Start snapping! There’s nothing more valuable to learning from mistakes and critiquing your own work. This has helped immensely at not only building my visual style. Assist - I have assisted some brilliant photographers over the years such as Jake Curtis, who shoots for Cereal and Elle Decoration. The knowledge I’ve gained from him has been invaluable! I would especially recommend this for someone who is looking to enhance their technical abilities - be curious and ask lots of questions whilst on set! Equipment - whilst you don’t need to have expensive equipment to be a good photographer, I think investing in good lenses is key. They provide you with so much creative freedom - both in camera and in post.
Party Nails by Imarni
Imarni from Imarni Nails talks to us about how to pop with show stopping nails …
What was the inspiration behind you starting the fabulous Imarni nails?
My inspiration came from observing the up and coming nail art industry but trying to blend it with wearable art for professionals.
Where do you get your ideas from for all your incredible nail art?
I can get my ideas from anywhere, like the other day I got the idea for ‘baby girl’ nails from the writing on the side of a mug!
What is your ultimate go to for a show stopping party nail?
During the last party season the party popper glitter nails were very popular and big gems are having another BLING revival right now.
What is the hottest nail colour for Spring / Summer?
Bright poppy colours with embellishments are trending right now.
Top Tipples
Adam McVoy of Holy Water tells us his tipple tips for getting your party started ….
1.) What was your inspiration to start the wonderful Holy Water?
Seeing Caterer’s seriously f**k up the drinks while still producing pieces of art for the food and wondering why they were doing the drinks in the 1st place so I took it upon myself to change the rules and 10 years later I’m proud to have done and still doing it.
2.) What is your top tipple for getting the party started?
Everybody is different, thank goodness. I personally love a NAPA Chardonnay. As a start to an event something long and not too punchy. See below recipe which also works with vodka.
3.) Do you have a fail safe recipe for a cocktail which is easy to batch up for someone hosting a cocktail party?
50ml Gin, 50ml Pressed Pink Lady Apple Juice, 15ml Elderflower liqueur, 15ml Pressed Cucumber, 5ml Gooseberry Vinegar. Do the math to batch up & serve over cubed with a cucumber headband and lemon thyme.
or
30ml Tequila Reposado, 20ml Mezcal, 60ml Pink Grapefruit Juice, 20ml Cardamon syrup, 5ml lime juice. Pinch smoked sea salt. Shake & Dbl statin long over cubed. Garnish with half smoked salt rim, grapefruit zest
4.) What’s your secret ingredient for creating a memorable evening?
A really good Mezcal, a great DJ and some new moves.
5.) Whats your favourite cocktail bar in London?
I would recommend one of the 5 star hotel bars (The Connaught, Artesian, American bar at the Savoy etc?. Consistent cocktails, great bar snacks and never too busy. Other than that go and see where Matt Whiley (Talented Mr Fox) or Ruch Wood are tending.
Perfect Winter Party Menu
A simple, original and completely delicious menu dead set to impress your guests.
by Lulu Cox, chef at the Rochelle Canteen
Menu
Puntarelle, Kohlrabi & Blood Orange
Crab, Monk’s Beard & Fennel Seeds
Braised Rabbit, Potatoes , Anchovy and Rosemary
Brussel Sprouts
Seville Orange Tart
Braised Rabbit, Potato , Anchovy and Rosemary
Serves 6
6 x rabbit legs
1 x tin best quality anchovies you can afford
1/2 bunch of rosemary
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
White wine , a good glass
1 . 3 kg waxy potatoes, ideally Cyprus , peeled and cut with jagged edges
Chicken stock
Olive oil
Black pepper
Little tip - make sure all your veg is prepped before you start frying off the garlic .