Welcome to the world of sunny soirees, where the aroma of fresh summer produce and the laughter of friends and family mingle in the warm summer air. Hosting an effortless gathering is an art form, a blend of culinary prowess, hospitality, and a touch of outdoor magic.
Whether you're a seasoned party planner or a first-time host, we’ve brought in entertaining queen and Kip&Co co-founder Alex McCabe, to share her top 5 tips to throwing the summer soirée of the season.
Credit @deliciousaus November issue. Photography @markroperphotography + Food Stylist @emmatknowle
1. Prepare early
My number one tip when it comes to hosting the best summer get-together is to do all the hard work the day before. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the kitchen, cutting, cooking and cleaning when all the fun is happening outdoors!
If able, I recommend planning out the menu a few days prior. This means you can have everything washed, chopped and ready to go when your guests arrive. Less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of others I say!
2. Food for everyone
It’s time to work smarter and not harder peeps! With two little munchkins running around, I know for a fact my girls will want IN on this feast. So rather than spending my time on creating two separate menus, I always make food that is suitable for both the adults and the kiddos. Keeping it simple with home-made pizzas, roasted seasonal veggies and fresh salads are always my go-to’s. Check out my four must have recipes at your next soirée here.
3. Serve up summer spritzes
‘Tis the season for a spritz! There is nothing more refreshing than an ice cold spritz and plenty of bubbles to welcome the warmer weather. If you’re wanting to spice up the regular line up of cocktails I love making a Classic Bellini, which is part of my four must-have recipes.
4. Tunes and entertainment
It’s time to whip out your killer playlist and keep the tunes rolling into the night. My partner Bobby often has playlists that he sends around to get people excited. Having tunes on in the background creates a great atmosphere for your gathering and sets the tone for a fun night (and boogie).
On top of this, if you’ve got little ones hanging around, I'd recommend having some games and entertainment on the ready. Finska is always a winner at mine!
5. Table decor
It goes without saying I love a little bit of table decor (you should see my linen cupboard!). But in my opinion, a perfect summer soirée has a gorgeous tablescape to match, with all the bells and whistles.
Printed tablecloths, mix-matched napkins, gorgeous ceramics and summery glassware is the perfect starting point. Then you can think about incorporating elements like fairy lights, lanterns, and fresh flowers from the garden to add a touch of fun without overcomplicating things.
