- A Birthday
It’s difficult for us to believe that this January, The Admirable Crichton celebrates its 28th birthday. Over the last three decades, we have grown from a tiny company of two people providing Director’s lunches, into one of Europe’s leading party designers and caterers, organising hundreds of events a year.
During wars, recessions, booms, bird flu, foot and mouth and the very heady times in the 80’s, late 90’s and early 2000’s, we have created some of the most memorable parties, and it is this heritage of experience that has made us sensitive to our clients and their constantly changing needs.
Once again we find ourselves in challenging times, and so we are adapting our menus and designs, to create events which from our clients’ perspective “send the right message”. However it is still important that our clients and their guests have fun and of course the Admirable Crichton’s team is expert in ensuring that your events are enjoyable and successful.
Effortless style is not a question of how much money one spends but rather it reflects the creativity and “out of the box” thinking of the designers who create it. One flawless flower or glossy branch of magnolia in a beautiful container can often have more impact than sixty roses crammed in a vase. Table cloths of fine Italian silk are of course beautiful, but equally cotton twill dust sheets, hand dyed in a ravishing colour can make an effective, budget beating alternative, specially when teamed with the china, glass and decorative containers which are stored away in our incredible warehouses. It is this ethos which is influencing the style and look of our 2009 events.
- Christmas
Our Christmas was as busy as ever, with many wonderful parties decorated using some of the amazing purchases we have made on recent European trips. We installed a fully working ice rink in a client’s garden, complete with pine trees and snow (thankfully no broken bones) and turned a Gazebo in Europe into a glittering Russian palace.
However fun these parties were, there is always a collective sigh of relief when the glitter and baubles are packed away for another twelve months and a New Year/clean slate begins.
- Spring
Spring is not far away, the first snow drops and viburnum are beating the cold.
At a dinner this month we are using fabrics in pale Dior grey, parma violet and acid green as a background for these delicately precious flowers, arranged in simple white vases – chic, understated and perfect - the essence of a New Year.
- The Snow and The Finances
In the isolation of Davos in Switzerland, the world’s financial experts meet each year to discuss the things which shape our lives and for most of us are too complex to grasp.
Fortunately for us, long hours of meetings and trudging through snow means that these men and women get hungry. They long for comfortable surroundings, good food and something to lift their spirits.
Corporate entertaining even in the remoteness of the Alps is competitive and while signs of “luxe” would be inappropriate this year, the wheels of finance are still oiled round a dining table.
As we have done for many years, the AC is donning its snow chains and skis, and sending our super talented chefs and florists to provide world class food to world leaders. It’s great experience for our chefs to buy produce in other European countries and to work in a different environment. They and our clients enjoy the end result.
En route, we often travel through Zurich. All chefs cross-pollinate ideas and so we try to visit Heiko Neider, executive chef, at The Restaurant in the newly rebuilt Dolder Grand Hotel. This man has talent dripping off his fingertips – his restaurant got its first Michelin star and 17 points in the Gault Millau Guide within six months of opening.
Dinner there is a rare treat and one which is an inspiration. Open five days a week, those going to the WEF should try to get a table! (+41 44 45 66 000).
- Budget Conscious Hosts and Hostesses
Whether you are entertaining clients or friends – the AC is aware that everyone has a budget.
With this in mind we have dreamt up delicious canapés and menus sensibly priced but which still retain our flair and attention to detail. Call us to receive our newest Menu du Jour inspirations which includes:
Canapés: Little Goats Cheese Soufflé with a Rhubarb Compote
Crushed, minted Spring Peas with Buffalo Mozzarella and Lemon on Brioche
Main Courses: Leg of South Kent Lamb with an English Asparagus, Watercress and Sorrel Salad, Rosemary Roasted New Potatoes and a warm Goats Cheese dressing
Roast Breast of Chicken with crushed Pistachios, Broad Beans and Peas tossed with Prosciutto, Mint and Tarragon, New Potatoes and a Gewürztraminer Velouté
As always we are conscious of the need to support British growers and where possible we always buy home grown produce.
Our wine department has also found delicious wines for Spring and Summer drinking – subtle and fresh, these are sold at a price which makes them a sensible alternative to buying from your own wine merchant. It is so easy to order from us, and we only charge for what you drink – none of that trying to work out how much you should buy and being left with cases of something you don’t need or even want to pay for.
Le Coq d’Oc Chardonnay 2007, Vin de Pays d’Oc
A lovely oaky Chardonnay with vanilla and caramel flavours, this is perfect with Monkfish £6.00 +VAT per bottle
Prosecco Frizzante Spago, Veneto IGT, Italy
A medium dry Prosecco from Veneto in Italy, a light and easy drinking alternative to Champagne – ideal for a pre lunch garden drinks on a spring Sunday morning.
- Wedding Memories
One way of making a wedding day last beyond the cake and confetti is to use plants as well as flowers for the decoration. Glorious white jasmine can be incorporated in the decoration of the church and the plants can then be put in your garden, so that every year their beautiful flowers and heavenly scent will evoke memories of your special day.
- Party On
Sunshine, warmer days and long evenings are only weeks away and as the trees burst and the smells of the last log fires of winter filter through the scents of spring daffodils and blossom, there is no better time to entertain.
We all the need the fun of sharing food and wine with friends and family.
We hope 2009 brings you many reasons to celebrate.