Sunny skies, fresh air and a light breeze with the scent of herbs and freshly cut grass – things can’t be rosier in the great outdoors! Now that summer is in the air, it’s the perfect time to host a classy outdoor affair. We have compiled a list of our top outdoor entertaining ideas, tips and tricks- just in time for all those year-end celebrations and family gatherings. After all, we want you to spend as much time as possible with your guests and not chasing away those naughty mozzies!
Outdoor Entertaining Ideas: Decorative Touches inspired by Nature
A classy outdoor affair calls for nature-inspired arrangements that are easy-to-assemble while beautiful to look at.
Keep your table setting light and classy with white dinnerware and rose gold cutlery, bringing in a few nature-inspired touches with organic shaped serving pieces. Add an extra-special touch to your table setting by using large freshly cut leaves as coasters for your summer cocktails. Cut the leaves early in the day and keep them hydrated in a container until just before your guests arrive. Dry the leaves before setting them on the table.
Entertaining outdoors is not just about the gorgeous natural setting, but also about the aromas. Create small flower arrangements using herbs like Peppermint, Rosemary, Lavender, Pineapple Sage and Lime Thyme and line them down the centre of the table to enhance your guests sensory experience.
Outdoor Entertaining Ideas: Décor and Outdoor Mood Enhancers
Create a magical outdoor world for you guests with some pretty lighting. You can hang paper lanterns from trees, string up some fairy lights or scatter a few stake candle holders around the garden to help set a relaxing, social atmosphere. Burn citronella candles or incense sticks when night falls to help keep the mozzies at bay.
For a glowing finishing touch, drop tea lights into short glass tumblers and place one next to each table setting.
Outdoor Entertaining Ideas: Starters, Mains and Desserts
A classy outdoor affair usually starts at sunset when the heat and humidity is still a factor. Keep your drinks cool without diluting the flavour with Eetrites reusable soapstone chilling blocks.
A cool easy yogurt dip with chopped fresh herbs like chives and parsley is the perfect summertime weather starter and goes great with scrumptious potato and pea fish cakes.
For a simple main that is both easy and delicious, we recommend serving up a rustic homemade pizza. Use thin and crispy Italian pizza dough; and for toppings use figs, prosciutto and mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizza in an outdoor wood burning pizza oven, or in your kitchen oven, for roughly 20-30 minutes- make sure to check often!
For dessert, pair two of the best things about summer: fresh strawberries and ice cream. Or leave out the Ice-cream and make a Strawberry Sorbet. Puree fresh strawberries in a blender and refrigerate for 30 minutes, add fresh lime zest and a touch of lime juice. In a saucepan, make a syrup by boiling water and sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, leave the mixture to cool, then refrigerate for 1 hour. Pour the syrup and strawberry pulp into a whisking bowl, blend until thick, and then freeze.