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9 tips for outdoor entertaining

Some savvy organising before family and friends arrive can take the stress and mess out of weekend entertaining. Here’s how to nail it… - by Home Beautiful
  • 18 Jan 2017
9 tips for outdoor entertaining
JODY D'ARCY

With the weekend right around the corner, invite friends and family over and take the soiree outside. From practicalities such as cleaning the Barbecue and stocking up on cups, napkins and plates to music and keeping children entertained, here are our tips for a dream-like party.

 

Share platters

Save time on the day by preparing big platters of food that guests can help themselves to. It will save you lots of time and guests will love the chance to graze on different foods. Think dips with crackers and veggie sticks, summery salads, cold roast veggies and lots of fruit. Serve alongside barbecued meat.

 

Try our Smoked salmon carpaccio - it's a great share dish for guests to graze on before the main meal. 

 

After a fantastic salad recipe? Try our refreshing Orange, fennel, apple and olive salad.

...
JOHN PAUL URIZAR

Set up a drinks station

Position it away from the kitchen and show guests where it is when they first arrive. Provide a big pitcher of iced water, as well as non-alcoholic drinks and remember to stock up on cups. Large plastic tubs, try Bunnings, filled with ice are great for keeping drinks cold.

Get the BBQ ready

Put gas refills, coals and fire lighters on your shopping list and give the hotplates a good clean with newspaper and warm water mixed with white vinegar. Finish with a protective coat of cooking oil.

If you're looking for a great steak recipe, try our RIb eye steaks with herb butter. Don't forget some crunchy pork crackling for an extra wow factor.

Plan a playlist

Music is an essential mood-maker and also something that tends to get left to the last minute. Set up a playlist the week before or invite guests to share the music on their phones, which can be synced to Bluetooth speakers. Try Logitech ‘X100’ Bluetooth portable speaker, from Harvey Norman.

Tables and chairs

For a small event, a long table is a great way to sit down and share a meal. If your guest list is a little longer, a couple of tables, both indoor and outdoors, gives guests a chance to move around and mingle. Make sure to provide enough seating.

...
CHRIS WARNES

If you don't have enough tables and chairs, grab some picnic rugs and bright cushions for a table on the ground. 

...
CHRIS WARNES

Lighting

If you think your afternoon barbecue might extend into the night, be prepared and dot candles and lanterns around the space. Wrap fairy lights around tree trunks for a touch of magic.

...
JOHN PAUL URIZAR

Share the load

When guests want to help, say a resounding yes. A cheese plate, bottle of wine or ice is always helpful. So are offers of cleaning up.

Clear the decks

Use this as an excuse to clear the decks and clean up your outdoor area. Trim hedges and plants, rip out weeds and scrub your decking. Don’t forget about indoor either. Clear out the cobwebs and mop the floors.

...
JODY D'ARCY

Curate a kids’ pack

The secret to thrilling young guests is to surprise them with an activity pack. Think holiday home, and round up drawing supplies and activity books. Stock up on board games and outdoor equipment such as balls, cricket and croquet that everyone can play.

Finish off your party with something a little sweet. Homemade lamingtons are a classic favourite, otherwise our Ricotta and orange cream filled chocolate tuiles is something a little more decadent.

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