Planning a Stress-Free Christmas Celebration?

As the festive season approaches, thoughts turn to Christmas parties and gatherings. At Kalm Kitchen, we take the stress out of planning your event, whether a corporate party, conference, or awards evening.

Experience the Kalm Kitchen Difference

Our experienced planners, chefs, event managers, and servers will collaborate with you to create a bespoke menu that reflects your vision and caters to all dietary needs. From delicious canapes to hearty bowl foods and five-course meals, we offer various options, including gluten-free and vegan selections.

Looking for Festive Menu Inspiration?

Last Christmas, we helped Zopa Bank celebrate with a festive menu of canapes and bowl foods perfect for their 450 colleagues at Village Underground.

Village Underground is an amazing venue, with hollowed-out Jubilee line train carriages atop a renovated turn-of-the-century warehouse. It hosts everything from concerts and club nights to exhibitions, theatre, live music, and private hire.

Our menu featured options like honey and thyme glazed pigs in blankets and vegan moussaka pasta crisps, along with satisfying bowl foods like vegan mozzarella and pesto arancini, and gluten-free balsamic glazed beef cheek with creamy mash.

 

Ready to Create a Memorable Event?

Kalm Kitchen is here to make your Christmas event a success. Get in touch with a member of our team at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360 to discuss your specific needs.

Credits:

Photography: Cheeseboard, canapés and flower tray, breakfast bar – Philippa Sian Photography

Not much sums up summer better than a dessert bursting with freshly picked berries, and our Summer Berry Dessert Station certainly caused a sensation this year. Loaded up with pavlova, berries, whipped double cream, wildflowers and meringue kisses, it’s almost too good to be true.

This year, we set out to create an abundance of delicious and beautiful desserts that could be built live during at your wedding celebrations. We love food that gets people talking. And what could be more fun than your guests helping themselves to a bowl of hand-served dessert to graze with on the lawn.

Made up of a 3.5 foot square of pavlova, we pile up this all-time favourite base with an abundance of berries and florals. It looks stunning and we have it on good authority that it tastes just as amazing too!

To create it, Camilla @camillascreationsflowers helped us dress an elevated round table with florals. Interactively building it in front of your guests is all part of the theatre. Layers of lovely flavours makes this a unique station within our list of sharing desserts and it’s all finished off with edible flowers to make it pretty as a picture.

Click here to see a video of this stunning dessert being created: Summer Berry Pav – VLA

Are you thinking of incorporating a unique dessert concept into your wedding plans? For further wedding menu inspiration, talk to one of our team at Kalm Kitchen. Get in touch at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360.

Credits:
Florist: @camillascreationsflowers
Cloth @maisonmargauxltd
Photographer/ Videographer: @vlaweddingphotography

What: Breakfast Launch | Where: Owen Isherwood, Guildford | When: September 2023

This September, Owen Isherwood showcased a new workspace at White Lion House in Guildford. Marking the occasion with a breakfast launch, Kalm Kitchen provided a beautiful breakfast spread for businesses to graze on while they toured the new space.

The purpose-built office environment is set right in the heart of the town and the company wanted a clean line grazing station to align with the light and architectural building. We set up a smart 360 bar, centred in the middle of the building. Crittall windows flooded the space with light and made this a sunny-filled setting to host a delicious breakfast display.

Breakfast highlights included granola pots, mini pastries and honey bundt cake, plus a selection of avocado, smoked salmon or soft-boiled eggs in mini brioche rolls. We topped off this tasty display with green smoothies, juice and plenty of coffee.

The morning was a great success and our client Owen Isherwood shared these kind words:

“Kalm Kitchen were extremely professional throughout, especially as the booking was on relatively short notice. The event ran smoothly, and the service/food was impeccable. Highly recommend it for any corporate events where you are looking to impress.”

Credits:
Photography: Fi Digby-Jones @fi.digbyjones.photography

What: Nocturne Music Festival | Where: Blenheim Palace | When: June 2023

Kalm Kitchen were delighted to cater for VIP guests at the Nocturne Music Festival this summer. Held at Blenheim Palace, Nocturne is a unique music and dining experience that immerses guests in the world-famous surroundings of Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace.

Attendees of the four evening spectaculars were treated to a drinks reception, delicious food and a prime seat at performances. Artists including Lionel Richie, Gregory Porter and Emeli Sandé headed the line-up.

