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  |  Outdoor spaces  |  Entertaining  |  Party on: 4 new ways to celebrate summer
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Party on: 4 new ways to celebrate summer

by Erika Lenkert
continued from page 2
The make-together meal
There's nothing like the stress of whipping up an outstanding multi-course meal to take the carefree wind out of your summertime sails. But you can keep your easy, breezy attitude and throw a fabulous fete by inviting friends to co-chef an amazing feast at your place. Think of it as a fun group activity with delicious results. Everyone will have such a great time they won't even realise they're doing most of the work!

  • Invite guests, ask them to bring bottles of wine and get RSVPs. You'll need a head count.
  • Conceptualise a multi-course menu. Start with a fancy salad; move on to a light first course, such as a ravioli appetiser; follow it with a grilled fish or meat course with light sides such as roasted vegetables or seasoned rice; and finish with a sweet treat such as a brownie, vanilla custard, toasted almonds and caramel parfaits. Make sure the dishes are easy to make and can be prepared simultaneously. Each dish should also be able to stand at room temperature when finished, in case the timing doesn't work out as planned.
  • Create a list of ingredients and buy all the necessary groceries. Before guests arrive designate kitchen or dining room working stations for each dish. Include a recipe, all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
  • Set a beautiful al fresco table. Include hurricane lamps, menus for the evening's feast and small bouquets of wildflowers.
  • When guests arrive, offer a welcome glass of bubbly, divide them into groups and let the cooking begin.
  • When everyone has finished, gather guests around the dinner table, open the wine, and, going in order of courses, have each group present its contribution to the rest of the party. Then pat yourself on the back for orchestrating a superbly stress-free and fun dinner affair.



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