HOSTING ALFRESCO
We took a step towards re-establishing our social lives again this week with the allowance of group gatherings of up to 6 people in an outdoor space. This includes parks, private outdoor spaces and gardens. Hurrah!
Whilst this new rule allows us to meet with parents, siblings, grandparents and friends, social distancing rules still apply. However, with this welcome news and the continued delight of fair weather and sunshine, some carefully planned Alfresco Dining is certainly high on my agenda. (Let’s glide over the downpours of this weekend!)
Hosting and catering already requires preparation and planning and now we have an additional but important element to contend with; ensure we uphold the current health and safety advice by observing social distancing. Fear not and don’t over complicate your plans, the most important thing is to enjoy the company of those you haven’t seen for 10 plus weeks. Keep yourself out the kitchen and plan a long leisurely graze around your garden table, (or perhaps on picnic style rugs on the grass) and serve an afternoon tea!
The beauty of an afternoon tea is that everything can be prepared in advance and served cold so you can serve, sit, graze and amble your way through an afternoon of good company. Plates can be pre-served to reduce the amount of contact and bottled or canned drinks placed in an ice bucket for guests to help themselves. Never have the tiny mini bottles of wine had more purpose!
In keeping with the theme of Alfresco Dining, I have designed an afternoon tea menu, incorporating seasonal ingredients and garden themed dishes to enhance and elevate the sense of occasion and atmosphere. This menu has been designed so that those confident in the kitchen can pull together the dishes from scratch but equally, is just as good shop bought from local bakeries or farm shops. Or, why not order in with a doorstep catering delivery service?
Lay your table with a colourful floral cloth and punctuate with small bunches of seasonal blooms. Peonies are in season and are always a hit but sweet peas and stocks are also beautiful at this time of year.
Take your tablescape to the lawn and lay your tablecloth or picnic rugs on the grass. Throw in some cushions for comfort and if available, a couple of small or low tables for drinks and plates to be set aside.
For those interested in receving menus for any of the dishes above, please get in touch at sarah@beyondthetable.co.uk
Savor the good company of others, but please ensure you take all precautions to stay safe and stay socially distant.
Enjoy, Sarah x
Menu graphics and design by Stefania Sala.
