Everything happens for a reason...

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, so whilst mooching around on the internet during a mid December lunch break I stumbled upon Kalm Kitchen’s Pinterest page. One thing lead to another and before I knew it I was totally engrossed in everyone if their blog posts. After many oooh’s and arrrrr’s it was time to move onto the next tab... “Job opportunities”, I wasn't really in the market for a new job, but the temptation to work for such a creative inspiring company (who’s office is in a converted pig shed in the middle of the Surrey Hills) was just to much temptation to not investigate.

Shortly after applying I was invited to an initial interview. After a number of conflicting dates we soon settled for an 8.30 meeting on a Saturday!!! - bright eyed a bushy tailed I arrived in the countryside just after 8.00 and made my way into the most beautiful office. After an hour long chat (mostly about home interiors and renovations) I emerged back out into the fresh misty air and was completely smitten.

Everything about this role was different to what I had experienced so far in my career.
-I was an Event Coordinator - this role was for an Event Manager
-I worked in fast paced London- Kalm Kitchen was set in the countryside of Surrey
-I was an employee for a large company- Kalm Kitchen is a small family run business
-I was used to working with large corporate clients - Kalm Kitchen’s clients are predominately blushing brides

The entire transition would be a complete change from the norm, but I couldn't have been more excited.

After a second interview the following weekend, I departed with my fingers and toes crossed. Referring back to my ‘everything happens for a reason’ motto, Kalm Kitchen seemed to be the right company at the right time and it suddenly seemed the perfect time to take the next step in my career.

After what I thought would be a long wait over the weekend, I was surprised to receive the phone call I had been waiting for during a mid morning Sunday dash around the supermarket. I quickly abandoned my trolley and made a hasty retreat for a quiet spot. Then minutes later I emerged from the baking aisle wearing a massive grin on my face and a spring in my step. I GOT THE JOB! 

I have just finished my third week at Kalm Kitchen and the decision to leave the bright lights of the city for beautiful weddings in the country was certainly the right one.

I very much look forward to attending our clients events and can’t wait for wedding season to begin!

Photo thanks to Stephanie Wolff Photography

Photo thanks to Stephanie Wolff Photography

Find out more about Kalm Kitchen via our various social media platforms and website:
-Website- Link!
-Blog - Link!
-Facebook- Link!
-Twitter-Link!
-Pinterest- Link!

Photo thanks to Christy Blanch Photography

Photo thanks to Via photography

UK BLOG AWARDS 2014

I've never entered a competition before, partly because I've never found the time to fill out all the forms, but mostly because I've never wanted to be judged. I write 'The #event professional' as a personal career memoir and having someone criticize my progress is a little daunting. Having said this, during a drab Sunday afternoon in November on a whim I found myself entering myself into the 'UK blog awards'. 

I have never come across the 'UK blog awards' before, but I especially liked that they had a category for the event's industry. I read a lot of blogs (mostly lifestyle/travel/beauty) but surprisingly, considering my love of all things events, I don't tend to read any industry related blogs, mostly because I haven't ever really clicked with any of the 'bloggers', I always tend to feel industry blogs are written by a company rather than expressing the passion of an individual. 

I entered myself into the event's category for individual bloggers (there is also a category for the aforementioned organisation blogs) and if I'm honest completely forgot about the process by Monday morning as I immersed myself into our busiest December yet. Fast forward three months upon my daily 6am bleary-eyed scroll though emails I came across an email from Gemma at the UKBA informing me that I have been made a FINALIST! completely shocked and very excited it was just the news I needed to put a little bounce in my step. 

There are eight other blogs in my category, which I have really enjoyed browsing (some have even made my personal blog roll) we won't find out where we have been placed until the awards ceremony that is being held at the Grange St Paul's on the 25th of April but I have everything crossed for a high placing.

Wish me luck!

All white everything...

If there was one piece of advise I wish I had been given as a bride-to-be, it would have been to ditch the colour scheme.

