Crowded Table by design Newsletter - January Edition -

Hey, fabulous friends of Crowded Table by design! 🌟✨ As we kick off the year with a burst of excitement, we're thrilled to bring you the January Newsletter, bubbling with inspiration and joy! 🎉✉️ Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Recipe Spotlight, featuring the delectable Citrus Infused Olive Oil Cake – a treat that'll make your taste buds do the tango! 🍊🍰 Plus, dive into the art of table design with our Feng Shui Table Setting, setting the stage for unforgettable gatherings. And guess what? A sneak peek into our Sultry Soirée Gathering Guidebook awaits, promising to unlock the secrets of love! 💖✨ But hold on tight – there's more magic brewing with our live event in February announcement: A sacred cacao ceremony! 🍫🔮 This newsletter is your golden ticket to start the year filled with unforgettable experiences, we started it off right with our Tapestry of Intentions: A New Year's Eve Tapas Experience. Are you ready to Hygge it out with our Cold Weather Gathering Cure? Let the festivities begin! 🔥🌈

Recipe Spotlight: Citrus Infused Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Zest of 2 lemons and 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Citrus Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons citrus juice (lemon and orange mix)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring you cover the bottom and sides thoroughly.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Slowly add in the olive oil, continuing to mix.
4. Citrus Zest Magic: Mix in the citrus zest (lemons and orange) to infuse that delightful flavour. Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix.
5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.
6. Into the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
7. Bake Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
8. Cooling Off: Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, release the sides of the springform pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Citrus Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and citrus juice to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for that extra burst of citrusy goodness. (optional)
10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and watch as your guests' faces light up with each delightful bite!

This Citrus Infused Olive Oil Cake is not just dessert; it's a citrus symphony that'll have everyone singing its praises. Enjoy the playful journey to flavour town! 🍋🍊🍰

Table Design Feature: Feng Shui Table Setting We're thrilled to introduce our "Flavours of the Far East" tablescape design, a concept that celebrates the rich tapestry of Asian culture and design. At Crowded Table by design, we understand the importance of creating an authentic and visually stunning atmosphere for your gatherings. That's why we've delved deep into the heart of Asian design, researching the principles of table Feng Shui to bring you a truly immersive experience. We've carefully curated every element of this tablescape to evoke the essence of the Far East, ensuring that your event leaves a lasting impression. Join us on this exciting journey as we unveil the beauty and harmony of Asian-inspired event design, all with the intention of making your home gatherings truly extraordinary. Creating a Feng Shui table setting involves careful consideration of various elements to promote balance, harmony, and positive energy. Here are some key elements to help you accomplish a Feng Shui table setting: Colours: Choose colours that are associated with the five Feng Shui elements. For example, red for Fire, yellow for Earth, white for Metal, black for Water, and green for Wood. Use these colours in your table linens, dishes, and decor. Shapes: Incorporate shapes that represent the five elements, such as circular or oval placemats for Metal, square plates for Earth, and so on. A balanced mix of shapes can enhance the energy flow. Tableware Placement: Place your tableware, including plates, utensils, and glasses, in an orderly and balanced manner. Ensure there's enough space between each setting to allow for comfortable dining. Centerpiece: Choose a centerpiece that represents nature and tranquility. Items like fresh flowers, potted plants, or a small water feature can bring positive energy to the table. MJ's Floral Boutique designed the floral arrangements in a modern Ikebana style. Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting is essential. Consider using candles, lanterns, or soft LED lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Avoid harsh, overhead lighting. Decor Elements: Add Asian-inspired decor items like bamboo, silk fabrics, and traditional symbols like the Yin-Yang, lotus flowers, or Chinese calligraphy. These elements can enhance the theme. Tablecloth and Placemats: Select table linens made of natural materials like cotton or linen in colors that align with the desired Feng Shui energy. Avoid heavy fabrics that can block the flow of energy or opt to not use a tablecloth as we have done. Seating Arrangement: Arrange seating so that all guests have a clear view of the entrance, allowing positive energy to flow into the space. Ensure everyone feels comfortable and relaxed. Clear Clutter: Declutter your dining area and table to allow energy to flow freely. Keep unnecessary items off the table and create a clean, open space. Music: We've carefully curated a playlist that seamlessly blends the enchanting sounds of the Far East. Some of the items we procured for our tablescape: white square plates, black placemats, black satin runners​ ​ Creating Cultural Elegance

🎉 Sneak Peek: Unlock the Secrets of Love in our Sultry Soirée Gathering Guidebook! 🌹

As we savour the fresh vibes of January, we're beyond excited to give you an exclusive sneak peek into our February gathering guidebook – the Sultry Soiree: Deepening Intimate Connections! 💫✨

What to Expect:

🔥 Passion Unleashed: Explore a curated experience that goes beyond the ordinary, setting the stage for deepening connections and igniting the flames of passion.

