CAUSE A FESTIVE STIR WITH THE DOUBLE DUTCH GUIDE TO HOSTING

Pictured above – Raissa and Joyce de Haas

Known for their vibrant joyful approach, this holiday season, Double Dutch founders, twins Raissa and Joyce are celebrating their love of a great party, throwing open the doors to their favourite festive party tips. They invite everyone to mix it up and bring a little – or a lot! – of Gezellig into their homes this party season.

Gezellig (pronounced heh-Sell-ick) sits at the heart of the Dutch culture, describing the feeling of good vibes, relaxed energy, and the warmth and fun that comes from a moment in time – a certain place, a great party, with a group of friends.

The Vibe: Gezellig – anything from a gragerious party to a cosy night together with your best pals. Conduer up the Gezellig vibe with good tunes, glasses clinking and lots of laughter among friends – new and old. Make your home feel like a home from home where you bring your best energy, fancy outfits are optional, and the kitchen isn’t so perfect.

Guest List Mix: Switch up the energy with an open house feeling, invite your friends to each bring a plus one to add a touch of mischief and anticipation.

Cocktail Mix: Always offer your guests a drink as soon as they arrive. Keep the energy fun and fresh without overcomplicating things with a wow worthy cocktail. Prepare jewel-coloured pitchers filled with exciting combinations — such as the Gin Pom Pom with gin and Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil – or the No Low Winter Tonic made with apple juice and Double Dutch Cranberry & Ginger. Hire a resident mixologist to build a bar in your kitchen to create cocktails and let their creativity lead the way, whilst you spend time with your guests.

Décor: 90s Nostalgia & Sophisticated Glitz is this year’s hottest Christmas trend. Repurpose those disco balls, create atmosphere with low lighting, candles and fairy lights, upcycle the tinsel. Sparkle is obligatory.

Eats: No canapés. Meet in the kitchen over a (de) constructed cheeseboard complete with dates and grapes. Snack, chat, and making new friends!

Music Mix: A touch of Christmas tunes gets everyone in the mood but avoid Mariah Carey on repeat and mix it up with your favourite DJs and Spotify play lists or better still, play the Double Dutch Spotify Gezellig mix!

Above all have fun, be with your family, your friends, embrace the warmth of this time of year, capture the magic and see where the evening takes you, dance on tables, or kick your shoes off and relax.

Vrolijk Kerstfeest! Gezellig!

Love Raissa and Joyce

THE HOME BAR & FESTIVE COCKTAIL RECOMMENDATIONS

Dial up your at-home hosting with a bar that’s as bold as your drink choices. Think quirky glassware vintage finds in unexpected shapes and colours to add that extra spark. Whether you’re mixing up a classic or creating something entirely new, equip your bar with these essential tools to bring the Double Dutch spirit into your home.

THE CHRISTMAS GIN POM POM

Ingredients
50ml Gin
25ml Pomegranate Juice
Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil
Lime
Basil
Pomegranate Seeds

Accessories
Rocks glass
Spirits jigger
Long-handled spoon

Method
Pour your gin into a glass over ice.
Add in your pomegranate juice and stir.
Top with Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil mixer.
Garnish with a fresh lime wheel, a sprig of basil and pomegranate seeds.

NO LOW – THE DOUBLE DUTCH WINTER TONIC

Ingredients
50ml Fresh Apple Juice
Double Dutch Cranberry & Ginger Tonic

Accessories
Bar spoon
Wine glass

Method
Fill wine glass with ice
Pour in the fresh apple juice and Double Dutch Cranberry & Ginger Tonic
Stir gently to combine
Garnish with an apple slice, star anise and cinnamon stick

Further information – www.doubledutchdrinks.com | @doubledutchdrinks