Yellow is my favourite colour: Sunny, bright, happy yellow. It’s also one of my most-loved scents and flavours. Whether you’re talking fashion or a lemon-infused recipe, embracing the iconic citrus is about loving its inherent vitality but also about appreciating its flip side – that tart and opinionated alter ego. I took lemon as inspiration for a recent dinner party at home. The sunshiny-hued theme was the starting point for cocktail hour, for the menu and for my hosting outfit as well. I hope it inspires your style and entertaining too! Sharing a few of my favourite lemony things below:
Greet Guests With Citrus Home Scents
I’ve had the good fortune of interviewing Nest New York’s smart and elegant founder Laura Slatkin many times. On one occasion, we spoke about her tips on scenting a home for entertaining. She spoke of citrus as being almost universally appealing so suggested citrusy home scents as a great choice when hosting. I love the brand’s Amalfi Lemon & Mint scented candle, for hosting occasions or when you just want to treat yourself. Opt for the diffuser if you want to tuck it into a powder room when you don’t want to worry about leaving a lit candle unattended.
Lemon Drops for Cocktail Hour
To start a dinner party evening off on the right lively foot, I propose Lemon Drop Cocktails. These are a classic sour style cocktail and are super refreshing, especially when you add a sugar rim on your glass so you experience a hint of sweetness with each tart sip. Lovely!
Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 parts vodka
- 1 part orange flavoured liqueur (I used Triple Sec)
- Lemon wedge
- White sugar for rim
- Lemon twist for garnish
Method:
- Wet the rim of a martini glass or coupe with a lemon wedge and dip into sugar. Put aside.
- Place all other ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until icy cold.
- Pour into glass or coupe and garnish with lemon twist. Enjoy!
A Lemon Loving Dinner Menu from Ottolenghi
I look to Yotam Ottolenghi when I’m after light dinner options that are thoroughly satisfying. One of my favourite recipes from him that relies on lemon as a key flavour is from his Plenty More cookbook: Brussels Sprout Risotto. It’s rich and creamy and with the addition of lots of lemon and roasted sprouts, it’s got a satisfying citrus counterpoint to that lush creaminess and Parmigiano plus crunch too. With a fresh and crusty baguette and a bottle of crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc, you’re all set for a truly great dinner.
If you don’t have this Ottolenghi cookbook, the Essential Ottolenghi [Special Edition, Two-Book Boxed Set] is worth investing in – and makes a great gift too! – because it includes both the Simple and the Plenty More books. (FYI, my husband and I are working through both cookbooks and have not found a recipe that’s less than excellent.)
The Best Lemon Meringue Pie for Dessert
Who doesn’t love lemon meringue pie? It’s a go-to for all sorts of special family meals but it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser if you’re having a dinner party of friends, too. We’ve tried several versions of lemon meringue pie at our home (always in search of the superlative), but my tried-and-true recipe is from the Joy of Cooking. I use its Lemon Curd recipe – it’s rich and tart and super-delicious – and then its separate recipe for meringue. (Tip: When I don’t have the time or inclination to make my own pastry, ready-made pie shells work just fine!)
Yes To Lemon Yellow Fashion And Fragrance
Lemony cocktails, pasta and pie! It only gets better when you get to wear something upbeat and sunshiny yellow, too. I love these easy relaxed full lemon-yellow trousers from Zara worn with a little white tank for casual hosting or this breezy, pleated yellow midi dress from Banana Republic. These are clothes to feel good in, comfortable and chic. Especially when you match your hosting outfit with some pretty low-heels or flats!
Entertaining also calls for a sunny and fresh fragrance, right? I recently spritzed on Valentino men’s scent Uomo Born in Roma Yellow which is super wearable and perfect for the occasion. But then, I have a tendency to favour men’s over women’s scents. This eau de toilette features bright Italian mandarin and pineapple with warm ginger, vanilla and cedar notes, so it’s fresh and zingy and slightly edible. Very nice for the host with the most who has a lemony preoccupation.
There you have it: my recipe for a great lemony get-together that’s as fun and zesty as its citrus inspiration.
More Lemon Inspiration
