Christmas in November at Sheraton Kampala Hotel

For many Ugandans and indeed people the world over, Yuletide has become synonymous with the season of celebrating, giving and ending the old year. However, for those who love to host and entertain, this festive time of year means just one thing: cocktail parties and swanky holiday adventures and for many a visit up country to see the folks in the village. 

Ideally speaking, the allure of a glamorous night of boozy drinks, dapper attire, and champers served in coupe glasses is hard to ignore. Needless to say, as December begins, it only seems fitting to ponder how this elegant drinking ritual began.

Some sources credit British novelist, critic and journalist Alec Waugh as the inventor of cocktail parties following an article he penned for Esquire magazine about hosting the first party in 1924.

Nevertheless, more sources point to 1917 and Clara Bell Walsh, a Kentucky-born heiress and New York socialite known for throwing lavish parties with exclusive guest lists. On one spring day in April 1917, Walsh threw her most legendary soirée to date, which would etch her name in history as the creator of the cocktail party.

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A New Era

According to Elizabeth Pearce, drinks historian and founder of Drink & Learn, an interactive experience and guide to cocktails in New Orleans, the “Section” in newspapers provided domestic advice, including food and drink recipes. 

As talk of Prohibition gained steam, due to the efforts of the temperance movement, American drinking culture began to shift from the saloon to the home. 

“At that time, cocktail culture was something that took place outside the home, but with Prohibition looming all that changed, and there was a strong emphasis on women learning to host and entertain with alcohol at home,” Pearce says.

Although Prohibition didn’t begin until 1920, Americans knew it was coming. 

“With the 18th Amendment banning only the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol, and not the consumption or even possession of it, many people began to stockpile liquor with the intent to consume it at home,” Pearce says. (On a now famous occasion, silent actress Charlotte Hennessey Smith bought the entire contents of a liquor store and had it delivered to her home for the dry months to come.)

At this same time, the “New Woman” era arose, bringing forth independent women challenging the boundaries of a male-dominated society. 

The feminist ideal bid adieu to domestic traditions, such as long, multi-course formal dinners, and instead favored more casual get-togethers. Interestingly enough, despite Prohibition, newspapers continued to market the necessary accouterments for preparing drinks and hosting in their women’s sections during this time.

With the combination of drinks advice from domestic publications, the closures of bars, and the emerging freedom of feminism, women everywhere were poised to take cocktail culture into their own hands. 

“Given the time, most women were used to having guests over for dinners, or tea, but the notion of hosting an event focused around cocktails comes about because of Prohibition,” Pearce says.

Here in Uganda, just like elsewhere cocktails abound throughout the year culminating in the end of the year parties to which many look forward to attending. 

I was first introduced to Christmas in November by none other than Dirk Ten Brink back in the mid 90’s. He was the General Manager of the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. 

Why Christmas in November, one may ask, and the reason being given the numerous parties and cocktails that take place in December (for the hotel as well as the guests) November is ideal. In reality, Christmas in November is about thanking the various business partners, ranging from the business community, guests and service providers, who have done business with the hotel during the year hence the event is a way of thanking them for their esteemed loyalty and service.

When it comes to the cocktail banqueting model, the Sheraton Kampala Hotel is second to none and they are ideally poised for such occasions. 

As expected they did not disappoint and went all out to pull out all the stops to make the event a rousing success. Naturally, before we even go there, one must take into account critical factors such as location, banqueting facilities, space, staff, parking etc. 

No one will doubt that they tick all the boxes and from the waiting staff, who made sure that the drinks were in plenty and constantly replenished, as well the waiters who saw to it that the canapés and bites were being served without any let up. 

They were perpetually in motion ensuing that all the guests were satisfied. Last but not least and the best for last, was the whole lamb with oriental rice which was served from several stations with small plates that were perfect for the occasion and there were no lines to speak of as the revelers sought out this wonderfully prepared entrée.

Place: Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Christmas in November

Event: Christmas in November 

Address: Ternan Avenue

Smoke-Free Zone: Not allowed

Service: Convivial and professional 

Ambience: On the money

Menu: Cold canapés: Caprese sticks with balsamic reduction, grilled vegetable skewers. Chicken liver pate, tuna sandwich. Hot canapés: Chicken skewers. Lamb kofta, potato cheese balls with aioli sauce, beef muchomo, fried crispy calamari rings. Carving station: Whole lamb with oriental rice, honey glazed smoked gammon ham, stuffed whole turkey with cranberry sauce. Desert Berry tart, Christmas pudding, Christmas log vanilla and chocolate, walnut tart, mince pie, chocolate mousse cake, Bailey’s crème Brule, stolen fresh Ugandan fruit cuts.

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Recommended item: Whole lamb with oriental rice

The Crowd: Cosmopolitan and representing the Kampala business class

The Bar: A diversified array of drinks ranging from wine, cocktails, mocktails, mixed drinks etc.

The damage: On the house and strictly by invitation

Sound level: noisy

Rating: Not to be missed

Parking: Ample and very secure 

RATINGS: Not to be missed, worth a visit, OK/so so, don’t waste your time.