Entertaining in your home
We all love to entertain in our homes. Let’s be honest, we love it even more when everything is beautifully set up and ready, giving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests, catch up over delicious food, and a glass (or 2) of your favourite tipple. Here are our top picks for ‘Autumn must haves’, featuring tips from our stylist Anna, to help any host entertain without a hitch.
1. Lay everything out
Stylishly lay your table with all the plates, glassware and cutlery you and your guests need. We love these gorgeous bobble edge plates which will add interest and elegance to any table setting. Teamed with striking gold coloured cutlery, you’ll have the perfect foundation for creating a tablescape to be proud of.
2. Serve at the table
Rustle up food in oven-to-table dishes, such as Le Creuset, for your guests to help themselves and enjoy. There are endless Le Creuset recipes to choose from, but the Chicken and Mushroom Fricassée is one of our favourites! We also love a good cheeseboard (who doesn’t?!) and they are perfect for laying on the table for guests to tuck into.
Try the Le Creuset Chicken and Mushroom Fricassée with Spring Onion and Herb Pilaf
Getting started…
1. Season the chicken portions with the salt and pepper.
2. Heat the butter & oil in a casserole dish over medium heat & sauté the chicken pieces in two batches. Brown chicken on all sides starting with skin-side fist, then transfer to a dish (around 8-10 mins in total).
3. Add shallots to the oil residue & cook over low heat for 5-6 mins until golden and caramelised. Stir in mushrooms and continue to cook for 2-3 mins.
4. Stir in flour & mustard and pour in the wine, then bring the contents to a simmer whilst stirring. Once thickened and glossy add the hot stock and the bay leaf.
5. Return the browned chicken pieces to the casserole, bring back to a simmer and cook for 20 mins with the lid on. Remove the lid and cook for a further 10-12 mins, reducing to a coating consistency. Stir occasionally.
Meanwhile, make the spring onion and herb pilaf…
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs relatively clear, then drain & tip into a large saucepan.
2. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and the boiling water. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low and leave to cook for 12-15 mins until the grains are just tender.
3. Remove the lid, fluff up the grains with a fork, re-cover and set to one side.
4. Melt the butter in another medium-sized pan, add the spring onions, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for 2 mins until just soft.
5. Uncover the rice once more, add the spring onions and herbs and gently fork together until well mixed. Cover and keep warm.
And finally…
Stir in the chopped herbs along with the crème fraîche to the fricassée and simmer for a final 2-3 mins. Adjust the seasoning to taste, remove the bay leaf and serve with the spring onion pilaf.
Chef’s notes:
Crème fraîche is a thick French soured cream with a fat content around 40%. Double cream with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice stirred through can be substituted for the crème fraîche. Tarragon can be substituted for thyme if liked.
3. Add some glorious greenery
Embellishing your table with greenery, whether its fresh flowers or an artificial display, will add a charming and welcoming appeal. Smaller gestures such as a sprig of lavender or foliage on napkins can make all the difference, and you can even use floral placemats to complete the look.
4. Dress to impress
Dress your table with elegant crystal cut glassware alongside your finest crockery, to truly impress your guests in style. Raise a toast with beautiful glass flutes such as the MIKASA Cheers set of 4 champagne flutes, perfect for any occasion.
5. Choose a theme
Choosing a theme for your tablescape will help you to plan everything from the menu to the table decorations. Whether it’s a particular colour or decorations to suit a special occasion, co-ordinating your table décor, glassware and dinnerware will help everything feel connected.
What’s your Autumn style?
For even more styling tips and inspiration, take a look at our social media channels! Use #housingunits or tag us on Instagram @housingunits to be featured on our page.