How to elevate your festive entertaining at home

In Singapore’s bustling food landscape, two women are steadily and resolutely shaping the way we entertain and dine at home. Wynona Leach, founder of Lush Platters, and Joey Quek, the new owner behind Swiss Butchery, are transforming how Singaporeans think about food presentation and quality. From Wynona’s visually striking grazing tables to Joey’s accessible yet premium meats, both women are committed to offering exceptional experiences for those who love to entertain at home.

Passion behind the plate Wynona’s entrepreneurial journey started early, and her passion for food and design have always been intertwined. Lush Platters, founded in 2017, specialises in creating luxurious, beautifully arranged grazing tables and platters that are perfect for celebrations, parties, or corporate events. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” she recalls, explaining how her career trajectory — from handmade children’s fashion label in Australia to a dessert table and online party goods business in Singapore — has always involved a personal touch and attention to detail. The concept of Lush Platters came to her when she noticed that cheeseboards were popular in Australia and Europe but not in Singapore, and so she took it as an opportunity to introduce something unique here.

Joey’s story with Swiss Butchery, on the other hand, centres on bringing premium meats and gourmet products to Singaporeans. Swiss Butchery has been a beloved institution in Singapore since 1994, offering high quality, specialty meats from around the world, alongside gourmet sausages, marinades, and deli products. Joey’s mission when she took over her family’s business was to uphold Swiss Butchery’s reputation as the go-to destination for meat lovers in Singapore while also making premium cuts and gourmet products accessible to a broader audience. Her dedication to quality and education ensures that Swiss Butchery remains a favourite for anyone looking to elevate their home-cooked meals.

Elevating festive entertaining

As the festive season approaches, both women share their tips for those looking to elevate their gatherings. Wynona suggests starting with a theme or colour palette to tie everything together. “It’s important to think about the overall look and feel you want to create. Mixing textures and flavours is key — sweet and savoury, soft and crunchy. Fresh fruits like figs or red currants or herbs can add pops of colour and bring everything together beautifully,” she advises.

If you’re looking to create a platter that’s easy to assemble, Wynona’s advice is to have a well-curated selection of cheeses, with a mix that includes something creamy, something sharp, and a unique option like blue cheese. “Complement this with charcuterie or plant-based bites, seasonal fruits, roasted nuts, and a sweet treat like Christmas chocolates or cookies. Incorporate a variety of crackers and fresh herbs for garnish to enhance both flavour and presentation for a festive touch,” she adds.

The holidays can be a stressful affair, so Joey encourages home cooks to not overcomplicate their holiday meals. “For festive meals, simplicity paired with quality is key. Choose a premium cut of meat and let it be the star of the table. You don’t need to overcomplicate with too many sides — focus on bringing out the best in the meat through thoughtful seasoning or a well-matched sauce. Preparation is crucial — season or marinate your meat in advance to let the flavours develop fully. The key is to let the quality of the meat speak for itself, ensuring a memorable meal for your guests,” she encourages.

Both Lush Platters and Swiss Butchery have exciting plans for the holidays. Wynona is expanding her offerings at Lush Platters for the festive season, with a full Christmas menu that includes turkey, ham, and other holiday classics, all presented with Lush Platters’ signature artistic flair. “Since we’ve moved into a much larger kitchen, this year we’re launching our festive offerings earlier. Customers will now be able to order the full Christmas menu from end of November and not just two days like we used to do. We will also be offering turkey and all the trimmings! Our festive platters will be perfect for chic and festive gatherings,” she says.

Joey, too, is gearing up for the holidays with a curated selection of premium meats. “This year, Swiss Butchery is focusing on unique flavours like alcohol-infused products, maple, and truffle, which will be featured across our sausages, hams, and roast chicken. Additionally, we’re introducing local-inspired flavours to appeal to a broader palate. Our roast line-up includes new products such as Crackling Roasted Porchetta and Truffle Roast Chicken. We’re also bringing back a timeless favourite, the Roasted Beef Ribeye. Personally, this is my top choice — it’s the epitome of indulgence, perfect for making a statement at any holiday gathering,” she shares.

As they continue to expand and adapt their businesses to meet the evolving tastes of Singapore’s food lovers, Wynona and Joey are not just providing food — they’re offering experiences that bring people together. Their stories remind us that even in a fast-paced world, the heart of every memorable occasion often starts with something as simple, yet as special, as the food we share.

Quality is key

Both Wynona and Joey are deeply committed to sourcing the best ingredients for their businesses. At Lush Platters, Wynona selects artisanal products from local and international producers, carefully curating items that add depth and variety to her platters. “I’m always on the lookout for unique products that complement each other — whether it’s handmade crackers, pure honeycomb, or a great vegan dark chocolate,” she says. Each component of a Lush Platter is chosen not just for its taste but for the way it contributes to the overall experience. Wynona’s emphasis on sourcing the freshest and most flavourful ingredients ensures that her platters consistently exceed customer expectations.

For Joey, who’s also a family office lawyer, the quality of Swiss Butchery’s meats is non-negotiable. “We go through a meticulous process of selecting each cut, and working closely with farms that adhere to the highest standards. By building strong relationships with these farms, we maintain control over the quality of our supply. Every product undergoes rigorous quality checks before it makes its way to our shelves, ensuring our customers get only the best,” she explains.

As Singapore’s food culture continues to evolve, Wynona and Joey have also adapted their businesses to meet changing consumer demands. Wynona has noticed a significant shift in how people approach entertaining at home. People are more intentional now about devising beautiful, memorable experiences for their guests.“Singaporeans are now more invested in creating intimate, curated gatherings rather than large, impersonal events, and are looking for ways to impress their guests while also making it easier on themselves,” she says. Grazing tables have become a popular choice for intimate gatherings, and Wynona sees this trend continuing to grow as more people seek out alternative dining experiences that focus on quality over quantity.

Joey has also observed a similar shift towards quality over quantity, as well as ethical sourcing in the way Singaporeans approach home cooking, especially as more people experiment with gourmet meals. “Singaporeans are now much more informed about the quality and origin of the meats they consume. They’re looking for transparency, value, and sustainability,” she notes.

Swiss Butchery has responded to this demand with a customer-centric approach: every interaction is designed to be educational and empowering — whether it is through product recommendations, sourcing transparency, or cooking tips — to ensure that customers have access to everything they need to create impressive dishes without the stress. She adds, “At our outlet in Holland Village, we also provide a selection of cooked meats that showcase the best of our products, allowing customers to experience the quality firsthand before making a purchase. This tasting experience helps build trust and confidence in our offerings.”

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STORY BY JOCELYN TAN