As we farewell summer and tumble into crispy autumn weather, easy outdoor entertaining may soon be off the table.
But there’s no need to hibernate – there are many ways to bring cosy comfort to home entertaining when autumn’s unpredictable weather makes it hard to rely on our outdoor spaces.
Incorporate the following essentials into your home entertainer’s repertoire and you’ll remain the ‘host with the most’ even when there is a chill in the air!
Swap barbecues for slow cookers
Sausages and salads are for summer. With the arrival of autumn we need a new way to cook while simultaneously interacting with our guests, so it’s time to invest in a slow cooker.
With the prep all done earlier and the meat and veg simmering their way to melt-in-your-mouth perfection WHILE you sit and chat with your guests – a slow-cooked dinner is the ideal barbecue trade-off.
Cosy-up your tableware
When the temperature drops we add a few layers of clothes – so keep that cosy vibe going by layering up your dinner table to create a warming ambience for your guests.
With colour coordination uppermost in mind, start with a base table cloth and layer it with fabric placemats beneath your favourite crockery then add gorgeous cloth napkins as the finishing touch. Stunning table décor is sure to make your guests feel warmly welcomed!
Get moody with the lighting
Lighting can make a big difference to the energy in the room. Swap out white globes for warmer tones during the cooler months and use dimmer switches to find the perfect light to dine by. If you don’t have dimmers choose table lamps or floor lamps to create a snug and intimate vibe.
Candles also bring a sense of warmth so pop a couple of stylish candlesticks on your dining table or buffet to add a cosy, romantic glow.
Snuggle up in the alfresco
If your indoor space is limited you can still entertain in your outdoor area with a few adjustments. Invest in outdoor blinds to keep the rain and wind at bay, install overhead heaters or freestanding gas heaters, and buy some super-snuggly warm-as-toast throw rugs for extra warmth.
Plush seat cushions and outdoor floor rugs all help to banish the cold air and keep your guests top-to-toe cosy while they dine.
Get with the air fryer trend
An air fryer is the new must-have kitchen appliance. Impress your guests with the speed at which you can put delish meals on the table – including healthy hot chips! You can virtually set and forget with many air fryers, so they are ideal for home entertainers who like to mingle with their guests, not hibernate in the kitchen.
