Hi Nicolas, your videos are always so wonderful and cozy. My one request is for the volume to be louder, I had to connect to my blue tooth speaker so that I could hear you chat to us
Americans tend to be rather loud in their communication. They live in a big country and generally live in bigger homes, so they tend to speak loudly in order to be heard. But that’s not the British way. Soft-spoken is valued and appreciated over loud... unless requiring a hearing aid.. No offence intended, it‘s simply a cultural difference. 😉
Hi. I love to bring a tray deviled eggs for a brunch or get together with friends. I like to add a teaspoon of curry powder to the filling as well. You can boil the eggs the night before. And mix the filling then and put it in a plastic bag to pipe from the next day. Put in Refrigerator Egg whites halves put in sealed container with moist paper towels .And add to Refrigerator. They taste just like you made the.
A really easy way to fill the deviled eggs is to put the filling into plastic bag, cut off the corner, and squish it out into the egg white halves. Works every time. Happy Holidays!
I've put on many parties and you had some great tips and thoughtful touches...like the candles don't all have to be scented which can be overwhelming, the individual towels in the restroom, the music to suit the atmosphere we are creating and the food! Truthfully, I just love listening to you talk and please don't take that as creepy...you are just so peaceful and soothing! Thank you!!!
One thing I Always Remember!!.. Never Have “Scented Candles” on the Table (while you’re Dining)!!..UNSCENTED” while eating!..as it will “interfere” with your Food!!😘🙌🙌💗
I switched to flameless candles for my cocktail parties. Unfortunately people can get sloppy after a few drinks and ive had candles knocked over and they can quickly start a small inferno and really damped the mood!
I also like frameless because I have several friends who are allergic to perfumes and artificial scents that are found in scented candles. They can cope with smell of delicious food and fresh flowers.
Great Advice Jeffrey!! So True!! Accidents Happen!! Plus!.. the elderly sometimes “forget!!” I’m an “Elderly!”.. just speaking from experience!!🙌🙌💗😘⭕️❌
Oh my my Grandma only hosted like this any time of the year... The eggs, the cocktails, the ambience... She had double living room with the fire, a big couch for 10 people, a very cool low table perfect for cocktail, the furniture it was similar to Miami coastal early 70, and the curtains were see-though with a pattern that created palms and jungle shadows on the walls. Can't forget. Only music was missing but they used to use the TV on back then
When someone serves small boiled potatoes topped with some citrus creme fraiche and a little caviar is always so pleasing at a holiday gathering. Figs topped with some goat cheese is another terrific option, even some sausage rolls to absorb the liquor is a good option as many tend to consume more milling about socially. Recently, I had some deviled eggs with the filling of the yolk, curry, minced chicken and some golden currants and it was a sweeter flavor and quite a delight, I would approximate myself. I am replying by saying that your presentation is nice inspiration to adapt what we might plan. Enjoy the rest of the holiday season. I was hoping to see in the thick of frigid January maybe a version of a Scottish Beef Stew with Skirlie Potato Cakes - I was only just reading about them. Cheers! P.S. I am a huge fan of using Endive leaves to fill for ease to devour with ease.
Best egg salad I ever had was a curry version made by a dear friend. I think the curry in deviled eggs must be delicious! Agree about Endive - I love endive and it makes a pretty presentation. Here in Texas we would definitely have little sausages or some type protein with the other appetizers. Cheers!
You have forgot to mention that when your guests first arrive..... offer to take their coats, it makes people feel welcome as soon as they arrive and they are also not left feeling awkward not knowing where to put them.
I used to love cocktail parties in the 70's! My dear Father would always make sure no one's glass was empty, and my dear Mother would make the most wonderful nibbles - vol-au-vent filled cases of lovely savoury things were the norm then! Then there were the cheese and pineapple on cocktail sticks of course. We would have smoked salmon on cream cheese, served on Ritz crackers. Bowls of crisps and twiglets. Then there may be a trifle for later! The good old days! I agree with you about making the bathroom lovely, and the idea of single use cloths to dry hands with is so good - especially now, when we think more about hygiene, it also feels so special to have a cloth to yourself. So good to know you have a best friend in Vanessa, and such fun to share a cocktail party with her. Love and hugs to you from a freezing Devon, England. xxx
The parties thrown by your Mom and Daddy sound lovely. I have fond memories of outdoor Summer/Autumn parties with my own parents. I bet your parents made everyone feel so at home and welcome - I can tell from the way you describe the party and it sounds like one we would all love an invite to. And aren't Ritz crackers yummy!
if you boiled your eggs for less time, no longer than 7 minutes, the filling for your deviled eggs would be much richer and creamier and the eggs will still be fully cooked. a good rule of thumb is that when you hard boil an egg, and once it is cut in half, if there is a small bit of grey between the yolk and the white you have overcooked it. if you are happy with the way you do it, completely ignore my comment. Happy Holidays! 😁
@@sabinekoch3448 I was reading through the comments, and I’m not the only one. I think it’s the microphone Nicholas uses clipped to his shirt. Not sure though. Still enjoying watching.
