Celebrating your special moments at home

Special occasion coming up? Although most places are currently closed and travel is off the cards, for now, there is a myriad of ways to celebrate a lockdown birthday or anniversary.  By planning in advance, you and your household can have a fun-filled day with plenty of indulgent dining without having to worry about the weather or travelling to a venue.

Rise and shine

Whether you’re an early riser or prefer a long lie-in, whip up this homemade honey facemask for a glowing start to your special day and lounge-like royalty by cocooning yourself in a luxurious bathrobe from Ashford Castle, the 800-year-old ancestral seat of the Guinness family, as the soothing mask takes effect.

Avoid delivery delays by making your own indulgent breakfast. This recipe for Eggs Benedict, and Eggs Royale, from the Executive Head Chef at the five-star Rubens at the Palace Hotel is the perfect start to your day. Pop a bottle of fizz for the perfect at-home brunch experience.

Afternoon treats

What's better than a cake? Perhaps a whole Afternoon Tea stand!

Inspired by Hardy’s Original Sweetshop, The Chesterfield Mayfair's Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea celebrates the joy of rediscovering old favourites and is the perfect nostalgic celebratory treat. Your tea will include freshly made finger sandwiches, homemade scones and a selection of sweetshop inspired cakes. London delivery only, Zones 1 - 4.

Appropriate aperitifs

The Chesterfield Mayfair are delighted to bring their popular Gin & Tonic tasting experience to your home with a virtual experience. Let their mixologist will take guide you through three handpicked G&Ts that have been delivered to participants in advance. The gin kit also includes a gin balloon glass to add to your home collection. The virtual gin tasting experience is also available to buy as a gift.

Wine lovers and oenologists will certainly love the Sommelier’s Choice Experience from Dorset’s Summer Lodge. Renowned for its extensive selection of wines, for the very first time, the 1,600 wines in Summer Lodge's exceptional cellar are available to purchase and deliver to your home.

The experience begins with a personalised online consultation with Head Sommelier Eric Zwiebel, named Best Sommelier in the UK. Eric will take you through the extensive cellar helping you ensure the selection you choose is exactly to your liking. Please note that if you take part in the consultation on the day, the wines will arrive a few days after purchasing. We recommend taking part in the virtual meeting a week before the special occasion to ensure ample time for delivery before the big day.

If you would prefer to make your own drinks - shake, or stir, a cocktail or two from the Quay Bar at Ireland’s Lodge at Ashford Castle. Share the recipes with friends so they each have their own for a celebratory zoom catch-up.

Delightful dining from our Chefs to you

Nothing beats a home-cooked meal. Take advantage of our range of recipes produced by our talented team of Executive Chefs across the collection. From bbar’s sticky short ribs to start followed by delightful Dover sole from the Chesterfield Mayfair or The Oyster Box’s famous Durban curry, there is no shortage of recipe ideas available to browse online. Don’t forget a sweet treat to finish, Paula Stakelum, Director of Chocolate and Patisserie in Ireland, has perfected the chocolate chip ice-cream sandwich.

Considered classics

End the night with a classic board game. Ashford Castle’s specialised Monopoly board makes the ideal gift for previous guests or those planning to visit once regular travel resumes.

A date with cupid

Enjoy a virtual evening of Champagne, diamonds and romance at The Milestone Hotel and Residences. On Saturday 13th February, embark on an evening of sensory exploration with the ultimate symbols of romance, hosted by the inimitable Linda Hugo of Beyond Curated and General Manager Andrew Pike at The Milestone Hotel & Residences, live from the spectacular Hermès Suite.

Give the gift of travel

Prefer to wait until lockdown has lifted to celebrate? Gift the gift of luxury with a Red Carnation gift experience voucher. Whether it's a spa experience for two or a night under the stars beneath Hotel 41's glass conservatory, you're sure to find the perfect gift.