Embrace The Dark Side

By Sebastien Centner

–––––––     FAMILY STYLE –––––––

hf-eatertain3

Scallop crudo with apple salsa & white grape molasses
Spinach tarts with pickled onions and beets, heritage greens
Cider-brined Cornish hen stuffed with cranberry bourbon garnish
Braised beef short ribs with caramelized onions & sauteed rapini
Brioche & sausage stuffing

It happens to all of us at some point during the winter: We put awayhf-eatertain2 our stark white dinnerware and unveil our metallic embellished or holiday-patterned plates that only certain guests ever have the privilege of eating from. But this season, I encourage you to keep the gold, silver, pewter or even red or green in storage and opt for a sleek, monochromatic palette.

This year, my team has chosen an all-black look for the holiday dinner. Our table was already black, but you could use a black linen for the base. Incorporating a couple of grey accents with the ornate trivets and satin napkins helps to add a touch more dimension to the tablescape.

Instead of black, you could also opt for mid to dark greys, which will have a similar effect. Overall, you’ll want your food to be the real star, with a vibrancy of colours—greens, oranges, browns. Décor is minimal. The cookware acts as the “jewel pieces”. Staub cookware is a favourite of mine, as the craftsmanship is top notch for professional and home chefs.

Here’s to the endless memories you’ll make entertaining your family and friends this season. Happy Holidays!

hf-eater4Sebastien Centner is the Director of Eatertainment Special Events & Catering, one of Canada’s leading event and catering companies. A regular contributor to Homefront, Sebastien can also be seen on The Marilyn Denis Show and The Morning Show offering entertaining ideas and inspiration to Canadians across the country. www.eatertainment.com

You can find complete recipes and instructions for Homefront Entertains at homefrontmagazine.ca. Simply click on Entertaining > Homefront Entertains.

Follow Sebastien on  twitter @sebcentner and instagram@sebcentner. 

Follow Eatertainment on  twitter @eatertainment an instagram@eatertainment. 

Food menu courtesy of Executive Chef Christopher Matthews
Table styling courtesy Suzanne Dunbar-Saunders.

Cookware & Serving Accessories by STAUB #cookwithstaub, zwilling.ca. Plateware, Flatware & Glassware courtesy Event Rental Group.

Get our newsletter

Get monthly updates with unique HomeFront updates and stay up to date with tips and trends

The Meandering Epicurist

Tuscan Sourdough Bread Bread is just flour, water, yeast, and salt, aptly named artisan baker Jim Cook tells me as I sit down with him at the Picnic Café at the Brickworks one sunny fall day. Which is like saying

Laurentides to Outaouais 

Laurentides… Sharing lake and forest moments second to none that are bound to conquer the heart of even the most fervent of city dwellers, the Laurentians cover a region that is 22,000 kms just north of Montreal. It’s a four

The finer points of owning a residence at sea

One of the most interesting, and perhaps most sought-after lifestyles has become reality for some 165 residence owners on the world’s largest private yacht, The World. Travelling to the most storied and untamed parts of the globe, life onboard The

Favourite Things

Perched way up high Designed by Formafatal studio, Achiote Jungle Villas are minimalist, glass encased tree houses in the rainforests of Costa Rica. The property has only two adult-only retreats, casa Nefrit and casa Jaspis. Jump in the East River’s

Liquid Assets

Slim and elegant Designed by Barber Osgerby, this penthouse concept is called Skyline.axor-design.com Comfy, cozy self-care Taking care of yourself is more important than ever in today’s busy world. Take a deep breath and choose not to sweat the small