I spent many-a-sleepless night worrying if my mint green macaroons were going to be the same hue as the bridesmaid dresses or if the font on my table plan was going to clash with the ribbon on my wedding cake. It sounds silly but I was more worried about the smallest of details than I was to actually be getting married.

One colour that I completely overlooked whilst planning my own wedding was white.

Pure, romantic, minimalistic...

It takes a brave bride to avoid the matchy matchy colour schemes but in hindsight my big day would have looked a little something like this.

10 top tips for a Christmas party to remember!

The stress of organising a Christmas party for your staff can get a little overwhelming. Questions like is anyone actually going to turn up? Have I ordered enough food? Have I chosen the right venue? are probably already keeping you up at night. Fear not, I have put together my top tips for creating the best Christmas party.

By now you will have booked the venue and sent out invitations (if not don’t panic, we still have availability at 41PP), so now it’s down to the small, yet essential, details to make this party a night to remember for all the right reasons.

Here are my top tips:

1. Transport - To avoid that tumble weed moment when your boss arrives on their tod and unleashes their awkward side step moves on the dance floor, you will want to ensure the majority of guests arrive at the same time. Pre-book taxis for a discounted rate and organise a meeting point where your colleagues can team up and bundle in a cab.

2. First impressions - These are often the only ones that are remembered. Ensure there are complementary cocktails or mulled wine on arrival and spruce up the outside of the venue by projecting your company logo on the wall. Make your colleagues feel like movie stars by hiring a red carpet and photographer - the photographs make a great keepsake and will hang on your office pin board for years to come.

3. Pamper hour - Whilst the men rush to the bar, the ladies first stop is always the rest rooms. If your party follows on from a day at work, the chances are most guests will have been applying their make up in the taxi, so while the venue will have taken care of the essentials treat your guests to a hamper of scents and balms by the basin to ensure they hit the dance floor feeling fresh. (P.S don’t forget the boys – you know how much Dan from IT likes his CK1)

4. Canapés and cocktails - After their arrival cocktail, treat your guests to some festive canapés. Be playful with your selection to avoid “canapé déjà-vu” from every other festive reception your guests have been to. 41 Portland Place's Chef Will has cleverly created a ‘Canapéculiar’ menu which pairs unusual ingredients to entice and surprise guests. Why not try the scallop and passion fruit or dark chocolate mousse with fried shallot. Whatever your selection, ensure they are presented in a way that will ‘wow’ your guests to create a talking point. If in doubt choose British classics – mini fish and chips, roast beef and mini Yorkshire puddings and sausage and mash - a crowd pleaser every time!

5. Let me entertain you! - While the main entertainment might be a DJ or band, you will want to keep your guests occupied from the moment they arrive. You can get great last minute deals with entertainers so why not book a magician or mobile masseuse to work the crowd before the dance floor fills up.

6. The main event - Once the canapés have done their rounds hungry Harry from facilities will start to stare in desperation at every passing waiter. Try something different to the usual finger buffet and opt for a range of food stalls. They are a great way to please a crowd and allow guests to pick and choose when and what they would like to eat. Popular food stalls at 41PP include risotto stations, teriyaki salmon stalls and ice cream parlours.

7. A moment of reflection - Christmas parties are a time to celebrate the achievements of the past year and let your hair down with colleagues. Don’t forget to ask your CEO if he would like to say a few words of praise and present awards for achievements throughout the year, and be sure to include a few funny ones to keep it light hearted.

8. Relax! - It’s your Christmas party as well! Leave the stress at the door and let your Events Manager to do what they do best... so grab the girls and strike a pose in that photobooth!

9. Carriages - Pre-book a handful of taxis for closing time and send your guests on their way with a bottle of chilled water, a slice of Christmas cake and some Berrocca - they will thank you in the morning.

10. The morning after - Sweet talk your bosses into a 10am start the next day and greet your colleagues with freshly brewed coffee and bacon sarnie.

Merry Christmas! 

Happy Halloween

I hate to cheat on Christmas but Halloween is slowly becoming my favourite holiday. A chance for family and friends, old and young to get together and dress up like ghosts and ghouls. 

