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Summer is the season of entertaining and as we head into the warmer months, everyone is looking for inspiration to put on the best show for family and friends – setting the table and gathering together to connect with fabulous food, wonderful wine and great conversation.
Here’s our gateway to summer entertaining in style and in a way that can be as enjoyable for the you, the host as for your guests.
Before you start
Light candles (make sure you’re getting the most out of them for maximum life) and get your smart hub set up with your favourite playlist.
Learn the secret to a perfect cheese platter and have a bounty spread out for your guests as they arrive to you can relax and chat as you prepare the entrée.
Set the table with fresh flowers or foliage from your garden, fancy linen and your best dinnerware. Make an effort to have it looking lovely on arrival to give your guests the promise of a wonderful evening.
On arrival
Prepare a cocktail that’s easy to put together as your guests arrive.
Try: Classic cocktail recipe: French 75 or a Classic Negroni
For entrée
Choose something fresh and quick to prepare – seafood is a great choice!
Try: Dressed oysters with radish & cucumber salad
or Garlic prawns in butter, chilli & parsley
For main course
Pasta is always a winner and a great dish to share with friends for the main event.
Try: Lamb ragu with pappardelle
…or a classic take on a sure-fire winner is Baked bucatini carbonara, which can be prepared ahead of time, giving you more time with your guests.
Dessert
The pièce de résistance of a great dinner party, dessert can be as decadent as your tastebuds allow. Go for something simple to prepare such as a pavlova, or a little more decadent such as Dulche de leche and chocolate peanut butter puddings.
For a real show -stopper with berries in season, try Strawberry tarte tatin which has a touch of Cointreau in the recipe, that you could also serve on ice to finish.
Te voila! The perfect dinner party, in which you relax and enjoy the evening along with your guests – they’ll be coming back for more!
You might also like:
Top 5 table settings to inspire your next dinner party
Here’s how the Home Beautiful team style a charming rustic party
La Dolce Vita: How to host an Italian inspired dinner party