🎨 Ambiance Magic: From cozy corners to playful textures, we will show you how to transform your space into a haven of warmth and romance. Think fairy lights, plush cushions, and whispers of love in the air.

🍓 Aphrodisiac Delights: Tantalize your taste buds with mouthwatering recipes featuring ingredients believed to spark desire. It's a culinary adventure designed to add sizzle to your soirée.

💖 Enchantment Corners: Elevate your Sultry Soiree with carefully curated corners designed for couples to explore. From heartfelt conversations to tactile experiences, these Enchantment Corners are your passport to a deeper connection.

🌟 Expert Collaboration: We've been on an exciting journey, collaborating with intimacy experts to infuse the Sultry Soiree guidebook with expert insights and techniques. These professionals bring their expertise to your fingertips, ensuring your gathering is not just an event but a transformative experience.

Mark your calendars because the Sultry Soiree Gathering Guidebook will be landing in our shop before the end of January, just in time for the month of love! 💌💖

This guide is more than a collection of tips; it's an invitation to infuse your gatherings with a touch of magic and a dash of romance. Whether you're hosting a romantic dinner for two or a cozy gathering with friends, the Sultry Soiree promises to elevate your event to new heights.

Here's to a January filled with love, laughter, and the promise of sultry soirees! ✨🥂

Drumroll, please! 🥁✨ Exciting news on the horizon! 🌟

We are brewing up something truly magical: Cacao Alchemy - Opening Sacred Connections, a sacred cacao ceremony 🌹 🍫✨ Get ready to be a part of this extraordinary heart opening ceremony that promises unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more details – the enchantment is coming in February.

The Tapestry of Intentions: A New Year's Eve Tapas Experience

🌟✨ Ready for a culinary adventure that'll make your taste buds dance? 🍽️ Our latest blog post unveils the enchanting details of our New Year's Eve bash, meticulously curated with the Tapestry of Intentions: A New Year's Eve Tapas Experience Gathering Guidebook. Picture this: 150 oysters, a divine Dom Pérignon toast, and a feast orchestrated by the dynamic duo, Minoj and Vintee. From charcuterie wonders to ramen deviled eggs and decadent desserts, every bite was a journey. But that's not all – the night included a powerful burning ritual guided by the Renewal Reflection and Manifestations blueprints, creating an unforgettable experience under the stars. 🌌🥂 Don't miss out on the magic – check out our full blog post for all the delectable details from this extraordinary night! 💖✨ #NewYearsMagic #TapestryofIntentions #CulinaryJourney #UnforgettableNight

A Tapestry of Memories

Hygge it out with our Cold Weather Gathering Cure! 🔥✨

Are you a cozy connoisseur? We sure are! 🌟 In our blog and all things Hygge, we delved into the enchanting world of intentional gatherings that warm the soul. Picture this: blankets, soft lighting, and the aroma of hearty recipes filling the air. One of our January gatherings was a Hygge haven where we embraced the Danish art of togetherness. When it's chilly outside, why not turn up the warmth inside? Create a space that radiates comfort and fosters meaningful connections. From the history of Hygge to decor tips and a soul-soothing recipe, Swedish meatballs, we've got your guide to turning winter blues into cozy hues. So, snuggle up, dear friends, and let's make the Hygge gathering an art form! 🕯️

Embrace Togetherness

To our incredible Crowded Table community, thank you for being the heartbeat of our vibrant world! 🌈💖 Your enthusiasm and support fuel our passion for creating unforgettable experiences. As we embark on this exciting journey together, we'd love to hear your thoughts! Is there something special you're craving more of, or a unique idea you'd love us to explore? Our table is open for your suggestions and dreams! ✨🌟 Speaking of tables, we've been marvelling at the beautiful collection of tablescapes we have created. Here's a little secret we're brewing – how about the possibility of tablescape rentals? 🌸✨ Let us know your thoughts, and let's continue crafting magic together! 🌈🚀

Warmest Regards,

Crowded Table by design