The evening began with guests gathering in the Great Court, where we served up arrival drinks of Prosecco, Pear Collins, bottled beer and sparkling elderflower. Proceedings then moved onto the magnificent Long Library, which was the ideal place to set the scene for such a special evening. We dressed the tables with Chalk Urbane tablecloths alongside vintage green hemstitch napkins. A modern and stylish way to showcase the iconic surroundings.

Music & dining

Pre-laid starters paved the way for a choice of either a meat or plant-based menu, which we rotated between the evenings for anyone lucky enough to attend more than once. Highlights of the menu were treacle and soy cured salmon with a celeriac remoulade and a balsamic glazed beef short rib. The plant-based menu included a cauliflower panna cotta and summer squash arancini. For dessert, a crowd-pleasing toffee apple cheesecake likewise went down a treat!

After the show, guests enjoyed post-concert drinks in the Saloon – a fine setting to wrap up a spectacular evening. All-in-all this was an unforgettable dining experience in exceptionally grand surroundings. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Credits:
Festival Organisers – U-Live @weareulive
Festival – Nocturne @nocturnelive
Venue – Blenheim Palace @blenheimpalace
Catering – Kalm Kitchen @kalmkitchen

Who: Michelle & Elliot | When: August 2021 | Where: Langley Park Marquee

Michelle and Elliot had their wedding at the recently restored Langley Park. Originally due to have a destination wedding, they decided instead to stay in the UK for a full week of festivities at this 18th Century Georgian listed mansion located between Tetbury and Chippenham. Sitting in almost 100 acres of gardens, parkland and pasture, the location had several perfect areas for the celebrations to take place.

First up was a welcome party on the main lawn. The couple chose canapés and one of our famous Patisserie bars, served alongside a selection of cocktails. The beautiful ceremony itself was hosted in the walled garden, followed by drinks around the pool. Guests were then welcomed into the marquee for dinner and drinks throughout the evening before retiring to the cellar bar for an after-party.

The couple worked with the talented Holly Episkopou from Wonderlust Events to bring their dream wedding to life. Her vision came through in creating a gorgeous ceremony area and a spectacular marquee design for all the guests. Chandelier light installations above the tables were incredible. Switched on for the speeches as it started getting darker created a glorious mood.

Magical menu

As self-confessed ‘foodies’ Michelle and Elliot admitted that food was a huge part of the wedding for them. From welcome canapés to late night evening food as the party drew to a close, guests were treated to a varied menu. Highlights included herb roasted chicken breast with thyme butter fondant, wild mushrooms and pea velouté for the main and as the bride and groom both loved crab, we created a bespoke crab arancini as a starter for the wedding breakfast.

Kind words

Afterwards, the couple fed back with kind words about their day:

‘“Best wedding food I’ve ever had!” The words of many of our wedding guests. We had such a great experience with Kalm Kitchen. We found Kalm to be a very bespoke and tailored service to ensure our day was exactly how we wanted it to be.

From replanning our wedding in the UK with only a few months to go, they were so accommodating. The food tasting was such a pleasant and exciting experience, we loved absolutely everything that the chef made. This really was one of the best parts of the planning process. 
 
Pete was especially amazing, his communication and attention to detail was over and above anything we expected. He made us feel so confident that our day was in safe hands, and helped to visualise how it would all work.

On our wedding day, the staff were all incredible, nothing was too much. They always made sure my husband and I were looked after, and the guests were so impressed. 
 
Anytime we host an event in the future we will most certainly return to Kalm Kitchen.”

If you’d like to talk to us about creating dreamy food memories for your wedding or event give us a call on 01483 813360 or email info@kalmkitchen.co.uk.

