1 December 2025
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Festive Hosting Inspiration: Creative Ideas for Christmas & New Year

From cosy Christmas feasts to stylish New Year celebrations — here are our favourite ways to elevate your hosting this winter.

Winter hosting should feel joyful, inviting and a little bit magical.

Whether you’re planning a candlelit Christmas dinner, prepping festive nibbles for friends or welcoming the New Year with something sparkling, this guide is packed with inspiration to make your celebrations feel unforgettable — with fresh herbs, baby veg, edible flowers, micro greens and dried citrus adding that perfect finishing touch.

Seasonal Ingredients with a Festive Twist

Winter produce has a way of turning simple moments into something special. These seasonal favourites add colour, fragrance, freshness and flair to everything from roasts and bakes to cocktails and grazing boards:

  • Fragrant herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon
  • Vibrant baby veg: carrots, leeks, courgettes, beetroots
  • Colourful micro herbs: parsley, red amaranth, basil, chive
  • Edible flowers and delicate petals
  • Dried orange slices for décor, drinks & desserts
  • Winter cress: rocket, mustard, celery cress

Shop Our Winter Staples

Seasonal essentials for winter cooking & creating.

Rosemary Bunched Herb Price range: £1.38 through £2.39
Thyme Bunched Herb Price range: £1.38 through £2.39
Baby Carrots Orange £3.13
Baby Leeks (Allium) £3.13
Dried Orange Slices £5.12
Edible Flower Selection Wheel Price range: £12.10 through £15.29
Red Amaranth Micro Cress £3.66
Parsley (Flat Leaf) Bunched Herb Price range: £1.38 through £2.39
Maple roasted baby carrots with cranberries

Christmas calls for cosy dishes, simple creativity and warm textures.

Quick dish & bake ideas:

  • Herb-roasted veg with baby carrots or beetroot
  • Festive bakes topped with petals or citrus
  • Roasts finished with fresh sprigs
  • Winter soups brightened with micro herbs

Easy serving touches:

  • Dried orange slices on cheeseboards
  • Pops of micro greens on sharing dishes
  • Petals sprinkled over warm plates
  • Fresh herbs used as natural décor
Cranberry & Rosemary Cocktail

Drinks Inspiration for Winter Gatherings

From mulled cups by the fire to sparkling New Year cocktails, winter drinks become something special with the right garnish.

Little garnishes = big impact.

Cosy Christmas drinks:

  • Mulled cider with citrus
  • Herb-topped spritzes
  • Gin + dried orange
  • Bright festive punch bowls

New Year favourites:

  • Edible flowers in prosecco
  • Citrus-infused ice cubes
  • Fresh, bright herb cocktails
  • Flower-garnished sparkling serves

Festive Garnishes for Drinks

Pretty garnishes to dress up your winter drinks.

Rosemary Bunched Herb Price range: £1.38 through £2.39
Dried Orange Slices £5.12
Edible Flowers for Cakes £9.50
Viola Edible Flowers Price range: £5.15 through £10.29
Mint Bunched Herb (Mentha) Price range: £1.38 through £2.39
Dried Lemon Slices £6.15
Rosemary Napkin Wrap

Effortless Winter Tablescapes

Think soft lighting, greenery, fresh herbs and subtle colour. Simple and natural is always beautiful.

Christmas table inspiration

  • Rosemary or thyme-tied napkins
  • Dried orange accents
  • Bowls of petals or micro herbs
  • Candlelight with greenery
Dried Orange & Cinnamon garland

Small DIY Touches That Look Beautiful

Simple crafts that add personality:

  • Dried orange garlands
  • Herb-tied place settings
  • Edible flower gift toppers
  • Citrus & herb wreaths
  • DIY garnish jars

However you’re celebrating – hosting dinner, baking treats or raising a glass to the New Year — these small seasonal touches help make the moment feel special. Explore our festive ingredients and get inspired to create something beautiful this winter.

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