This Christmas, chef, broadcaster and style-setter, Clodagh McKenna, alongside Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch host and cocktail enthusiast, Portia Freeman, have teamed up with Peroni Nastro Azzurro to help Brits take their festive hosting to the next level.

The stylish pair are hosting a series of masterclasses called ‘Peroni Nastro Azzurro presents: Festive Tablescaping & Cocktail Making, with Clodagh McKenna & Portia Freeman.’ The masterclasses are available to the public, giving them the tools to up their party game by combining two of the most fundamental hosting elements – beautiful tablescaping and sparkling cocktails that capture the essence of the occasion.

The masterclasses will take place throughout November and December at Winter by The River’s ‘The Glasshouse,’ a premium new drinking destination by Tower Bridge, where Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the official beer partner. The expert masterclasses will run every Tuesday for four weeks, on 19th November – 3rd December 19:00-20:30. 10th December 16:00 – 17:30. Party planners can secure an exclusive ‘early bird’ ticket for the first masterclass on Tuesday, 19th November at just £25 per person, plus booking fee. Following sessions will be available for the regular admissions price of £35 plus booking fee with limited tickets available.

For those who want to recreate the magic at home, McKenna has revealed the festive trends to look out for, alongside her top tips on how to throw a magical and elegant soiree this Christmas – from colourful tableware and retro decorations, to personal touches and hand-crafted place settings. Meanwhile, cocktail expert Portia helps impress your guests with the Black’beery Sour, an unexpected festive Peroni infused cocktail to make your Christmas party one to remember.

Clodagh McKenna’s top tips on hosting this Christmas:

Go Big On Colour! – Retro, and maximalism are back this Christmas. Bring vibrant colours onto your table with candles, Christmas decorations and a colourful statement tablecloth. Have fun with it, it’s not about perfectionism – it’s more about being bold and fun!
The Candy Stripe Is Back! – Go big on candy stripes this year as they are having a much-needed comeback on the kitchen table. Striped tablecloths with bold colours like blue, red and green bring such a sense of fun to the table. Or buy a roll of striped coloured ribbon with a wide width for wrapping and tie a bow in your napkins for a little splash of fun.
Place Settings with a Twist – String a pretty thin ribbon in the eye of a Christmas bauble (tree) decoration and use as a place setting on your napkin. These can also act as cute festive party favours, which guests can take home with them. Alternatively, I love using seasonal fruit, such as pomegranates or satsumas, for a twist on tradition. Insert 4-inch sprigs from your Christmas tree into the centre of each satsuma, so the sprig stands upright to create a mini tree, with a handwritten name card on each.
Twinkly Table – Run strings of battery-operated fairy lights down the center of the table looping around vases, flowers, and candlesticks to create a sparkly festive feel.
Play With Height – Use cake stands to add an elevated dimension to your table runner, I love to add lots of grapes, or pears stood on top of each other and a few scattered at the base of the stand.
Jingle Bell Rock – Play into the retro trend with your playlist too! A retro Christmas playlist creates a fun, festive atmosphere to get your guests in the holiday spirit.
The Perfect Host – The perfect host will always ensure there is something to drink for everyone. Include a good non-alcoholic drink option such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% for those who may not wish to drink alcohol. Keep it chilled and some fun colourful glasses to serve it in.

Portia Freeman’s Black’beery Sour cocktail
Ingredients:
50ml gin
22.5ml fresh lemon juice
15ml beer syrup**
20ml Giffard Crème De Mure
25ml (1) egg white OR aquafaba
Ice
Peroni top
*Garnish, dehydrated lemon, blackberry & gold dust

Method:
** Peroni Syrup **
2 cups Peroni
1 cup sugar
Add all to a pan, dissolve sugar on medium heat, once dissolved reduce heat and simmer for 20mins.
Pour into airtight, glass container and once cool pop into fridge.
Add all ingredients except ice and Peroni to a shaker and shake
Add ice and shake again
Strain into ice filled tumbler, using the back of a bar spoon, top with an ice cold Peroni, about 20-30ml is perfect
Give it a gentle stir, sprinkle blackberry and gold dust on top, add your dehydrated lemon, serve and enjoy

Winter by the River is London Bridge City’s outdoor winter festival which will be taking place from 12th November 2024 to 5thJanuary 2025, offering a variety of boutique market stalls from crafts, gifts, food and more. This winter sees the arrival of The Glasshouse at The Scoop, offering panoramic views, festive ambience and the full range of Peroni Nastro Azzurro serves, including Peroni, Peroni 0.0% and Peroni Stile Capri.