Friday, 23 December 2011

Christmas Dinner Wines

As the holiday season draws ever closer,we start stocking the cellars at Dunston Hall in preparation of a busy December,thought is given to wines popular at Christmas and the associated flavours. Christmas meals are a great time to try new wines with classic, traditional dishes. Will it be ham, turkey, goose or rib of beef? If you are looking for new wine options to complement your Christmas meal, then look no further, here is a terrific selection of versatile whites and reds that are sure to enliven your Christmas gathering, varietals picked for both their presence and adaptability.

Wines to accompany Goose: Reds with some backbone but not too overpowering-Zinfandel,red Burgundy (pinot noir is the classic grape for duck also),and the fruity tempranillo. A good white pairing is a buttery un- oaked chardonnay.

Wines to accompany turkey: In the red corner Pinot noir and zinfandel feature again,along with the lighter Beaujolais Nouveau,or a Syrah. Whites include Viognier, Riesling and Alsace wines eg Gewurtztraminer.

Red wines for a premium beef joint: No surprises here-the usual suspects being Cabernet sauvignon,Shiraz and tempranillo-whites just don`t have the gumption required to stand up to the big flavours of beef.

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Editorial by: Paul Murfitt, De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel

An imposing red brick country house hotel set in 150 acres of beautiful wooded Norfolk parkland. This is Dunston Hall.

Tel: 01508 473820 Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dunston_hall

Thursday, 15 December 2011

Spoilt For Choice in North Norfolk

With a stunning choice of cuisine and atmosphere, from classical Georgian dining rooms to roaring log fires in cheerful pubs, North Norfolk is the place to be eating out this Winter. It comes together at Christmas when everywhere, from the Ostrich’s to the Crowns ‘dress overall’ with glorious decorations to be seen through every restaurant window.

At the centre of it all is the Hoste Arms in Burham Market where you can cosy up in the bar and tuck into dishes like Fresh local Brancaster Oysters.

The Rose & Crown at Snettisham specialises in large Christmas parties

offering open log fires, a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. Or go to The Bank House Hotel in Kings Lynn where a grand 5 course Christmas Day lunch will be served in this

beautiful Georgian town house.

New on the block, The Crown at Stanhoe is now the Duck Inn, after a complete makeover. Christmas day will be a celebration of six months in business when a gourmet lunch in a relaxed family atmosphere will be on offer.

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Editorial by: Kate Cleaver

Editing, proofreading, journalism, news and features and PR.

Tel: 07770 794886 Email: kate@sparview.com

Thursday, 1 December 2011

Dress To Impress This Party Season

As the cold weather takes hold, excitement focuses on the coming Party season. When planning your party outfits start with the autumnal colour palette of mossy greens, berry reds, dusky neutrals and then add a little girly sparkle.

If you hadn’t noticed, Vintage once again dominates the Magazines, the Catwalk and the High Street this Autumn/Winter. 1950s femininity is a great look to go for when dancing is on the cards. With a simple 60s camel coloured shift with a faux fur coat and leather gloves being ideal for an evening meal. 30s Lace or Grecian Maxi dresses are again super feminine and bang on trend for the coming season. Find a style that suits you and accessorize it up to get the feminine edge. Accessorize your little black dress with red leather gloves,

feather hair pieces, red lipstick and a faux fur cape to be it bang on trend this season.

Oh and last but not least, sparkles have not been left out, and why should they? Add some sparkle this winter - it’s the perfect pick me up for any party outfit.

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Editorial by: Katy Coe from Vintage Deli

Offering beautiful vintage designer, high street, couture and well worn wonders from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. We stock vintage.

Tel: 0773 989 2144 Email: enquiries@vintagedeli.co.uk www. vintagedeli.co.uk