Spring has officially sprung and as well as being a significant mood-booster it’s also the prime time for hosting; food expert Alexandra Dudley shares her top tips to make the most of the season.
Half of Brits reckon the changing season literally puts a ‘spring in their step’. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that a whopping 86% feel their mood is lifted with the arrival of spring, with 37% finding it stimulates their senses.
The study also found that 26% feel more adventurous in the spring as the improved weather allows them to spend more time outdoors, many relishing the chance to reconnect with nature and go for long strolls. Additionally, 29% view it as an ideal time for hosting, with many enjoying picnics and barbecues, and seizing the opportunity to savour their meals al fresco.
The research was commissioned by Boursin cheese, which teamed up with hosting expert and food columnist Alexandra Dudley, to create a vibrant crudité centrepiece – the ‘Boursin Bloom Board’.
Composed of colourful seasonal vegetables arranged in the shape of budding flowers to celebrate the signs of the new season, Alexandra crafted the board as her recommended dinner party showstopper for spring, while sharing her tips and advice on entertaining.
Alexandra commented: “Spring is a lovely time to gather with friends and family, and to unleash your creative side, both in the kitchen and on the table.
“The vibrant colours of fresh produce and maximalist table décor make it the perfect hosting season, and crowd-pleasing ingredients that elevate simple dishes can be an endless source of inspiration.”
Research revealed that 80% of individuals place a strong emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of the dishes they serve, dedicating a considerable amount of time and effort to presenting their food in an appealing manner. Moreover, a third of respondents believe that the presentation of a dish is equally as crucial as its taste.
The study also found that people are now more inclined to host gatherings outdoors (19%) and incorporate more colourful ingredients into their meals (16%), with one in 10 feeling more adventurous with both flavours and presentation.
A representative from Boursin commented: “As spring approaches and flowers start to bloom, we often see a spark of culinary inspiration and Brits exploring fun new ways to experience food with others.
“Sharing a delicious meal is one of the key ways we can connect with the important people in our lives, and incorporating the flavours, colours, and flora of spring can elevate those special moments.”
ALEXANDRA’S TOP TIPS FOR HOSTING AN EVELVATED SPRING GATHERING:
Embrace colour
A vibrant crudité board is an effortless crowd-pleasing way to welcome your guests, and easy to re-create on any scale – make sure you include lots of colours from seasonal vegetables like pink radishes, green sugar snaps, and orange carrots.
Prep ahead
Prepping ahead is key, and there’s usually a lot you can make ahead of time – dressings, sauces, herbs even prepping vegetables can all be done the morning of or night before.
Go big on sharing dishes
Sharing dishes lend themselves so well to entertaining outdoors, as you can spend less time plating up and more time at the table – I love to prepare big, colourful salads that can be tossed or dressed just before serving.
Lean into what’s in season
Food always tastes at its best when it is in season and even better if it hasn’t had to travel too far, so try seeking out local vegetable producers and markets if time allows.
Try British asparagus, perky pink radishes, and the first of the spring carrots and greens popping up in the garden.
