t s a e F r u o y Planning a Perfect, Hassle Free Christmas Lunch Does just the thought of that evoke the wave of anxiety that you experience on that special day once a year? Well let me tell you that, even as a seasoned professional being in the kitchen for the past 35 years, I still get that feeling. I put it down to it being one day we don’t want to disappoint our family and friends. Over the years, I have developed simple ways to one; not spend all day in the kitchen, and two, prepare and cook good tasty food on a fairly tight budget. It’s also important to know the capability of your kitchen and what you can afford, you don’t want to overpromise on the big day.
Another helpful hint is to think about what is traditionally mandatory fare for your Christmas settings, as that can add just a little bit more to the overall occasion. Ours, for instance, is a champagne brekkie with croissants - starts the day just nicely. Then there are the much more interesting and fun things to consider, such as what kind of meat will be served, what kind of salads does everyone prefer, and the most important – dessert. Usually it’s pudding or pavlova in my family. On the day, remember to stagger your prep, pre-cook as much as you can, and rely on reheating your goodies. Have all the veggies peeled and cut just prior to cooking, ready to roast.
Stephen Lunn
I also find a 1 PM start for lunch is best as there is not so much pressure as there is with a noon deadline, it’s amazing how time will slow down when you set lunch back a bit. Cook the items that will take longer first (usually your meats). Once ready, take out and fill up the oven with whatever else you have planned. This allows the meat to rest. Most importantly, relax, take a deep breath and work your magic, and remember that seasoning is your friend!
r o i r e t n I r you Have Yourself a Calming Little Christmas As a designer, I love to play around with different Christmas colours and styles, and this year is no different. I’ve once again chosen to break away from the traditional theme of red and green and instead opted for organic textures and a warm neutral palette. This ties in perfectly with my home decor and creates a sense of calm, which is especially important for me this Christmas after the year we’ve had. Instead of feeling the usual overwhelm, my focus this festive season is to unwind, reconnect and relax. I find that when my living space is cluttered, my mind is cluttered too.
My Christmas decorating feels soft and cohesive and is a perfect balance between quality and quantity, which is how I approach my design projects. Interior design and decoration is a challenging concept for many. It can be difficult to define your style, refine your colour scheme or select your finishes, fittings and furniture without worrying if the end result will be amazing or gone horribly wrong. With an extensive background in styling and decorating, my industry knowledge and experience will help you take the stress out of the process. If you’re building or renovating, looking for the perfect piece of furniture or wanting to sell your home in the new year and need help with presentation, I’d love to hear from you.
Sophie Scarlett
I’ll be taking on new clients and projects from Jan 2021. E: hello@sophiescarlettdesign.com.au P: 0409 618 787
