Sometimes, winter seems to go on endlessly with its barrage of cold wind, snow and cloudy days, and you start to crave the spontaneity that comes with warmer, sunnier days. I often find myself daydreaming of one of my favourite things to do; hosting beautiful picnics in the park or on the beach with my friends, complete with great wine, delicious food and lots of laughter! So I thought, why should I be limited to the weather and its ever-changing moods to host a picnic? Why not create the exact same vibe, only in the comfort of our home and in front of a roaring fireplace. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the fireplace picnic!
The idea in my mind was clear. I wanted people gathered over a low table, with comfy cushions on the floor to sit, an array of cheese and meat to share, and glass after glass of sublime Campo Viejo to bring that wine-happy grin to everyones faces. All against the glorious backdrop of our fireplace, my favorite spot in the house. I took inspiration from a print on print scheme and grabbed our most colourful rug and an array of printed cushions to create an intimate Moroccan style seating arrangement on the floor, the table would be apple crates turned upside down and placed together to retain that rustic feeling of a picnic in the park.
For the wine, I always like to provide my guests with a choice. I served three different types of Rioja for the red wine drinkers; Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Reserva, and for the white wine or bubbly drinkers Cava Brut Reserve and Cava Brut Rose. To accompany the wine, I created 3 different boards, each had a few different types of cheese, meat, crackers, grapes, fig spreads and candied walnuts. I wanted everyone to be able to share the food and wine with each other, passing it around the table and starting inspiring, authentic conversations with new friends.
To create a cozy ambiance and make my table arrangement I gathered some colourful candles in a few different heights, textured votives to hold some tea lights, small plates in shades of blue, turquoise and eggshell, sprigs of fresh flowers, twinkling rice lights and my all-time favourite wine glasses that have intricate designs all over them. I wanted everything to be striking and eclectic, the atmosphere warm, buzzy and social and the evening to be a unique experience for all my guests.
The table was set, the candles lit, the wine uncorked and so the evening began. Before I knew it, hours had passed with laughter, new friends and bellies full of our favourite Spanish wine. Truly a “Live Uncorked” moment that my friends and I will continue to reminisce about for years to come. I can’t wait to have more moments like these, to live a colorful and generous life surrounded by good people, good food and to drink wine and be merry every chance I get.
