Summer Dining Guide

It’s golden hour, the kids are splashing in the pool, you hear the flame ignite on the barbecue and you're ready for an evening of good weather, surrounded by family and friends - this is Summer!

Here's all the inspiration you'll need to host a simple summer party, with a light and fresh menu that's easy on the budget.

Set the mood with earthy elements and sustainable décor letting nature shine at your table this season.

Gather some of your favourite potted herbs (in place of flowers on your table) for your guests to freshly pick and garnish their meal, fill crystal bowls with fruit for a pop of colour such as lemon and lime that you can also use in your beverages or squeeze over seafood, opt for linen napkins that can be washed and re-used and embrace an odd collection of mix and match glassware to bring character and a whimsical feel.

Light some citronella candles for ambience and to keep those pesky bugs at bay and you've got the perfect setting to host your guests.

Head to Macarthur Square to find the perfect herb pots, linen and tableware for an un-done dinner party look that’s natural, simple, and full of consumable beauty.

We can’t go past a spritzer to keep us cool in this weather. Here are some fun flavours to try at home, all you need is some soda or mineral water to start. Visit Coles or Woolworth's for all the ingredients and more.

• Cucumber, mint, lime + a little caster sugar.
• Pineapple juice, pineapple pieces, mint, passionfruit.
• Lychees, watermelon, lime, mint.
• Sugar, raspberries and lime. 

Standing around a BBQ is key to a great Aussie summer. It’s a place where stories unfold, flavours collide, and memories are seared into our hearts.

We’ve got some charred goodness to add to your BBQ repertoire. Read on for a few fool-proof starter and side ideas you can throw on the fire this summer.

Prawn Kebabs – it’s not a BBQ appetizer without a skewer. Thread with slices of zucchini, squash, capsicum, red onion, dress with a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of parsley and serve with some homemade tzatziki.

Toasted Baguette – the simplest things are often the best. Slice a baguette, spray with olive oil and toast on the grill. Rub the toasted bread with a fresh garlic clove and serve with either olive tapenade, a mix of sliced tomato with basil and balsamic OR our favourite, grill an avocado face down, add a squeeze of lemon and some salt.

Char-Grilled Capsicum – this is a flavour explosion! Flame-grill until the edges are charred, top with sourdough croutons, burrata and thyme.

BBQ Corn – it’s giving grilled, but better. We’re obsessed with corn toppings, and it seems the rest of the world are too (just google it!). We’ve rounded up some of our favourite flavours for you to try this summer.

• Honey lime butter.
• Kewpie, cayenne pepper, parmesan and coriander.
• Greek yoghurt, basil, oregano and feta.

Chimichurri Sauce – we’re throwing this one in for good measure. A chimichurri sauce has so much stretch, use it to top meats, dress corn and grilled eggplant or toss through salads this summer (you can freeze it too).

One small shallot, flat leafed parsley (or coriander for those who aren’t opposed), 2 garlic cloves, fresh oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, red wine vinegar and chilli flakes.

Grilled Mango – dessert on the barbie, who knew? Grill mango face down until warm, serve with ice-cream and a drizzle of honey.