SUMMER ENTERTAINING

We round up some of the key trends for setting the scene and serving up a good time in the sunshine in the months ahead

- Text Jane Binsley

THE EVENT

TAKE IT OUTDOORS

The casual summer barbie is a Kiwi institution, celebrated for its spontaneity and informality. But maybe it’s time to lift your barbecue game from sizzlers and sauce to something a little more curated. Set a pretty table under umbrellas on the lawn, mix a pitcher of your favourite mocktail and string fairy lights from the trees ready for golden hour selfies. Lucy Wong-Kam from Auckland tableware specialists Folio Hire says the mood you're after is ‘relaxed formality’. “Summer is defined by alfresco dining and long lunches,” she says. “We're seeing an appetite for intimate weddings and private celebrations layered with personal details.”

THE OPEN HOME

In today's busy world, it’s sometimes hard to get everyone in one room – or garden – at the same time, especially in the frantic festive season running up to Christmas. Hedge your bets by holding your house party with an open-door, drop-in policy starting in the early afternoon and rolling through into the night. For her own significant birthday recently, leading food stylist Jo Bridgford of Delivision put a timeframe of ‘3pm until late’ on the invitation. “I thought if I started early, then people who want a quiet chat and an early night can come in the afternoon, while those who want a massive rager can come for the late shift.” She says the staged approach works well if you're inviting a mix of family and friends at different ages and stages.

DO IT BY THE BOOK