Credits…

Destination Wedding Planner: Wonderlust Events
@wonderlustevents | https://www.wonderlustevents.co.uk/
Venue: Langley Park
@luxurycotswold | https://www.luxurycotswoldrentals.co.uk/properties/langley-park/
Marquee: Sail & Peg
@sailandpeg | https://www.sailandpeg.co.uk
Photographer: Elias Kordelakos
@eliaskordelakos | https://eliaskordelakos.com/
Videographer: HD Moments
@hdmoments | https://hdmoments.co.uk/
Catering: Kalm Kitchen
@kalmkitchenltd | https://kalmkitchen.co.uk/
Florals: Emma Soulsby
@emmasoulsby | https://www.emmasoulsbyowers.com/
Entertainment: Guy Preston – DJ
@grspreston | https://www.djguypreston.com/
Hair & Makeup: Claire Jones
@clairejonesmakeupartist | http://www.clairejonesmakeupartist.com
Celebrant: Love Stories by Lydia
@lovestoriesbylydia | lovestoriesbylydia.com
Stationery: Vine in the Wild
@vineinthewild | https://www.vineinthewild.com/
Linen rentals: Just 4 Linen
@just_4_linen | https://www.just4linen.co.uk/
Chandelier rentals: Crescent Moon
@crescent_moon_events | crescent-moon.co.uk/
Dress Designer: Mira Zwillinger
@mirazwillinger | https://www.mirazwillinger.com/
Dress Boutique – Browns Brides Instagram
@brownsbrides | https://www.brownsbride.com/
Jewellery (including rings): Bond Jewellery
@bond_jewellery | https://bondjewellery.co.uk/
Shoes: ASOS
@asos | www.asos.com
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s suit: McCann Bespoke
@mccannbespokelondon | https://mccannbespoke.co.uk/
Bridesmaids’ dresses: White by Vera Wang, Ghost and Ralph Lauren
@verawanggang / @ghostfashion / @ralphlauren
https://www.verawang.com/ | https://www.ghost.co.uk/ | https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/

What: Ferrari Roma Spider launch| When: July 2023 | Where: Somerley House

Somerley House was the spectacular destination for the Ferrari Roma Spider launch event, hosted by Meridien Modena. Nestled within the New Forest on over 7,000 acres of land, Somerley Estate was designed by architect Samuel Wyatt. Featuring a grand picture gallery, this was the focal point of mingling as the first of the VIP guests arrived.

This extra special car preview deserved an extra special menu. We had the pleasure of conjuring up canapés, bowl food and patisserie desserts to mark this wonderful, celebratory evening. While a first wave of canapés including scallop tartare, deviled chicken bun and cider braised pulled pork croquettes was circulated, guests enjoyed an Italian-themed line-up of drinks. Limoncello, Italian wines, Peronis, negronis and espresso martinis were all served up in luxurious glassware. Meanwhile, clean line seating and a bar were provided by the client to match in with the sleek lines of the evening’s main star – the Roma Spider.

Food fit for Ferrari!

Other crowd-pleasing bites on the menu included a selection of five bowl foods, which  included herb crushed tuna loin and a seasonally themed green summer salad with white asparagus, courgettes, feves, peas and goat’s curd. After everyone had finished gathering in the library, guests walked through the garden to the bottom lawn. This was the destination for the car unveiling where everyone got first look at the supercar up close and personal.

To round off the evening in fitting style, we circulated a sweet selection of three desserts in glass patisserie pots: Rhubarb mousse, chocolate fudge pieces and a buttermilk & rosemary pannacotta.

What an evening – Forza Ferrari!

Are you planning a corporate event that needs a professional touch? Talk to us about how we can bring your ideas to life. Give us a call on 01483 813360 or email info@kalmkitchen.co.uk.

Images: Kindful Creative

Credits:
Brand: Ferrari
Dealership @meridenmodena
Events Team @geniusprogetti
Photography and Videography @kindfulcreative @benkapurphotography @richpearcephoto @salternscreative

Seated desserts are making way for spectacular dessert tables and we are increasingly being asked to create stunning Patisserie Boutiques. All our stunning displays include a choice of three beautifully styled, delicious desserts, which can include macarons and chocolate lollipops.

This wonderful spread of sweet treats gives guests the opportunity to graze long into the night. And they look amazing too! Whether you’re catering for 30 or 300 people, a Patisserie Boutique is a fantastic, interactive feasting experience for your wedding or event. This relaxed approach to dining is a great way of bringing people together to eat, chat and mingle.

Kalm Kitchen has developed endless options to provide plenty of tasty flavours and create the ultimate showpiece that makes a real statement. Here is a selection of our Top Five most popular Patisserie Boutique displays:

Classic

A clean and contemporary collection of tiered acrylic shelves. Let the food and flowers do the talking with this simple and elegant option.

Flowers: Hannah Berry Flowers

Photography: Marianne Taylor 

Rustic

Rustic props including a selection of vintage crates and scales, for a beautiful summery, relaxed vibe.

Flowers: Carrie Macy-The Topiary Tree

Photography: VLA Photography

Gold

Gold and mirrored elements conjure up a luxurious and elegant visual display

Photography (image 1): Anneli Marinovich

Flowers (image 1): Kate Avery Flowers 

Photography (image 2): VLA photography

Flowers (image 2): Hannah Berry Flowers

Botanical

Three layers of acrylic, circular shelves creates a jaw dropping 360 degree grazing display

Flowers: Hannah Berry Flowers

Photography: Philippa Sian Photography 

Colonial

Colonial styling presented on an industrial structure with hanging rattan baskets and neutral toned foliage

Photography: Hayley Bray

Find more Patisserie Boutique inspiration, head over to the Kalm Kitchen pinterest feed. Also, follow us on Instagram for the latest inspirational ideas.

