When it comes to invitation cards, winter truly promises to have much variety. It's cold, it's cozy and unlike summer, you don't have think about stuff melting and deliveries getting late. And this year too, winter weddings have much better things in tow - especially when it comes to food and according to our experts in the wedding invite industry - fun food and delicate somethings are the order of the day. But first, the coolest things on the menu in Indian wedding invites this season straight from the awesome experts on our vendor list - Sonal Aggarwal of Turmeric Ink, Disha Mehta of Customising Creativity and Neha Singh Bhatia Invitations.
India is the land of spices, so why not take advantage of it? Go for tiny boxes of everything - from cardamom to cassia, white pepper, cloves and even, saffron. "Saffron is now on trend because it's exotic, it's expensive and also, it lasts for a longer time in a box," adds Sonal Aggarwal of Turmeric Ink. It shows exclusivity and inventiveness.
Check out: Crista Spices or Flavourit for a good mix.
Yes, they are a tad on the overdone side but really, the new flavours you can get your hands on, can be fun. Look for flavours like: Saffron Kahwa, marigold, jasmine or even berry. Mango-flavoured tea has happened people! "The thing about tea is that they add warmth to your invite. Even green tea is a great option because it's a healthier option and will be used," explains Disha Mehta of Customising Creativity. A traditional favourite is of course, rose-flavoured tea. Personalised tea bags are a big deal. Any tea will work wonders if the tea bags bear the wedding monogram or even a hashtag.
Check out: Sancha Tea ,The Tea Shelf★ 5 , Tea Trunk and Exalte, Palate Of Divine Teas .
Honey still rules the roost in wedding invites. The fact that it's very Indian in it's own way and is a great substitute for sweets works well. But this time, opt for bold flavours - litchi is one such popular one. Berries, orange, mango and even ginger make for great gifts. Check out: Himjoli , Under The Mango Tree and Deseo .
Nothing can really beat cookies in a box when they come with a wedding invite. Disha Mehta of Customising Creativity says that a good cookie will draw the crowds - provided it is made with more exotic ingredients. Opt for Madeleines, maybe. Or just go for a good coconut or cardamom one to add an Indian flavour. Check out: Pick a baker from your city from our cool vendor list.
Wow, that's new. Little did we know that sugar comes in flavours and some, like cinnamon or rose are a great addition to a kitchen. "Just mix it up in a little water and it's yummy.' adds Disha Mehta of Customizing Creativity. Apple, mango, raspberry, coconut palm and lavender are some you should try.
The most popular variety these days is chikki. Now the sesame and peanut ones are so blah, so innovating the menu is important. "Try dry fruit chikkis for maximum appreciation, even chikkis coated with icing and chocolate are becoming very popular these days," adds Disha Mehta of Customising Creativity.
Big big trend this year - sugar-coated nuts!!! That too, if you can use flavoured sugar then nothing like it. "Rose-flavoured sugar almonds really gets our vote, even saffron-flavoured ones are in," says Neha Singh Bhatia. Look at others like Spanish chilli or any herb-flavoured nuts too. It's the good stuff. Check out:Nutty Gritties★ 5 and other nut specialists.
Health food is increasingly being preferred. Anything with sugar-free really is a big draw - dry-fruits are always in demand and anything with apricots works. "Granola with oodles of new favours and additions is the new thing," adds Neha Singh. Look for Granola additions like shredded coconut.
These days there are some really amazing home-made butters on the radar - from kiwi butter to orange flavoured butter - there are so many cute options out there. And in winter, there is no danger of them going all melty so it's the best time for it. Preserves and jams are popular too - from Whisky marmalade to pineapple relish to watermelon jam etc. Check out:Yummade★ 0.5 has some great exotic butters on display.
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