Bespoke English Parties
One of my favorite holiday memories is spending an enchanting week in England last year, visiting my soon-to-be-husband’s extended family that lives across the pond. We took a whirlwind tour of the indescribably charming area called the Cotswolds, and I’ll never forget the beautiful cottages, lush gardens (even in winter!), and oh-so-British shops & pubs.
Which is why I’m fascinated with Sophie Conran’s innovative company that plans & hosts “Bespoke Country House Parties” on the beautiful grounds of the Temple Guiting Manor in the Cotswolds. What does this mean, you might ask? Well, the entire concept of “bespoke” means that it’s whatever you can dream up, although Sophie & her team have some delicious ideas to get you started. It’s all about creating unforgettable experiences for your guests, which is totally in line with my entertaining philosophy. On the menu:
Hot Air: Bread-baking course with Dan Lepard (one of the most respected bakers in the world) followed by an intro to beer-brewing with master restaurateur Mark Hix. End the evening with a picturesque trip in a hot air balloon.
Mad Dogs & English Men: Get the company together for a master cook-off. Participate in a famous cheese rolling competition & learn to make proper English pies.
Back the Winner: Don your hats for a day at the famous Cheltenham horse races, then participate in a perfume master class with Bella Bellissima. The day caps off with a cookery competition.
Girls Beauty Weekend: The ultimate in pampering. Arrive at the company’s gorgeous Cotswolds property to a proper English tea with champagne. Learn about Indian culture, its exotic cuisine, & even take a Bollywood dance lesson from TV chef Monisha Bharadwaj. Indulge in massages & get a makeup lesson suited to complement your personal style.
The Ultimate Christmas: Talk about Christmas magic… invite the family to Temple Guiting for a traditional English Country Christmas. Proper tea, champagne tastings, luxurious massage, & gourmet feasts are all part of the deal. Throw in a lesson in holiday decorating & floral design, and cap it off with a master lesson in cooking the ultimate Christmas classics, like English pudding & mincemeat pies.
Yep, Sophie & her team are pure party geniuses. So what’s the takeaway lesson for those of us who can’t hop across the pond for a bespoke party? When entertaining this holiday season, take some time to break the mold and add a few touches that create extraordinary experiences for your guests. Nothing could be more fun than learning something new together!
