Dining out on summer al fresco options
Many of us love getting outdoors over the summer months, as winter’s grey skies recede, writes Anders Furze.
Many of us have an insatiable appetite for getting outdoors over the summer months, as the seemingly endless grey skies of winter recede into distant memory.
That passion for the outdoors extends into our own homes, too, with al fresco dinner parties taking over backyards and terraces across the city from November to April.
‘‘Sunshine is part our lives, so we want to make the most and enjoy it when we can,’’ says Miriam McWilliam, designer and creative director at Studio Mimi Moon.
Her top tip for those hosting an al fresco event? Have a back-up plan.
‘‘The weather is so unpredictable, so it’s always advisable.’’
Guests are always willing to congregate indoors – even if space is cramped.
If there’s not enough seating in your dining/ living area, be reassured that people seem to love gathering in the kitchen. Contingency plans sorted, you can focus on the main event.
Giant platters are an entertaining staple at the moment, and Sarah Gonsalves and Marie de Vera, co-owners of event designers The Style Co, suggest foregoing traditional three-course meals for ‘‘feaststyle’’ meals that are less formal.
‘‘It’s the perfect conversation starter, and means you don’t have to keep running back and forth from the kitchen.’’
Keep guests cool by having cold beverages on hand.
These also serve as a decorative feature on the table. Gonsalves and de Vera recommend making a large batch of lemonade, garnish with lemons and fresh mint, then ‘‘serve in carafes already placed on the table for guest arrival.’’
Don’t stress if not all of your crockery matches.
‘‘Using a miss-match of crockery, cutlery and glassware is totally fine,’’ they say. ‘‘Just avoid using plastic.’’
McWilliam says that ethically-sourced produce and party wares are becoming more popular.
‘‘It may cost a bit more, but the added ethical value is priceless.’’
It helps that al fresco entertainers pay attention not just to decoration and menu-planning (‘‘make sure you know about your guests’ dietary requirements before deciding on the menu,’’ note de Vera and Gonsalves) but to small, personal touches that don’t take much effort but can make a world of difference.
‘‘Serving [guests] their favourite beverage is always a nice touch.
Using place cards can be another great styling element, and ensures that everyone mingles,’’ McWilliam says
As more of us embrace inner city living, outdoor space can be at a premium.
But for those living in apartments and terraces, the al fresco lifestyle is more than possible.
McWilliam’s tips include lots of potted plants (‘‘you can never have too many’’), wall gardens, and foldable furniture that you can take down when your event is over.
– domain.com.au