Do you know how to lay the perfect Christmas Table? I bet some people will struggle like me just to try to identify the different types of knifes! As a Chinese person, we were brought up to use chopsticks and spoons. I always found it hard to work my way into those fancy cutlery sets while have a formal meal. Luckily through this event, I was able to learn and pick up tips from Simon Price, the fourth generation Arthur Price.
The event was hosted at Arthur’s Of The Grand, Wolverhampton Grand theatre. This is a newly open cocktail bar and pre-theatre area sponsored by Arthur Price. Designed in an art deco style, it is the perfect pre-theatre location to entertain family, friends and clients. It is good to know that you can enjoy the red carpet experience with your personal waiter in one of their private booths to enhance your evening! Each booth can seat up to six people and is situated on the balcony of Arthur’s Of The Grand.
First, we learnt how to make two Christmas cocktails and tips including how to dress the glass from the mixologist. These two cocktails were gorgeous and packed full of festive season spirit! I have to say that the rum was a bit too strong for me but it was delicious!
Next, we had the professional chef, Simon Smith demonstrating three Christmas course meals to impress our family and friends! Little did I know that slicing away the cucumber’s seeds will help to stop it from losing water and flood the dish! No wonder, my stir fries always ends up with so much gravy!
In 20 minutes, Simon managed to whisk up the starter – Salmon & Cucumber gateau, the main – Pan-Fried Turkey Escalope with cranberries and the dessert – Orange & Mascarpone snowball. Now I know what I am going to cook this Christmas! These recipes were simple and much of the preparation can be done a day early! I also picked up a tip of coating the turkey escalope with oil before putting it in the pan to ensure it cook well! Normally, I put oil in the pan and whack up the heat then the next thing I know is that I get lot of splashes all over the places!
Then we checked out the Arthur Price Christmas cake and picked up tips and hints about making festive cakes. I am not a big fan of mince pies and fruit cakes hence making a festive cake is not on my priority list.
Then we were shown how we could upcycle/reuse Christmas décor by placing the Christmas baubles into a vase and then adding a ribbon to create your masterpiece for your table. Add a Christmas tree napkin on the plate to add wow factor!
Lastly, Simon Price talked about cutlery and how to lay the perfect Christmas table. The rule of laying your cutlery is to lay it on the table based on order of use. The placement starts on the outside of the place setting and moves inward towards the plate.
We then had a little competition to place the cutlery in the right order! We were very close to winning as we didn’t realise that the smaller knife is a dessert/bread knife! We lost out to the other pair who managed to get 10 out of 10! Better luck next time and I better start learning to identify the different cutlery!
I had a great time and very thankful to Arthur Price and Wolverhampton Grand for this lovely event! I picked up lots of great tips and I just need to put them into practice! Now I just have to go to Arthur Price to pick up more cutlery for Christmas presents!
Disclosure: I was invited to the event and received a goody bag. Images used with permission.
