Menu Ideas For Decadent And Delicious Home Entertaining

In a season of celebration, what it means to celebrate and entertain is a little different this year. Nobody knows that better than event industry pros and Lynzie Kent and her team at Love By Lynzie have some inspiring (and yummy) ideas for the holidays which were photographed by Christine Lim.

“As we dip into colder temperatures and the reality of staying home this holiday season hits, we in the event and wedding industry, are looking for special ways to connect in smaller groups, really with our immediate family and partners,” Kent says. “The pandemic has had our industry re-inventing the wheel, creating out of the box ideas that we’ve not seen or done before, and this got me thinking. Aren’t we fatigued from zoom meetings? Isn’t everything we’ve ever needed at our fingertips? There is nothing like going back to tried and tested food and drink to reignite our passions and reconnect over a good meal and a delicious glass of wine.”

Kent says with this in mind she decided to partner with Fresh Wines and Serenity Wines as well as No Small Feast to re-inspire what it means to connect in a simple and deeply meaningful way. Pairing some of Fresh Wines and Serenity Wines with incredible food that complement the drink and the season—think of it as a feast for your senses! Check out some pretty incredible menu ideas and wine pairings below.

AMUSE-BOUCHE
Smoked salmon blini: Potato blini, lemon spiked mascarpone, roe, chives.
Wine Pairing: FRESH Horizons Sparkling Moscato, a light fruity wine peppered with notes of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, pear and pineapple.

APPETIZER
Compressed octopus carpaccio: Kalamata olives, endive, radicchio, black olive, pickled chili, pepita, chive oil, lemon vinaigrette
Wine Pairing: Serenity by Lakeview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc VQA which features notes of tropical fruits, gooseberry and a hint of lime zest to create an ultra-fresh vintage.

MAIN COURSE
Brown butter glazed beef tenderloin: Roasted baby red beets, vincotto spiked jus, pink peppercorn, fresh parsley
Wine Pairing: Serenity by Lakeview Cellars Baco Noir VAQ, a full-bodied Baco packed with notes of smoky blackberries, black cherries and sped oak undertones.

DESSERT
Eton mess: Macerated berries, cherry brandy infused whipped cream, crispy meringue, strawberry rhubarb jam.
Wine Pairing: FRESH Possibilities Sparkling Rosé VQA, a Prosecco style sparkling vintage featuring sweet fruity notes like cherry, strawberry and pomegranate.

Additional vendor credits:
Table Rentals: The Perfect Table
Florals: Kenilworth Floral