I find it low too and having a bit of an effort to follow. I think he is too far away from the microphone or it is covered by his cardigan. Noted that in his previous one too.
That's interesting and funny that I was just thinking about making some deviled eggs this morning! Cocktail parties at home here in the states were a very big thing in the 1940s and 50s and I can remember my parents getting all dressed up i.e. cocktail dresses for the ladies and I used to help my late beloved mom put appetizers around in the living room before the guests arrived! But since I was just a little child, my brother and I weren't invited and we had to watch the party and all the guests from the landing on the stairs in our pajamas! Thanks for the tips and inspiration again, cheers and have a Happy Christmas, too! ♥🍷🍷🎄👗💚
Hi Nicolas ! I'm definitely going to try that cocktail ! I agree . A sharp or divine mustard gives deviled eggs a nice kick . When are we going to meet Vanessa ??!!???:)
One of the tips that I have learned from my new neighbors in the Southeast part of the US is to put and end time on your invitation. "Cocktails from 6 to 9 pm" or "Holiday Open House from Noon to 6pm". It prevents people from thinking that Cocktails are from 6 to whenever....
Yes, that’s quite a common thing to do in England. The old fashioned expression is to say ‘Carriages at 9pm’. Posh people and the royal family still use this, meaning that’s when your carriage or chauffeured car should call to collect you, graciously implying you have staff. There are cultural differences. I split my time between England and California. In California everyone arrives bang on time and all leave together at the end. This seems strange to British people, we feel it’s rude to the host all to rush to the exit as if something has gone wrong. We arrive about 10-15 minutes after the start time and guests make a judgement about when to leave. If half the guests leaves at one point, we hang back so the host/ess can say goodbye and then maybe shortly after you suggest you will be going. However, the rules go out the window if it’s an incredible party and everyone’s having a blast, everyone stays on!
@@monicahaymes4361 Very true!!! People love to enjoy something different and exciting from their own experiences. England is so charming and Nicolas is a joy to watch and learn his traditions from. I poked fun at Americans - tongue and cheek. I am American as well, btw. A little sadistic, I know! LOL
Hello Nicolas! Thank you for sharing such great ideas 💡 It always helps, especially when you will be putting on a cocktail party soon. Could you give us the recipe for the drink you are serving? The deviled eggs look great 👍 Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄🍁
I definitely will be using these tips!! I was so excited to learn that this weeks Episode would be about a cocktail party, as I look forward to having one in the future. 🥰💖 Thank you Nicolas! 🍸🍹
Oh my goodness! Perfect timing. I committed to deviled eggs this evening for a private happy hour and wanted them a little something special. As always, you came through! 😊
I think I prefer it when you are doing something as opposed to just sitting and talking. Also the camera needs to be closer to your face….you are too far away in this video…. We are interested in you..😊
Nicolas love xx your advice for a Christmas gathering even though l don't drink alcohol l used juice cocktail with ice . Lovely walk in London nice to see the stores where to buy food . Thank you for the tips especially for bathroom's accessories. Thank you for creating good ambience and family can enjoy . Take care Nicolas love xx ❤️.
I love develed eggs too: hardned yolk, manaise, mustard, pickeled relish, chopped ham, and STEAK SEASONING. When on the plate, I sprinkle on light paparika. Then, I move all the finished develd eggs to a clean plat, for presentations
This was another video that was disappointing. Your videos are getting very sparse on content…and shorter. Just watching you talk to a camera is not interesting. You need to demonstrate what you are talking about. I thought your videos would get more professional now you are being paid.
It is Wednesday 21st and still no video out this week-too busy spending the thousands that deluded Patreons are throwing at him to fund his perceived lifestyle needs.
Thanks for taking us shopping with you. I wanted to add on to the list. Never invite people who don't respect your party rules or house rules. I hate it when I give instructions and people deliberately ignore them. For example those who bring extra guests without asking you in advance. Yuck.
Thank you again for another great video Nicolas, I quite agree that bathrooms are often overlooked. I love that you provide individual hand towels for your guests, I have used both Cotton as well as beautiful and elegant paper guest towels ( compostable of course).. Re music, have you ever thought about creating a playlist to share 😆 could be fun. Merry Christmas 💝🇨🇦
I like the tips! The hand towel one is marvellous! What if i don’t have enough glassware and people always put down their glass and then forget which one is theirs. 😂
You can decorate your glassware with charms. Amazon has wine glass charms for really cheap. The charms are all different shapes, so people can keep up with what glass they had.
