Celebrate International Dot Day with Food, Drink and Creative Fun for All Ages

Every year on 15th September, people around the world celebrate International Dot Day, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot. 

It’s a day dedicated to creativity, self-expression and making your mark, and what better way to celebrate than with colourful food, drinks and activities that everyone can enjoy?

Dot-Themed Food Ideas

Bring the theme to life on your table with these fun ideas:

Polka Dot Biscuits – Bake plain sugar biscuits and decorate them with bright icing dots or colourful sprinkles.

Spotty Cupcakes – Top each cupcake with smarties, jelly tots or little icing dots.

Mini Pizza Dots – Use small pitta breads or round crackers topped with cheese, tomato and a variety of toppings arranged in circular shapes.

Fruit Dots – Skewer grapes, blueberries, strawberries and melon balls for a healthy “dotty” fruit kebab.

Cheese Ball Platter – Roll cheese into bite-sized dots and pair with crackers.

Creative Drinks

Drinks can be just as fun and spotty as the food:

Bubble Tea – The tapioca pearls are perfect edible “dots.”

Fruit Spritzers – Add round slices of lemon, lime, orange and floating berries to sparkling water or lemonade.

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Dots – Top with mini marshmallows to make a dot pattern.

Creative Fun for All Ages

Dot Day is about creativity, so make sure to bring out the pens, paints and imagination. Here are a few activities:

Dot Painting – From cotton buds to paintbrush tips, create dot art inspired by Aboriginal dot paintings or colourful polka-dot patterns.

Collaborative Dot Mural – Cover a wall or large sheet of paper with dots added by everyone who visits.

DIY T-shirts or Tote Bags – Fabric paint and round stamps make for brilliant wearable dot art.

Storytime – Read The Dot aloud and encourage children (and adults!) to “make their mark.”

Dot Hunt – Create a scavenger hunt around the house or garden, looking for naturally occurring dots, circles and spots.

A Celebration for All Ages

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves creativity, International Dot Day is a chance to bring people together with fun, food and imagination. From spotty cakes to dot paintings, it’s all about celebrating the power of creativity and self-expression.

So put on something spotty, get the paints and sprinkles out, and let’s make International Dot Day a colourful celebration for all!

Celebrating National Creativity Day: Culinary Adventures and Inventive Cocktails

National Creativity Day (Thursday 30th May) is a perfect occasion to unleash your imagination in the kitchen and behind the bar. 

Whether you’re an experienced chef or a home cook, the possibilities for culinary and cocktail creativity are endless. 

This year, let's celebrate by cooking special dishes and inventing unique, new cocktails and mocktails that will tantalise your taste buds and impress your guests.

Whipping Up Creative Dishes

1. Fusion Cuisine: A Taste of Two Worlds

Why not start with fusion cuisine? Combine elements from different culinary traditions to create something entirely new and exciting. For instance, try a Japanese-Italian fusion by making Sushi Pizza. Use a crispy rice base, top it with thinly sliced avocado, sashimi, and drizzle with wasabi mayonnaise. It’s an unexpected blend that’s sure to delight.

2. Edible Art: Themed Platters

Create an edible masterpiece by arranging a themed platter. A Mediterranean platter with a modern twist could include beetroot hummus, roasted pepper tapenade, tzatziki, and artisan bread crisps. Decorate with edible flowers and fresh herbs for a visually stunning presentation. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but the variety of flavours will keep everyone coming back for more.

3. Dessert Reinvented: Deconstructed Classics

Take a classic dessert and deconstruct it. How about a Deconstructed Tiramisu? Layer mascarpone mousse, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and chocolate shavings in individual glasses. Add a twist by incorporating flavoured liqueurs, such as hazelnut or amaretto, to elevate the traditional taste.

Crafting Unique Cocktails and Mocktails

1. Garden-Inspired Cocktails: Fresh and Fragrant

Use fresh herbs and botanicals to create garden-inspired cocktails. A Basil-Ginger Gin Fizz combines the peppery freshness of basil with the spicy warmth of ginger. Muddle fresh basil leaves with a touch of sugar, add gin and ginger beer, then top with soda water. Garnish with a basil sprig for a fragrant and refreshing drink.

2. Colourful Mocktails: Vibrant and Inviting

Mocktails can be just as exciting as their alcoholic counterparts. For a vibrant mocktail, try a Blueberry Mint Spritzer. Blend fresh blueberries with mint leaves and a bit of honey. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with whole blueberries and a mint sprig for a refreshing, alcohol-free beverage.

3. Unexpected Flavours: Experimental Mixology

Challenge your palate with cocktails that feature unexpected flavour combinations. A Chilli Mango Margarita marries the sweetness of ripe mango with the heat of fresh chilli. Blend mango puree with lime juice, tequila, and a dash of chilli powder. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a slice of chilli for an adventurous drink.

Tips for Creative Cooking and Mixing

Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t be afraid to use unusual ingredients or pairings. The best creations often come from the most unexpected combinations.

Presentation Matters: How you present your dish or drink can elevate the experience. Use garnishes, colourful ingredients, and elegant glassware to make your creations stand out.

Get Inspired: Look for inspiration in different cuisines, seasonal produce, and even art or nature. Let your surroundings spark your creativity.

Involve Your Guests: Turn the celebration into a collaborative experience. Have your friends or family suggest ingredients or help with the preparation.

National Creativity Day is a wonderful opportunity to push the boundaries of your culinary and mixology skills. By experimenting with new dishes and drinks, you can create memorable experiences and delight your senses. So, don your chef’s hat and bartender’s apron, and let your creativity flow in the kitchen and at the bar. Cheers to innovation and delicious discoveries!