For further wedding menu inspiration, talk to one of our team at Kalm Kitchen. Get in touch at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360.

Main image:

Photography: VLA photography

Flowers: Hannah Berry Flowers

Who: Holly & Will | When: September 2020 | Where: Chelsea Town Hall

 

>> Tell us more about your wedding planning:

This wasn’t the original plan. Like so many couples, we had our big two part wedding all planned for May 2020; a small legal ceremony with just family, followed by a big celebration a few days later with all our friends. When the lockdown was announced in March, no one could have predicted what the future held so. Like so many others, we didn’t know whether to hold out, cancel or postpone the wedding.  Initially, with optimism in our hearts, we postponed both parts of the wedding to September 2020. But as the months rolled on, it became clear that we weren’t going to be able to get hundreds of people into a room anytime soon.

We decided to cancel the big event and stick with the plans for the legal wedding. We kept everything crossed that we’d be able to go ahead when the time came and salvage at least some of our 2020 plans. It was actually a huge relief once a decision was made and all the pressure was taken away. A micro wedding wasn’t what we ever thought we’d have, but in hindsight I’m so glad we did.

 

>> How did you choose your venues:

Both sets of our parents got married at Chelsea and Kensington Registry Office, a month apart from each other back in 1979. So there was a sentimental aspect to the decision, meaning we never really discussed other options. We originally planned to go to a local restaurant for a meal following the ceremony. But because we were no longer able to have Kalm Kitchen cater at the big celebration and we were desperate to still have their incredible food, we decided to hold the reception at Holly’s father’s home. It worked perfectly for the guest numbers. We had drinks and canapés on the roof terrace and set up a banquet style dining table in the living room for the meal. The kitchen was turned into a dance floor later in the evening.

 

 

>> How did you choose the menu:

We wanted an Italian theme running through the meal, as our very initial plans after getting engaged was to hold the wedding in Italy (Thank god we didn’t!). We also felt that, because it was a small event, a sharing meal would work best. It encourages interaction and connects people, and Italian food lends itself perfectly to the sharing concept. Kalm Kitchen took our ideas and created a completely bespoke vegetarian menu for us. It was perfect! We felt so comfortable in the hands of the team so really let them run with it.

 

>> What was on the menu:

 

>> What was your favourite part of the meal:

We had a bespoke Kalm Kitchen sharing pavlova for dessert, which doubled up as our wedding cake. It was just incredible.

 

>> What did you have to drink:

We kept it simple with a bespoke Kalm Kitchen drinks package. For the canapé reception we had Prosecco with optional Aperol or Creme de Cassis upgrades, and some bottles of Corona (very fitting). We had red and white wine for the meal and the Kalm Kitchen team made delicious Espresso Martinis and Margaritas for an after dinner “Cocktail Hour”

>> How did you choose the styling:

We followed Kalm Kitchen’s advice with the table styling. Being a living room, the table surroundings were quite ‘busy’, so we kept the table decor simple and neutral, with potted Italian herbs rather than flowers for decoration. The styling worked perfectly in the surroundings and was complemented by fairy lights galore.

 

>> Are you going to have a bigger celebration:

For sure, at some point. We can’t wait to eat Kalm Kitchen’s food again.

 

>> Would you recommend a micro wedding to other couples:

Absolutely. We are so glad we went ahead with the wedding and had the opportunity to get together with our closest loved ones at a time when we’ve seen so little of them this past year. A small wedding means you get to spend quality time with all our guests on the most important day of your life and that is pretty invaluable at the moment. There was no stress and the pressure has been taken off now, so when we do have the big wedding, we’ll be so much more relaxed and be able to fully enjoy the day.

Credits: Sarah Legge photographed the ceremony for us and we can’t recommend her enough. She made us feel so at ease and captured so many beautiful photos. (https://www.sarahleggephotography.co.uk)

Whether you’re catering for 30 or 300 people, a Grazing Bar is a fantastic, interactive feasting experience for your wedding or event. Kalm Kitchen has developed endless options to provide plenty of tasty flavours and create the ultimate showpiece that makes a real statement. Savoury, sweet or a combination of both, this relaxed approach to dining is a great way of bringing people together to eat, chat and mingle.

