- Another Bride, Another June
Glorious sunshine, perfect English summer flowers and some of the loveliest brides imaginable, have given the AC one of its busiest summers ever. We seem to have been surrounded by the excitement of weddings for the last three months.
These have ranged from a grand dinner for 700 guests held in a marquee on the lawns at the impossibly beautiful Blenheim Palace, to an intimate wedding in a Norman church, which we filled with ivory Sweet Peas and pretty green Alchemilla.
As always, the summer brings its challenges - trying to find 500 perfect Bougainvillea in any colour except purple led us to specialist growers all over the country, who nurtured the precious blooms so that they were perfect on the day.
A large wedding held in a museum on the hottest day of the year involved frantic last minute searches for cooling fans as the temperature rose and rose. The outside terraces were a haven for smokers and non smokers alike and our charming staff kept temperatures down by offering guests ice cold champagne and chilled glasses of green tea sharpened with lemon zest, in which we floated ravishing hibiscus flowers.
Weddings are one offs - a day charged with emotion and expectation - everything has to be flawless and it’s all about detail, detail, detail.
We are fortunate to have many wonderful clients with whom our skilled and creative party designers form close bonds. They’ve spent months talking about everything from the dress, flowers, and tablecloths, to the Grandparent’s health, the client’s dog and the honeymoon. So when the day is over and the bride is married and her mother is glowing with pride, it’s not unusual for clients to want to keep talking to their ‘planner’- a sort of wedding withdrawal. This for us, is one of the best parts of our business, as christenings, Barmitzvahs, 21st Birthdays and in time another wedding can start with the simple phone call to the AC where a bright eyed girl says, “I’m engaged - can I discuss my wedding!!”
- Because We Can, Can, Can
One of our oldest and most faithful clients called us in March. We’ve worked together for 25 years producing fantastic parties. This year they asked us to recreate The Moulin Rouge as a setting for a dinner for 200 guests.
We built an extraordinary theatre in their country garden – lined entirely in red, it had a perfect replica of the famous Paris nightclubs stage and remarkable period detail. We served an 1890’s inspired supper including gilded lobster tails and throughout dinner a cabaret of Indian dancers, aerialists, singers, acrobats (including the sensational Bath Boy) and burlesque performers kept guests entertained. The kaleidoscope of colours ranged from violet and tangerine to absinthe and Jaipur pink making the room spin – the culmination was a sensational Can Can, after which the stage revolved to reveal a glittering nightclub beyond.
How wonderful that in these times, people are generous enough to spend money on parties.
I hope our clients read this and accept our thanks - I also know that they and we had marvellous fun.
- Grunge and Graffiti
We had a great time looking for old wrecked convertible cars to use as occasional seating, for a Grunge and Graffiti party. We scoured breakers’ yards to find suitable vehicles - it’s amazing what you find.
Cleaned up, engines, and petrol tanks and front seats out - they looked tatty but fun. We then employed a graffiti artist who transformed the cars into sexy, edgy places to chill - cool to reach behind you and find bottles of beer and cocktails sitting in mountains of ice where the convertible roof used to be.
- Air Miles AC
It wouldn’t be an AC summer without last minute flights around the world.
We have been to the south of France, Ireland, Venice and Canada in the last six weeks. Canada was particularly tough as we flew there twice in two weeks - each time only for a day or two. However, despite the jet lag, we had the great fortune to be helping with the plans for an incredible party and had the opportunity to work with the truly amazing Cirque du Soleil. Their performers are ‘super talented - and super beautiful‘ to quote one of their staff – we think it’s absolutely true!
Venice now wraps us in its arms like an old friend. We have worked there so often, and it’s the perfect place to party - combining, romance, mystery and grandeur. We have just found five private palaces with incredible gardens, which are available for hire – one right on the edge on the Grand Canal. The ideal place for a September party!
- Let the Meat ‘Pie’
Simple is often best, and when it’s mixed with mama’s cooking, it can be irresistible.
This summer we were asked to serve Old Fashioned Chicken Pie as a main course at a large and very grand dance. Our client is glamorous and chic, with an innate sense of style and together we had the joy of several delicious but unwaistline friendly tastings. Finally we reached the perfect combination of White and Dark Chicken, delicate wild mushrooms and herb infused sauce. Topped with a golden crown of air light pastry, each individual pie was served in a wreath of lavender, sage, rosemary and wild myrtle. The result was totally delicious and effortlessly stylish.
Courage and confidence can make almost anything smart - fish and chips served to 150 guests on a client’s silver-gilt chargers in a Palazzo on the Veneto, somehow seemed more special then eating them from a copy if the Daily Mail!
- Summer Herbs
Our Pastry chefs are combining English herbs with their newest puddings - basil cress snipped over rich chocolate mousse and fat ripe figs is amazing. Treacle tart with kumquats and sorrel cress is a great way to finish an August shooting lunch. Summer strawberries with tarragon is a delicious and unusual.
- Staycation
A frightful word for a wonderful chance to explore our beautiful countryside. Rocking Rock, beautiful Burnham Market and the ‘Isle de Blanc’- all provide the ideal chance to entertain on warm summer evenings with the sea breezes keeping you cool.
Our mixologists have created some special seaside cocktails for beachy, balmy evenings, these include:
Boarding Bubble CocktailAn unusual and fragrant combination of Lychee Liqueur, Elderflower and Grenadine topped with our house Champagne.
Deck Chair SourSmoky and citrus aromas combine with bitter orange, cinnamon and our specially sourced Spiced Barbadan Rum for a perfectly balanced cocktail that seduces the palate.
Iced Kiss-me-quickTanqueray Gin is muddled with fresh Gooseberries, Elderflower Liqueur and Lake Chalice Sauvignon Blanc, then topped with Fever Tree Tonic. Powerful yet delicately perfumed, and simply delicious
Crichton’s Rock Pool FizzA stunning combination of Gin, lemon and lime juices and a touch of orange blossom water. Topped with champagne and finished with a juniper sugar rim.
August promises to be hot and that often means biting insects. We found the perfect solution, Roullier White’s ‘Unstung Hero’ A great mosquito repellent deliciously scented with lemon tea. Order online or call 0208693515.
- Cornbury
This ultimate summer concert was held in July - the perfect family day out, safe, fun but not boring, with a fantastic Moroccan inspired VIP tent. It takes place on the superb Cornbury Park Estate in Oxfordshire- really beautiful. For next year’s concert call 08714720420.
- Christmas
We are simply not talking about that yet - but we do have some amazing, snow filled, glittered, dazzling, original, extraordinary, tricks up our sleeves - as you would expect!!!!!!!
Have a very happy holiday - don’t forget the bucket, spade and sunscreen.