Four easy tips for entertaining outside
The warm weather has arrived, which means moving your entertainment outside.
To make the most of your alfresco entertaining, here are four easy tips to help you and your guests enjoy your alfresco area.
1. Keeping the bugs away
Outdoor entertaining is part of the Australian culture, and battling the flies and mosquitos can sometimes be a challenge.
A great tip is to spray your tables or tablecloths or placemats with a bug repellent before setting your table.
Then, include in your table setting mix of non-scented candles and citronella candles. This adds ambiance as well as keeping those pesky mosquitoes and flies away.
Turning your glassware upside down until your guests use them is great for not ending up with any surprise beasties in your drink.
2. Prepare early and keep it simple
Alfresco entertaining is about enjoying your time with family and friends.
To make sure you minimise your time in the kitchen and maximise your time with your guests, keep your food simple and prepare as much as possible before your party.
A couple of simple (or unusual) salads with our BBQ Salmon Steaks recipe works a treat. Or go for a chilled seafood platter you can prepare beforehand and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
3. Don’t forget the drinks!
Greeting your guests with a smile and a glass of their favourite wine or beer puts everyone in a great mood.
Then, while you all relax and enjoy some nibbles, have an ice bucket in the center of your alfresco lounging area where everyone can place and easily reach their preferred wine, beer or other beverage.
If you reminisce about the bygone days of the punch, bring out your treasured punchbowl your grandmother gifted you, make a sangria and enjoy the party.
Dance the night away
You can’t beat a really good playlist.
Music makes for a memorable party. Whether it’s…
- background music as you discuss the important issues of life
- listening to Dave tell his “stuck in an elephant umbrella stand” story for the zillionth time
or - clearing the tables to dance under your disco ball…
Know your crowd and pick the appropriate music – after all, you really don’t want the baby elephant walk playing when you want to disco!
