Secrets of a successful dinner party part 1

Last Friday was my husbands birthday and it got me to thinking what is the recipe for a successful dinner party? Is it the music? the food?the table? We decided to have an intimate dinner party with just our children and one other couple so I could really go to town on the table and food. I thought I would do a little mini- series on my tips and tricks for a beautiful evening. This time I'll focus on the table, anyone who knows me well knows I love white and I have a few well worn white damask table cloths, however, none of them fit my huge dining table 3metres long x  1.5-2mtres wide. So you can imagine my delight when I was travelling around France last year I had a week in Provence and picked up a stunning 3mtre white Belgian linen cloth with 15 napkins! This was the first time I had laid it on the table after coming home and it did take my breath away.  Firstly, I try to use the best I have- it doesn't have to match you can tie it together with a neutral background and this is why I love white table cloths as they go with any china, candles/flowers and room styles. If I want to be less formal my table stays naked (natural wood). For a truly beautiful and smooth look iron linen on a hot iron and lay the table straight away- alternatively always iron and fold after washing so it's ready for the next time. I make sure the sides are hanging evenly and the chairs are slightly ajar from the table so the cloth falls nicely.  Voila! ready to lay the china! Stay tuned for part two- Table decorations.

I hear you saying- WHITE!!! What about stains? I have had fairly positive success with Sards Wonder Oxy Plus stain remover sprayed on stains and left over night, then soak in the washing machine with nappysan and warm water. It came out perfectly. One napkin had chocolate on it and I repeated the process to a result. Red wine came out immediately. xxCorrina 

All images Copyright Corrina Tough 2013                      

 

 

 

 

Bushfires in the Shoalhaven

A couple of weeks ago we had those extreme temperatures (like everyone else) over 43 degrees and the bush fires were very close- we were put on alert to be evacuated and had our bags packed by the front door and any special items like photos ready to take. These images were taken from my front verandah and front yard of the amazing smoke and red in the sky- a scary time, hopefully we won't have to deal with this again for a long time. We count our blessings that it didn't come right into our village. xx Corrina.

Typewriters and bakelite phones

I don't really know why but I just love old bakelite phones and old typewriters, maybe its the echo to the past. I had forgotten until I spent a weekend with my grandmother recently that my grandfather was a typewriter mechanic so I must have memories deeply buried in my brain of those fascinating machines and watching him work on them at home- even using them... I love the sound they make and the typeset as it lands on the paper. There is no delete button here so be sure about what you are writing or you will lose half a forest in paper or have to use white out to fix any errors. Last year I came across an old black bakelite phone in a vintage shop in Berry on the NSW south coast- of course it doesn't work but I just love it and have used it when doing portrait shoots- looks especialy cute with children. Then just before Christmas I was in a vintage shop in Milton (also on the south coast) where I scored my very own typewriter! I haven't had time to fiddle with the ribbons and a few of the keys stick when you press them, however, I just love it- my hubby thinks I have a weird obsesion and maybe I do- but I have visions one day of having a formal office with an antique table and my typewriter and phone, some old books perhaps and a funky pencil tin to set up an atmosphere for creativity- then maybe I'll write a book!! xxCorrina.

Pomegranate my new favourite fruit

I am totally in love with Pomegranates right now- the rich scarlett colour, the rustic and sculptural qualities and the red ruby jewel like seeds that pop in your mouth. Used for sweet or savoury dishes this wonderful fruit is very versatile. I know why some of the great artists painted them, they are truly beautiful! xxCorrina.

A taste of France- Plum Gateaux

Here is that scrummy plum gateaux I was talking about. As plums are in season and so gorgeous it is the ideal time to make it- however I use the tinned or jars of plums (whole) that you get in the supermarket if you want to indulge out of plum season. A little taboo I know for the purist seasonal cook.. but its just so good , what is your favourite sweet treat this season? Let me know...xxCorrina

Plum Gateaux- red white and blue

The plums are beautiful right now which inspires me to make my scrumptious plum gateaux. I serve it with cream or greek yogurt if you like a slighly tart accompaniment. This always gets the wow factor when I have guests for dinner so is perfect for the holiday season and even straight out of the oven looks like it came from a patisserie somewhere in Paris. I hope everyone is having a wonderful time with family and friends. Today was a steamy 30 degrees and now a cool breeze has just picked up the end of a stunning day and the last day of the year. Happy New Year to everyone xxCorrina.

A taste of Sydney

 

 

 

This last week my family and I have spent time in Portmaquarie with my husbands' parents and brother. It is an 8hr drive from where we live and passes through Sydney. We have a favouite resturant to visit when in Sydney that I can highly recomend for taste and value for money- It doesn'y look like much from the outside and is in an ordinary part of Punchbowl opposite the station- but if you love Lebanese food you just have to go here. We can't go past the mixed plate which has an array of dips, salads, bread, and grilled/marinated meats, kibbeh and falafel- really to die for. We can't get this kind of food where we live so we make it ourselves at home but what a treat to have it cooked for you! Two doors down is a Lebanese mixed business with fresh produce out front and so many amazing jars, tins and packets of the most incredible stuff at reasonable prices. I got a huge jar of marinated, stuffed baby eggplant for $10. So if visiting Sydney or if you live there and want to experience a food sensation you can't go past Jasmin 1 resturant. xxCorrina.

Deck the Halls.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its that time of year again and with all the excitement and decorating, present buying, feasting and spending time with loved ones, I hope these images inspire you and you get as much joy out of them as I got taking them xxCorrina

All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Secret Gardens of Cahors and gorgeous Rocamadour

Passionate about all things French and le Jardin? I highly recomend a visit to Cahors and a walk around the secret garden (jardin) trail. Included are the beautiful ancient churches and the stunning cloister where you can imagine life as a monk in the middle ages. Only the French would have a  small vineyard right next to a footpath in the middle of town! So apparent is the love of fine food and wine and the very nature of a culture built around these things, we absolutely loved our time here.

On our way out of the midi-pyrenees region we couldn't miss the stunningly beautiful Rocamadour built into the side of cliff faces this place defies gravity and in itself is a miracle. Here pilgrims have flocked for centuries. The best view for pics are taken from La Hospitalet and the village is gorgeus too- even rain and grey clouds didn't ruin the magical location.

All Images Copyright Corrina Tough 2012