Yes!! Plus!.. if you can’t afford All those extras (& on a budget).. you can just take Paper tape..& loop it over onto itself & write your guests name on it (& add a colored “Sticky Jewel” on it!!!.. cute!!😍🙌🙌💗
I love your videos Nicholas, but I do find that when you are talking to camera I think you are too far away. Hope you don’t mind me saying. Merry Christmas xx
Dear Nicolas, you may have many more subscribers than this referral, however Kevin Lee Jacobs would appear to live in your home and present a similar style of living in your future. So take heart, all is possible. Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much Nicolas! I loved entertaining, and many of your ideas i used. I loved having individual towels for my guests in the bathroom. I learned that from a boss and his wife many years ago. And especially the low lights for the ambience. Friends tease me about all the little lamps around my house. 🎄🎄
I really love candles to create ambience. However, I am now concerned about the toxicity of burning regular candles. I am currently scouting down soy based / non toxic candles.
Best way to cook eggs? Steam them for 13 minutes in that basket you use for vegetables, then into an ice bath. They are tender, easy to peel and don’t have that green ring around the yolk. Try it!
Would avoid serving such a large bowl of potato crisps. If you must serve them, use a few smaller dishes so they don't look so obvious. Replace with a tray of mini mozzarella balls, basil leaf, halve a mini tomato and repeat served on cocktail sticks. Meanwhile, enjoy your videos and gracious personality. Merry Christmas to Vanessa and yourself.
Some great tips! I agree about the bathroom. One thing not discussed was pets. I suppose that depends a lot on your guests and how your dog/pet reacts. Thanks!
Hello Nicolas! It was nice to see a bit of Vanessa's new house. Deviled Eggs are one of my favorite Christmas treats, and I agree are perfect for parties. The episode was delightful. Merry Christmas from Canada 🇨🇦 Andrew
Nicholas, your content, your lifestyle and tone I very inspirational. I LOVE a cocktail party - started hosting them as an undergrad and the experiences I have shared are amongst my most treasured moments - they inspired me to get on the (very rewarding) career path I am on today. Thanks for covering this and making it easy for the everyday person to execute - and enjoy :)
Nicolas - all your posts brighten my life! Thank you so much for all you do. You have no idea how much you bring joy to others. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Nicolas, thank you for another enjoyable video. I like all your suggestions for preparing to entertain guests. You are a thoughtful and caring host. Anyone would be honored to be invited into your home as a guest. You bring peace and joy into the lives of your viewers. God bless you for being "you". All the best from New York, Robert.
Small feedback is the sound quality was not as good as usual. Maybe new equipment is causing issues. It went up and down in volume, I had to change my volume a few times to keep hearing you or, on the other hand, not have it be too loud. The volume of your video was not matched up with the other things i happened to watch at same time on youtube.
Lovely video. I so need to pop down to London for shopping and to wander about those shops. Can you tell us the name of that street you were walking on?
I enjoy your videos, Nicholas, but I was hoping for MORE hors d'oeuvres that you would share with us, that you would serve; AND, I was hoping to see your ideas of which you spoke: meaning the candles in your powder room, etc. Oh, well. --gv
If everyone is enjoying your eggs and Prosecco there shouldn't be any awkward silences , know all about music and the volume and my bathroom is always clean.
Dear Nicolas! Thanks so much for this wonderful episode, I will definitely use the tips! Love you so much!!! Wising you a very happy Christmas ! From Russia ❤
Hi Nicolas only just started watching you on RU-vid found your videos very interesting. Will get around to watching all your videos. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas x
Nicholas I’m an avid fan of your videos. My only complaint is purely technical. Please review how you do sound balancing for your videos. Your volume of speech is inconsistent throughout your video. Sometimes quite louder than what seems intended other times you’re far too quite. Beyond that you’ve crafted such an informative and relaxing event/video.
To say "thank you" from Tokyo at the end of the year. Looking at your video, plenty of elegances became one of my routines. It is so relaxing in terms of music and rhythms of presentations on how to care for daily life. I appreciate them.
Thank you Nicholas for bringing us , always inspirational and beautiful content. 🥰 really love your idea of individual hand towels and totally agree about music. Make or break for me.
Totally inspiring. And a good reminder not to get grumpy about things not being perfect . I'm afraid I am often that way as a perfectionist with my cooking and this weekend I am going to make it up to my friends with a nice little relaxed Hanukkah party a la Nicholas spirit.
Thank you for the tip to use paper hand towels in the bath. I do agree with you that it would be so much nicer than using just one cloth hand towel for guests. Great tips, and the cocktail looks especially delicious! Merry Christmas to you, and thank you for inspiring me with your beautiful videos.
