AT CROWN PLAZA, MAYUR VIHAR

The Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar recently hosted its annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, embracing the charming theme of an English Country Christmas. This delightful event transformed the hotel into a festive wonderland, inviting guests to partake in a time-honoured tradition that has brought people together for centuries.

The roots of cake mixing trace back to 17th-century Britain, where this delightful ceremony marked the end of the harvest season. Farmers would gather to soak fruits and nuts in spirits, preserving them for the rich Christmas cakes that would grace tables during the cold winter months. This joyful gathering symbolised abundance, gratitude and the spirit of community, a celebration of nature’s bounty and the warmth of togetherness.

At the Crowne Plaza, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and laughter as guests rolled up their sleeves and joined in the festive fun. The delightful aromas of dried fruits, fragrant spices and rich spirits filled the air, creating an inviting and warm environment.This year’s theme of an ‘English Countryside Christmas’ was beautifully reflected in the décor, featuring the traditional red, white and green colours that evoke feelings of warmth and festivity. The venue was adorned with charming elements reminiscent of the British countryside, where cosy cottages and snow-covered landscapes create a magical setting for the holiday season. This theme perfectly encapsulated the simplicity of nature, celebrating the spirit of family and community gatherings that are central to the festive season.

As guests stirred the mixture, they shared stories and laughter, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and family. This camaraderie mirrored the gatherings of the past, where communities would unite to prepare for the joyous celebrations ahead. Once the mixing was complete, the cakes created during the ceremony would be set aside to mature in their rich blend of flavours, ready to be enjoyed during the Christmas festivities. The sharing of these cakes with the wider community reflects the essence of the occasion, joy is amplified when shared with others.

The Cake Mixing Ceremony at Crowne Plaza embodies the essence of tradition, community and connection. In our fast-paced world, such events encourage us to pause, reflect and appreciate the simple pleasures that life offers. As attendees departed, they left not only with a sense of festivity but also with cherished memories of laughter and connection.

At Le Meridien, New Delhi

In recent years, cake mixing has become a much-anticipated ritual in the culinary calendar, where the joy of the holiday season is brought to life through the vibrant mixing of ingredients that will eventually turn into Christmas cakes. Traditionally marking the beginning of Christmas preparations, cake-mixing ceremonies have their roots in the mediaeval custom of feeding the Christmas cake with spirits and fruits, infusing it with rich flavours that are synonymous with the festive season. In hotels, restaurants and homes around the world, cake mixing symbolises warmth, joy, and a shared experience of holiday spirit.

The cake mixing ceremony serves as a festive kick-off, celebrating togetherness and the joy of giving. This tradition often includes the blending of dried fruits, such as raisins, cherries, apricots, and nuts, along with a blend of warming spices and a generous pour of spirits. The ingredients are then left to mature, allowing the fruits to soak in flavours, adding depth and complexity to the Christmas cakes and other holiday treats that will be shared with family and friends.

Each year, Le Meridien New Delhi joins in this timeless tradition, creating a unique and memorable experience for guests and locals alike. This year,the hotel launched its ‘#WinterOfJoy’ celebration with a magical cake mixing ceremony at their elegant venue, Longitude.

The event drew food enthusiasts, media, and hotel guests together, where they witnessed the rhythmic blending of exotic fruits, spices, and luxurious ingredients, building anticipation for the holiday treats that await. Meena Bhatia, Vice President and General Manager of Le Meridien New Delhi, remarked on the occasion, “We are thrilled to embark on our ‘#WinterOfJoy’ celebration with this heart-warming timeless tradition. We invite everyone to join us in experiencing a symphony of flavours, sights, and sounds as we embark on a festive journey.”

The cake-mixing ceremony at Le Meridien New Delhi symbolises more than just the beginning of Christmas preparations; it represents a celebration of life, tradition and community.