Adelaide homes might bloom in spring but they really blossom in summer!
Long, sunny days and balmy nights, ocean sunsets in the west and pool parties in the leafy east…
The arrival of summer in Adelaide means it is time to hose down the alfresco and sweep the cobwebs off the barbecue ready for weekend get-togethers with our nearest and dearest.
Ok, we’re excited but we’re out of practice. Aside from the slow-cooker curry-and-cards night last June, we haven’t entertained in a while. What to cook? Where to sit? How to make it a night to remember (or forget)?
Well firstly, don’t stress. This summer’s entertaining trends are all about relaxed vibes and laid-back looks with a chill-out factor of 50+.
Let’s get a few more tasty tips for home entertaining like a pro this summer:
Outdoor styling trends
Introduce an outdoor bar or a groovy bar cart and you’ll be flavour of the month for November! Yep, suitably glammed-up bar carts and outdoor bars are alfresco focal points all the way from Aldinga to Ardrossan.
The second summer sizzler is a portable fire pit. With loads of different styles to choose from, an electric or gas fire pit brings everyone together. But don’t forget the marshmallows!
Timber decks are stepping up this summer, an elevated version of the outdoor rug for space-defining style. Timeless and vibing the tropics meet the Hamptons, timber decks add a splice of sophistication to outdoor entertaining.
Memorable menus
We want to create a menu our guests will never forget, but who can remember what we were cooking last summer? Never mind, it’s Taste to the rescue with some great ideas that fit right in with the theme of no-fuss easy-peasy summer entertaining:
- Air fryer prosciutto-wrapped cheese sticks… yum! In just 30 minutes you can whip up these savoury snacks your guests will be devouring in five!
- Greek lemon rice salad… I mean we love our stylish alfresco but why not transport your guests to a sunny Greek island with this zesty salad?
- Muffin pan Irish potato pies… mini size, max impact. You’d better make a big batch, these scrumptious bites will be wolfed down in seconds.
- Golden syrup apple turnover tarts… sweeten the deal with a twist on an old favourite. The easiest way to send your guests’ tastebuds into raptures.
Popular summer sips
The bar cart is serving a dozen different ways to sip this summer. From zero alcohol creations that are really starting to come into their own, to finely crafted Australian whiskies, there’s plenty to cheer about.
Lighter style reds like tempranillo and sangiovese
are going down well, as are easy-drinking crisp, clean lagers keeping us cool when the mercury soars.
Summer sun always brings out our favourite aperitifs, Campari, negroni, Aperol and martini – dirty or otherwise. And the restorative properties of a digestive amaro round out a fabulous night of fab food and festive drinks with fun friends.
