Feasting, family and festive fun
THE BEST SEAT OF THE SEASON
The festive season isn’t just about the food or décor, it’s about gathering, reconnecting and savouring the moments that unfold around the table. This year, more than ever, I’m reminded that the people around us make the season meaningful, and setting the table beautifully is one of the ways we show just how special they are.
FEASTING UNDER OPEN SKIES
As much as I love spending time in Nice, there’s something special about a warmer holiday season at home that we sometimes take for granted, which is why I love celebrating the season with some fun summer flair.
And what better place to celebrate than outdoors? A Christmas in beautiful South Africa lends itself perfectly to al fresco dining, with sunlight filtering through the trees, the sound of glasses clinking, and soft linens blowing in the warm breeze. Outdoor seating creates atmosphere naturally, offering space for long lunches and slow feasting, the perfect backdrop for a table that feels both relaxed and thoughtfully styled.
A FEAST WORTH SHARING
At the heart of any good celebration lies food, and I believe that the festive season is all about indulgence made thoughtful.
When it comes to a holiday table you need to set the scene, and no celebration is complete without grazing elements, think artisan cheeses generously layered on wooden boards, paired with Forage And Feast preserves and cheese toppers. A drizzle of honey, a dollop of fig or quince, and suddenly your cheese becomes a conversation starter and a piece of the decoration as you prepare for the big event.
For the mains you can’t go wrong with a traditional centrepiece that draws the eye, something mouthwatering like the Forage And Feast Limited Edition Beechwood Smoked Sliced Gammon glazed to perfection, offering that irresistible balance of savoury and festive sweetness, pre-sliced to make your life a little easier. A protein variation like the delicate richness of Forage And Feast Frozen Swordfish adds a refined touch, perfect for warmer summer days when lighter main dishes offer a bit of variety.
For the grand finale, dessert is a moment in its own right. Picture platters of festive sweet treats like the Forage And Feast Limited Edition Berry & White Chocolate Panna Cotta, Forage And Feast Limited Edition Peppermint Crunch Dessert and the Forage And Feast Limited Edition Mini Festive Gold Cupcakes which are perfect for sharing, each bite creating sweet memories.
THE ART OF THE TABLE
With courses so special, the homeware on the table deserves equal appreciation. The new limited edition JAN x Forage And Feast Homeware Collection brings both artistry and practicality to your festive table.
A handy salt pinch pot sits ready for finishing touches, a small detail that elevates serving and seasoning. The olive oil and vinegar drizzle bottles become both utensil and ornament, placed elegantly amongst the dishes. A thoughtful honey bottle and maple wood dipper make the act of sweetening cheese or bread a moment of play, and the specialist cheese knives turn your festive cheeseboard into a piece of art.
These curated homeware pieces aren’t just tools, they’re extensions of hospitality. They help transform eating into dining, and dining into celebrating.
THE COMPANY THAT COUNTS
As beautiful as the scene of fresh dishes, curated homeware and flickering candles under an open sky may be, the true heart of the season remains the people gathered around you. So this festive season, pile the plates, pass the bread and savour every bite of indulgence, but most importantly, acknowledge that the greatest gift is not what’s on the table, but the moments shared around it.