Summer is all about outdoor entertaining with family and friends. Whether it is a long lunch or barbecue, Your Home and Garden editorial director, Sarah Henry, shares her tips on entertaining in style, and what she’ll be serving up this summer.
What’s your favourite way to entertain?
I love nothing more than a long lunch in the sun with sharing plates – a relaxed affair where people pass a range of simple but delicious seasonal dishes up and down the table, taking as much or as little as they want. I find it’s a great way to connect with the people you love and there is always great conversation and lots of laughter.
What would you typically serve (food and drinks)?
I’m a big fan of starting with a spritz in the summer months. My current favourite is limoncello but I’m keen to roll out a grapefruit version. With food, I can never go past a chilled sauvignon blanc – a classic for a reason. When it comes to the menu, I like to keep things light with a selection of interesting salads alongside a baked tart with punchy flavours, some crusty bread and a selection of themed boards (the new platter). In fact, I find this option is great when people ask, “What can I bring?” Just say something on a board – I’ve had people turn up with taco boards, dip boards, dessert boards, you name it. You can either add them to your lunch selection or use them later to keep the party going.
How important is the serveware?
We eat with our eyes first, so how a dish looks is very important to me. When it comes to a shared lunch keeping the serveware sleek and sophisticated, in complementary colours, is key to preventing your spread from looking like a potluck mess. In saying that, you still want a few quirky pieces and interesting textures to complete the overall look. Good quality glassware is a non-negotiable, as far as I’m concerned. I like a fine wine glass but a heavy water vessel. One point not to forget is function when it comes to serveware – if a dish is too heavy or difficult to hand around, then maybe don’t use it in a sharing scenario. You also want a variety of bowl depths to aid with serving.
What’s your favourite piece this summer?
It’s the Codena fruit bowl. It may be called a fruit bowl but it’s actually a plate/platter. The marble brings that luxe element and the pedestal base brings the drama whether you’re serving a slice of cheese or cake.
Sarah’s picks from Freedom’s new season collection
01
Camden salad servers
$24.95 at Freedom
Perfectly complement your summer salad with these stylish salad servers.
02
Codena fruit bowl
$159 at Freedom
Crafted from white marble, this fruit bowl creates a wonderful backdrop for the vibrant colours of summer fruits. You can also repurpose to use as a platter or plate for summer outdoor entertaining.
03
Weld table runner
$27.95 at Freedom
Crafted from textured natural fibres, this table runner adds a touch of organic elegance to your dining experience.
04
Pesce resin coasters in green
$34.95 (for four) at Freedom
Add a touch of natural beauty to your table with our handcrafted Pesce coasters. Not only do they protect your tabletop, but they also bring a contemporary and organic element with their smooth pebble shape.
05
Le Vent dining table
$1,499 at Freedom
Transform your outdoor space into a sophisticated retreat with the Le Vent dining table. Create an inviting atmosphere for outdoor entertaining, making every gathering a stylish and inviting affair. Complete the set with the Le Vent dining bench ($699).
06
Remy white wine glasses
$59.95 (for four) at Freedom
The perfect glass to have a chilled wine or cocktail in during the summer days, while also looking elegant.
07
Cassis paddle board
from $59.95 at Freedom
The Cassis paddle board is a versatile addition to your homewares collection. Ideal for serving appetisers, cheeses, or bread, this board will elevate your summer hosting events.
For more summer entertaining inspiration, explore our expert guides:
- How to style your outdoor space with Your Home and Garden stylist Lauren Olive
- How to style your dining room with Your Home and Garden editor Fiona Hawtin
- The definitive guide to entertaining inside and out
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