Here’s a selection of just some of the amazing grazing displays we’ve had the pleasure to put together.

 

Brunch Bar

Photography: VLA photography

 

What better way to start proceedings or gather everyone together the day after than with a fully loaded bar stacked with a selection of morning treats. Ours combines healthy, sliced fruits with pastries, granola pots, plus fresh breads, with conserves. Throw in salmon and cream cheese bagels, smashed avocado and continental meats and you have the ideal morning mix. Of course, we also provide plenty of coffee to keep your guests non-stop fuelled up and perfectly set for the day.

 

Luxury Cheese Board

Photography: VLA photography

 

This impressive, interconnecting display is no ordinary cheese board. Combining height and depth for a wow effect, a luxurious collection of handpicked cheeses, runny honey and fresh breads is served with dried apricots, fresh figs, grapes, wheat wafers, fig chutney and salted almonds. Ideal for rounding off the meal or as a late night extra, it’s always a total crowd pleaser.

 

Small Plate Grazing

Photography: Anneli Marinovich

 

With a centrepiece of a whole Prosciutto leg, this assortment brings together the best continental flavours. Served up on beautifully designed, individual plates, your guests can help themselves to the following:

Sliced coppa and prosciutto di speck, cornichons, radishes and celeriac remoulade

Chargrilled yellow and green zucchini, violette artichokes, smashed smoked almonds and shaved pecorino

Sea bream ceviche, sliced greens chillies, charentais melon, toasted seaweed and sesame seeds with spring onion

Perfectly Pink Grazing

Photography: VLA photography

 

Pretty as a picture, our Perfectly Pink Grazing Platter features an array of iced ring doughnuts, red velvet cupcakes, pink wafers, pink and red macarons and waffles. Tucked in amongst the divine treats you’ll also find berries, white chocolate fingers and pink lady apples. It’s a sweet sensation in every single mouthful.

DIY Eton Mess Bar

Photography: Laura Harvey Photography

 

Our delicious and interactive Eton Mess Bar is just summer in a snapshot. Invite your guests to create their own delightful desserts with a choice of mouthwatering meringues and whipped cream. Accompaniments include rhubarb compote, strawberry coulis, fresh strawberries, honeycomb, macarons and elderflower jelly with wild flowers.

Find more grazing inspiration over on the Kalm Kitchen pinterest feed. Also, follow us on Instagram for the latest inspirational ideas.

For further wedding menu inspiration, talk to one of our team at Kalm Kitchen. Get in touch at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360.

Main image photography: VLA photography

Kalm Kitchen is thrilled to be approved as a supplier at the beautiful Chelsea Physic Garden. This historic garden wedding venue is London’s oldest botanic garden, occupying four acres of land on the edge of the Thames.

 

Where:

Tucked away beside the River Thames and nestled behind walls, the garden has a special, secret feel due to its location. In fact, it’s situated on one of Chelsea’s smartest streets, a buzzing part of London that still maintains a village feel.

What:

With a rich past of providing medicinal plants for apothecaries, today Chelsea Physic Garden is a living collection of around 5,000 different edible medicinal and herbal plants. It is also an exceptional venue for all kinds of events. Light, airy and spacious, The Gallery room is an elegant indoor space available to hire throughout the year. With high ceilings, and an outlook to the iconic gardens, The Gallery can accommodate all types of events, including weddings for up to 90 guests.

Meanwhile, the Garden itself is a beautiful botanical setting with a large marquee as an optional hire. A Wedding Ceremony Room is available for up to 70 guests and blessings in the gardens are welcome. The entire Garden is available to hire exclusively, or more intimate areas can also be booked separately. For instance, the Lower Lawn – tucked away in the South West corner – is a secluded grassy area ideal for small, day-time gatherings of up to 100 guests.

Available for exclusive private hire on Saturdays and on weekday evenings, this outstanding and adaptable venue offers any number of décor and theme possibilities. Exclusive hire means guests are most welcome to explore the pathways and peripheries, loaded with idyllic photograph backdrop opportunities amidst its collection of rare and historically significant plants.

We love:

This magical venue is an idyllic space to hold your wedding. The historic charm of the gardens is quite unique and provides a spectacular yet understated setting for a botanical-themed celebration. Even better, when you hire The Chelsea Physic Garden for an event, your money goes to support the work of caring for the collections of plants and The Garden for future generations.

For more information on hosting your wedding at Chelsea Physic Garden visit their website www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk. Email the team on enquiries@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk  or call on 020 7352 5646.

Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4HS