official suppers. Such scrumptious spreads require showstopping tableware, right from the entrée ensembles to the main course extravaganza.

One of the main additions to the formal setting is the introduction of a charger plate. A charger plate is essentially a presentation plate that no one eats from. While traditional table etiquette dictates that a charger plate is an integral part of a formal setting, we believe that no rule is set in stone, and one doesn’t need to go out of their way to purchase them. However, touché if you do use a charger plate.

 

dinner table decoration ideas

dinner table decoration ideas

 

What you’ll need:

  • Table cover, table runner (optional), table mats, and napkins
  • Charger plates, dinner plates, quarter plates, and small plates
  • Flatware: salad fork, soup spoon, fish/oyster fork, dinner fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon
  • Water glass, a white wine glass, and a red wine glass
  • Serving bowls, plates, and spoons
  • Placards (optional)

Directions

  • Lay the table cloth, and table mats and spread the table runner through the middle of the table (you can use a circular one for round tables)
  • The serverware is placed on top of the table runner
  • Place the charger plate under the plate your first course will be served in, the quarter plate can either be placed under the bowl or go to the left of your forks.
  • Place a napkin on the left side of the charger plate
  • On the left side, adjacent to the charger, place the salad fork outside and the dinner fork inside. You may also put both forks on the napkin or you may even place the forks between the napkin and charger.
  • Put the knife on the right side of the charger plate (blade pointing towards the charger) and next to the knife place the soup spoon.
  • Just above the charger place the tablespoon. The mouth is facing the left and the handles pointing to the right.
  • Place the water glass on the top right, directly above the knife. To the right of the water glass slightly upward, place the red wine glass, and just below the red wine glass and slightly downward to the right place the white wine glass.

Breaking the Rules

Now, to add a little personal touch, Spreeh recommends a few tips you could use for a dinner table that speaks to your style.

  • Feel free to throw in some colorful glassware to break the monotony of colorless glass
  • With tableware, mixing a few vintage pieces with old favorites is always a welcome idea to add character
  • If you’re feeling up for it, think about strategically mixing and matching your fine china to serve dinner with a side of creativity

 

The Experts Guide to Setting the Perfect Dinner Table