Not needing any persuasion for a theme, tonight I will be celebrating with my family around a big ol’ bowl of fiery chilli surrounded by candle lit pumpkins and blood red roses.   

Looking for inspiration I turned to my trusty Pinterest. 

Here are my top pumpkin picks...

Flower filled pumpkin- perfect for a centre piece 

Clean and clinical - perfect for a murder mystery party

Chocolate orange macaroons 

Red and black

Perfect for those who are looking for a grown up spooky supper

Organic inspired place settings 

Away days at 41 Portland Place

Listed as one of Event Magazines “Capital of Cool” venues in London, 41 Portland Place is the perfect venue to motivate and inspire delegates. Away days are an important team building event in a company’s calendar so while organisers are busy working on the days objectives, we like to look after the fun stuff. From sharing our love of food and taking part in a master class in the kitchen to a Zumba class from an exotic (and very hyperactive) South American, we have a range of activities aimed to excite and challenge all personalities.

The Canapé cup

The humble canapé is a sure fire way to impress at any social gathering. Made up of 3 parts, guests will begin by learning the science behind flavour matching whilst picking up handy tips from Chef Will’s live demonstration. Next, it’s time to warm up those taste buds and worm out those who know their Wensleydale from White Stilton in a blind tasting. The afternoon concludes with a ready, steady, cook inspired competition where guests are tasked with creating three creative canapés from a collection of intriguing ingredients. Judged in an intense finale, the winning team will be awarded with the lucrative Canapé Cup.

Wine championships

Hosted by our trusty wine merchant Jascot’s, the wine championships embodies the traditional methods of wine tasting whilst encouraging friendly competitiveness. After an arrival tipple of the finest bubbly, guests have the opportunity to learn the basic skills of wine tasting before splitting into teams to compete in the wine championships. A great alternative to conventional wine tasting appealing to a wide range of ages and interests. 

Chocolate boot camp

As well as being famous for his amazing brownies, our Head Chef Will Carvalho is also a master of creating delicious Brazilian Brigadeiro’s(a South American twist on chocolate truffles for non-foodies) The chocolate boot camp gives your guests a chance to roll up their sleeves and learn Chef Will’s famous family recipe whilst working as a team to create enough delicious delights to take home and share with loved ones.

Health kick

Banish those winter blues by treating your team to a rejuvenating health kick at 41 Portland Place. Focusing on the mind, body and soul, guests will embark on a nutritional journey learning the values of healthy eating with live demonstrations and tips on how to create their very own five-a-day menu. Next, it’s time to get foot loose and fancy free in Zumba followed by rehydration remedies at the DIY juice bar.

If you’re organising this years away day and need a little inspiration why not get in contact?

Nikki@41portlandplace.com

0203 176 2182

‘Brazilian Brigadeiro boot camp’

On Tuesday Chef Will and I welcomed four lucky competition winners through the doors of 41 Portland Place to learn how to make Will’s renowned chocolate truffles in our ‘Brazilian Brigadeiro boot camp’.

The winner, who was chosen at random by The Westminster Collection, was Jessie from The Shape Arts Charity. Jessie brought along three of her chocolate loving friends to join in the evenings activities.   

The boot camp kicked off with a glass of bubbly and a tour of the venue before making our way down to the kitchen. 

After a quick hand wash Will talked the guests through the history of the Brigadeiro before putting them to work over the hob. After making the mouth watering truffle base we were all too impatient to wait for it to set. Luckily, in true Blue Peter style, Will whipped out ‘one he prepared earlier’. Guests then buttered up their hands and set about creating a variety of chocolate delights. Toppings included peanuts, hazelnuts, cocoa and for the more adventurous, guava and parmesan. 

After a game of “one for the box and one for me” the trusty team had created over 50 delicious truffles to take home for their loved ones.  

If you would like to try this at home follow Will’s simple recipe below.   

To be in with the chance to take part in our next ‘Brazilian Brigadeiro boot camp’ all you need to do is book a site visit before December 1st 2013. 

What are you waiting for...come ‘pop’ by.