On Tuesday 4th December the Unilife Park House community descended on the local Slug & Lettuce for a festive feast and to celebrate the joyous festive season.
Upon arrival residents were greeted by the Unilife Team with a glass of prosecco (served with a smile!), a festive place card and a token for another drink during the evening. As residents began to select a seat at one of the Christmas themed tables complete with crackers, party poppers and confetti, many met new neighbours whilst others took the opportunity to enjoy the evening with friends made from previous events (Moving In Pizza Night, The Welcome Party and Quiz Night).
As the first course arrived residents began to pull the crackers for the festive paper hats and to read the Christmas jokes to the table. Laughter could be heard around the room with residents even telling a few festive jokes of their own! With the crackers yet to be opened on Vicky’s table she excitedly initiated a new cracker opening method to the table. It required everyone to cross arms with a cracker in each hand and simultaneously crack the crackers. The entire table got involved and created one loud cracker bang as they were pulled. As other tables glanced over it prompted another table to give it a go too. A definite fun way to open crackers!
Once the crackers had all been pulled the starters began to arrive which included Arancini (the piri piri mayo was a revelation!), fresh prawn cocktail and a pork, chicken and chorizo pate. When finished it was time for the party poppers to be popped, selfies to be taken and drinks to be topped up.
Next residents began to tuck into the main course whilst cracker hats remained balanced on heads. Dishes included tasty steaks, succulent turkey roast dinners and fresh salmon fillets. The Unilife Team enjoyed engaging at different tables with their festive attire including a flashing lights Christmas tree jumper (Frank), a Southampton football themed jumper (Vicky) and a cute snowman jumper (Kim).
As the Unilife Team were exempt from the best/worst Christmas jumper competition (sorry Frank!) it was down to them to choose a winner. The chosen winner was Shanshan who wore a jumper featuring a Reindeer and completed her look with reindeer antlers! Shanshan won a goodie bag of Christmas delights including a Lindt chocolate Santa, Prosecco, Benedicks Mints, Mulled Wine and a festive Panettone. Congratulations and enjoy Shanshan!
Those with a sweet tooth didn’t have to wait long until the dreamy desserts arrived with the striking colour of the Pornstar Martini Cheesecake brightening tables and the aroma of the rich traditional Christmas Pudding filling the room. After a very filling 3 course meal residents took the opportunity to continue conversation in to the evening with some taking advantage of the enticing cocktails the bar had to offer!
An evening full of festive cheer, fabulous Christmas jumpers and cracking jokes made for a delightful Christmas celebration in Southampton. Another memorable Unilife event to add to the growing list!
Be sure to check out the photos from the event via our Instagram (unilifestudent).
