They say that friends are the family you choose, and during the festive season, this sentiment becomes even more poignant. While traditional Christmas celebrations often revolve around blood relatives, there’s a growing trend that allows you to spend quality time with those you hold dear – enter Friendmas. It’s Christmas, but with friends instead of family, and it’s becoming increasingly popular for its low-pressure, relaxed vibe!
A recent client of ours, Emma, is one of many to have embraced the joys of Friendmas with her tight-knit group of 10 besties. For Emma and her friends, Friendmas is a time to gather, celebrate, and soak up the joy of the season and each year, one friend takes the reins to plan and host the festivities. This time around, it was Emma’s turn to shine.
Admittedly not the most confident cook (she jokes about her ability to burn water!), Emma opted for a stress-free solution to the culinary aspect of the celebration – Hog Roast Abbeystead. After a reassuring conversation with our catering manager, Sophie, Emma was not only impressed with the reasonable cost of our menus but also felt at ease thanks to Sophie’s professional yet personable approach.
On the day of the party, Sophie descended upon Emma’s home, swiftly setting up our catering equipment and delving into the preparations for the Festive Menu. Hours of meticulous work culminated in a spread that would make any Friendmas gathering unforgettable.
As guests arrived, the air was filled with the enticing aroma of the feast that awaited them. Hog Roast Abbeystead’s traditional Christmas feast unfolded with moist turkey slices, stuffing, and fresh cranberry sauce. Accompanying this were indulgent sides like cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets, roasties, glazed vegetables, and homemade gravy. And, for Sophie’s vegan guest, a thoughtful portion of BBQ-pulled jackfruit in a bun was prepared, ensuring everyone had a seat at the table.
Dessert was a heavenly affair with traditional mince pies served with warm brandy cream, complemented by a glass of mulled wine, bringing the meal to a delightful close. With satisfied bellies, the group transitioned seamlessly into an evening of movies and board games, leaving the post-feast chaos to be discreetly handled by the Hog Roast Abbeystead team.