Whether your wedding is just around the corner or you’re still in the early stages of planning, it’s never too early to start thinking about what to feed your wedding guests. So our guest expert Jen Middlehurst – food guru and all round creative whizz from Kalm Kitchen – is on hand to offer some ideas and inspiration on seasonal menu choices…
Spring fling
Spring signifies new beginnings, the start of longer days and the promise of a hot summer ahead. Fresh seasonal produce at this time includes asparagus, garden salads, Jerusalem artichoke, scallops, sea bass and fresh spring lamb – nothing too heavy or rich in carbohydrates.
I always encourage couples to consider fresh fish dishes at this time of year or delicious sharing mezze boards – perfect for breaking the ice. For drinks, take advantage of in-season Elderflower berries and serve your guests fresh cordial or spike your Champagne reception drinks with Elderflower liqueur for added zing!
Summer soiree
A relaxed take on afternoon tea, table picnics are set to be extremely popular in 2014, each table is given a picnic hamper filled with deli-style eats, fresh bread, cold meats, cheeses and sweet treats – the hampers can even be personalised for each table.
For a summer dessert our absolute favourite and most popular dish is Eton Mess. We like to do things a little differently at Kalm Kitchen, so suggest a Deconstructed Mess to our couples. Each table is presented with beautiful cut glass cake stands, bowls and glasses, guests are then encouraged to fill their vintage tea cup with meringue, berries and cream – delicious and I couldn’t think of a more quintessentially British treat for a summer wedding.
Autumnal gatherings
Autumn is synonymous with comfort food, great British traditional home cooking with a colour palette of auburn orange and copper. Ingredients such as root vegetables, parsnips, sweet potatoes and hearty dishes such as pies, casseroles and a great British roast spring to mind when planning an autumnal reception. You could opt to serve your guest mini beef and vintage ale pies – topped off with wedding-worthy heart-shaped puff pastry lids for a cute take on a classic dish.
For desserts, choose warm classics such as apple crumble with English custard or sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce, vanilla ice-cream and a cinder toffee crisp – the perfect end to the ultimate wedding feast!
Winter wonderland
For a winter wedding why not serve your guests some traditional Christmas canapés, such as pigs in blankets or deep fried brie accompanied with cranberry sauce? It’s sure to raise a smile and keep those winter chills at bay.
For your main course you could opt for a traditional Christmas dinner or offer a contemporary twist by serving rare roast fillet of beef, horseradish dauphinoise potatoes accompanied with Brussels sprouts and cabbage. And for dessert you can really go to town – why not serve your guests a trio of miniature festive treats from mince pieces to mini figgy puds?
Sticking to a colour palette of reds, greens and golds is a great way of adding a festive touch to your dinner service. When choosing your drinks, tipples such as hot-spiced cider and mulled wine are perfect seasonal alternatives to the traditional Champagne reception and are ideal for getting your guests in the festive spirit!
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