What is it about a jug? Is there anyone else like me who finds it difficult to resist trying out the handle of a jug for size in shops and department stores?
As someone who likes to feed a crowd, I think they convey to your waiting guests that generous helpings are on their way. And lets face it, when it comes to meal times, all the great accompaniments are served in a jug. I'm thinking of luscious gravies and silky sauces. When it comes to dessert what apple pie isn't enhanced by some golden yellow custard poured from everyone's favourite receptacle
Start thinking of your jug as a pitcher and of course now we're thinking cocktails.
The best known and most iconic jug/pitcher based thirst quencher is of course Pimms. Personally summer has not officially started unless I have made a jug of Pimms and lemonade and sipped it outside. The secret recipe for Pimms is over 200 years old. The good news is that when it was invented Pimms was considered a health drink. Given that each jug of Pimms MUST contain a selection of herbs and fruit and that it is consumed outside (we're making Vitamin D ladies and gentlemen) I concur with our ancestors on that point.
If you are hosting a cocktail night (and I have hosted a few!) Making up big jugs of 3 or 4 popular cocktails leaves you free to enjoy the night. Try Nigella Lawson's Poinsettia cocktail or how about this sophisticated sounding Pink Gin Iced Tea
Moving away from catering, jugs make beautiful receptacles for flowers. If your cupboards are full to bursting do you really need those vases when a jug can display your blooms so elegantly? This year I have experimented with planting up metal jugs outside (after drilling a few holes in the bottom for drainage). Apart from how sweet they look the handle makes moving them around the garden super easy and I have always had a centrepiece for my garden table when guests call. I think a selection of herbs would look great in row of jugs on my window sill too...oops I seems to have persuaded myself I need more jugs :)
Guest Blog written by Gwen Young @gwencyclopedia on Instagram
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