Agree a theme. I love a themed occasion – it provides endless possibilities for the menu, decorations and drinks pairings. I’m born on Star Wars Day (May 4th) so for my virtual birthday party we had a Darth Vader cake and out of this world cocktails! It’s Cosmopolitan Day on Thursday so it goes without saying I’ll be making Cosmopolitans for my Grey Goose Facebook Live – a modern classic cocktail which looks really impressive, but is actually super easy to make!
Don’t go overboard on the guestlist. It can be easy to want to host everyone at once, but when it comes to virtual dinner parties – the smaller the group the better. It allows for a more intimate experience and easy conversation. I learned that the hard way! You can always do a few zooms and host multiple parties.
Bring a dish. Part of the fun when hosting a virtual dinner party is seeing what everyone brings to the table. Why not ask your guests to create a dish with the theme in mind so you can virtually compare? My go-to dishes are fajitas, they are so easy and I love Mexican food, I make a mean homemade guacamole with nachos and salsa. My secret is loads of fresh lime, coriander and a sprinkling of red onion, close your eyes and you could be in a Mexican Fiesta!
Dress your dining space. Simple additions can help elevate your virtual dining experience. If you’re hosting this Bank Holiday, I recommend making use of items you have around the home to complement the setting. House plants make a great substitute for fresh flowers and a mix of candles and lamps are great for ambient lighting. The weather has been so great recently, so maximising the natural light in the evening is also a lovely alternative!
Pair your drinks. More time at home has allowed me to get creative with cocktails and treat myself to a few of my favourites!
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- I like to kick of a meal with a Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz. It’s super simple to make and so refreshing. Just add Grey Goose Original, fresh lime juice, St-Germain (or any elderflower liqueur) and cold soda water. Build into a wine glass with lots of ice and serve with a fresh lime wedge.
- For main course a Cosmopolitan works well but it relies on good quality vodka. Grey Goose is my go-to, the Original works really well or add a zesty twist with Grey Goose L’Orange. I mix this with Cointreau, cranberry juice, a squeeze of lime and an orange twist. You can even flame the orange zest if you’re feeling fancy!
- In my opinion, nothing beats an Espresso Martini cocktail for a dessert! A mix of Grey Goose Original, espresso, coffee liqueur, a pinch of salt and sugar syrup, it’s the perfect way to end the meal!
- You can find recipes for all of these cocktails on the Grey Goose website and please do make sure you enjoy responsibly!
Dress for the occasion. Personally, I love an excuse to dress up and the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to make use of that nice dress or top you’ve been saving for a special occasion! A slash of red lippy and a touch of sparkle are my go-to accessories, and the good news is you can keep your slippers on and no one will even know!
Enjoy the moment. We might be in lockdown, but now is as good a time as ever to treat yourself and celebrate with friends and family. You don’t have to be out of the house to celebrate special occasions – you are the special occasion!
Take the time to celebrate this Bank Holiday with Grey Goose and Laura Whitmore.
Laura has partnered with Grey Goose to share her top tips for hosting the ultimate virtual dinner party over the May Bank Holiday weekend. From table scaping, cocktail-making and everything in between, Laura will guide you through simple steps as to how you can elevate your virtual get-together with friends and family.
To coincide with Cosmopolitan Day, Laura will show guests how to create popular vodka-based cocktails including the Grey Goose Cosmopolitan, Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz, and Grey Goose Espresso Martini.
What: Grey Goose x Laura Whitmore Virtual Dinner Party
When: 7th May – Cosmopolitan Day
Time: 5pm-5:30pm GMT
Where: Grey Goose Facebook Live
Please note this event is 18+
#GreyGoose #VirtualDinnerParty
