Summer is still here so why not take advantage of the last of the hot days? Here are some handy tips on how to create a dreamy outdoor setting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds at your next al fresco feast. 

1. Serve food on trays 

If you’re far from the kitchen, carrying individual items up and down can quickly become a daunting task. “If you are far from the kitchen, big serving trays with handles can be helpful to transport food and drinks,” says Rebecca Gardner, entertaining expert and founder of Houses & Parties. It also makes clean-up after the party much easier.  

2. Opt for a colour tablescape outside 

Summer is the perfect time to embrace bold colours – so why not spruce up your table for your soiree? “For this time of year, it’s fun to play with colour, so mixing and matching brightly coloured placemats will really make your table come alive,” says Sarah Ross, brand director for British home accessories company Addison Ross. “To create something unforgettable for your guests, you can match your placemats, napkin rings, and glassware to keep your tablescape cohesive,” she adds. 

3. Keep food covered 

While eating al fresco is always fun, the food will most likely attract some uninvited guests like pests. “If you are serving on platters or family style, using serving pieces with lids (clear is great so you can see what is in each piece) also helps keep bugs away,” says event planner Anthony Navarro. 

4. Keep checking the weather before the party  

Make sure to check the weather (and check again) before you set up your table outside. As the weather can be unpredictable, it’s always useful to have a backup plan on the backburner. “The weather can turn quickly, so being able to move your meal inside takes the pressure off. As for tableware, you can’t go wrong by investing in good plates, weatherproof placemats and some fun salt and pepper shakers that elevate your scheme,” says ceramics designer Esma Dereboy.  

Image: Shutterstock

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You can never got wrong with a classic chicken mayo sandwich! Especially one made with sourdough bread and pickled red onions.

SERVES 4 // COOK TIME 25 min

INGREDIENTS
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 red chilli, chopped
Sea salt and cracked red pepper
1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 roast chicken, skin removed, deboned and shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ butter lettuce
1 tomato, sliced
¼ cup basil, chopped
8 slices sourdough bread

METHOD
1. Bring the vinegar, chilli, 1 tsp salt and 1 cup water to the boil. Remove from the heat, add the onion and set aside for 10 minutes to pickle.
2. Mix the chicken and mayonnaise.
3. Divide the chicken, lettuce, tomato, pickled onion and basil between 4 slices of bread. Season and sandwich with the remaining bread.

Looking for a way to make use of your roast chicken leftovers? Then we have you covered with our simple, flavour-packed Vietnamese chicken pancakes!

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These outdoor cooking must-haves are what you need to serve up an outdoor feast this Heritage Month. Find these in the MyKitchen magazine shop at home.co.za. Readers get an exclusive 10% discount when buying online – use the voucher code: ‘mykitchen’.

DENIM OVEN GLOVES

4 L GLASS DRINKS DISPENSER

BAMBOO PLATTER WITH 3 SNACK BOWLS

AMBER GLASSES

NAVY PIN-STRIPED APRON

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Just as the festive budget pinch subsided, the Valentine’s gifts and offerings had their turn in making a dent in your wallet. Don’t let that hold you back from still enjoying the last bits of summer with friends and loved ones, and consider one of these affordable, fun options for your next gathering.

By Jana du Plessis

Take a hike (or a picnic)
Eating out doesn’t have to be associated with fancy restaurants and chef-prepared meals. There’s a charm and scrumptious taste to home-made meals and snacks. Pack a backpack with tasty sarmies, fruit and some chocolate trail mix for sustenance along a beach walk or mountain trail. Invite the family, bring the dogs (do check route and trail websites if pets are welcome) and make a day of it!

Bring and share
You know the saying ‘divide and conquer’? It works just as well when having friends over. Choose a DIY-friendly dish like hot dogs, burgers or pizza and ask each attendee to bring their favourite topping and drink. With you only having to provide the meat, rolls and hospitality of your home, it saves money both ways.

Host a high tea
Preparing a full meal for a bunch of people does not only take time and effort, it can quickly climb a costly ladder. If you’re feeling like company, but not the hefty price tag that comes along with having friends over for dinner, decide on a lighter offering instead. Put together a mini high tea with small sandwiches and a cupcake or two to munch on. Alternatively, mix a big bowl of punch and serve chips, pretzels and dip alongside it. Just take careful note of the eats you choose – snack-like things like cheese, preserves and biltong can be pretty pricey, so stick to cheaper options in the chip aisle.

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