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Sometimes — as in the case of sparkling wine — more is more. But when it comes to hosting at home in summer, there’s something to be said about embracing a minimalist mindset and leaning into the carefree spirit of the festive season. After all, the best hosts are the ones who actually have time to enjoy the company of their guests.
“For me, simplicity is key,” says Aloria executive chef Shayne Mansfield. “You want to make the experience as stress-free as possible so you can spend time with those you love, rather than being in the kitchen the entire day.”
Striking the perfect balance between laid-back entertaining and effortless luxury isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve turned to chefs, restaurateurs, and winemakers for their expert tips on how to do it right.
Light, snackable food
Skip the elaborate table settings and let the food set the scene. An artfully arranged charcuterie board styled with aged cheeses, cured meats, and vibrant dried fruit is the only centerpiece you need, according to milk technologist and founder of Tamborine Cheese artisanal deli, Cristian Salvati.
“Start with exceptional quality cheeses — that’s the heart of any great charcuterie board,” says Salvati. “For summer entertaining, aged cheeses are a standout choice as they develop complex, nuanced flavours that make every bite an experience. The ageing process enhances the texture and deepens the taste, making them perfect for pairing with fresh summer produce or a crisp white wine.”
For a well-rounded charcuterie board, Salvati suggests pairing cheeses with handmade accompaniments like his small-batch jams, which include dehydrated fruit creations and unique jam extractions. “For a textural balance, I recommend adding handmade focaccia or crisp grissini. To tie it all together, consider a cheese dip for an extra layer of flavour and indulgence,” he says.
For Mansfield, he recommends cooking with fresh, in-season produce. “A trip to the markets is always in order in the lead up to Christmas. My go-to entertaining meal in summer is always a nice cut of meat cooked on the barbecue or Hibachi Grill (think Tomahawk or Bistecca), paired with a traditional potato salad. You can’t go wrong,” he says.
Wine that goes with everything
Find a wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes and platters so that no matter what your guests bring to the table, you’ll have a drop to suit.
“A chilled glass of delicious Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc is so satisfying in summer, with classical aromas and flavours such as lemon zest, fresh cut herbs and passionfruit,” shares Villa Maria group winemaker Dave Roper.
“This wine is perfect on its own and pairs brilliantly with leafy summer salads and fresh seafood. My favourite match is with fresh Marlborough Sounds green lipped mussels, steamed open in lemongrass, shallots, chilli and of course a decent splash of Sauvignon Blanc,” Roper says.
Something to take home
“Christmas for me is all about traditions,” says Valentina Vigni, co-owner of Pilloni. “It starts early in the morning with the family gathering together under the Christmas tree to open the gifts while having breakfast.”
One of Vigni’s holiday traditions involves baking edible gifts for her friends and family. From panettone to fruit mince tarts and spiced Christmas cookies, baked goods can double as a take-home dessert, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
Lighten the mood
Start with lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere from the moment your guests walk through the front door (a glass of sparkling wine on arrival works wonders, too). Switch off the overhead bulbs and rely on soft, warm light from lamps, candles or string lights.
“On Christmas, I love to start the event with presents first. Everyone is always so happy to give and receive gifts and it sets the mood for the remainder of the day. Music must also always be playing,” Mansfield shares.
For Vigni, it’s a similar story. “I open a nice bottle of wine when my guests arrive, and I put on a Christmas Spotify playlist to get everyone in the mood,” she says. Once everyone is settled in, she invites her friends to play a board game or unwind with a glass of wine.
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