Outdoor dining is a beautiful experience as it creates a peaceful and calming atmosphere, allowing for deep conversations and some light-hearted laughs with friends and family. Here in New Zealand, we are big on outdoor dining as our climate doesn't have extreme temperatures, making it a pleasant way to enjoy food and company. At Shadowspec we are also big on outdoor dining and so have created a menu to inspire you. We hope you can take away some ideas to host a dinner party or cook a nice meal for your family on the weekend.
Outdoor Dining Table Setting
First impressions count. When guests arrive the first thing they will see is your table setting. Make sure to put a little thought into how you present your outdoor table. Do you have a tablecloth or table runner? We are loving the scalloped look, this orange and pink or this green and white one are stylish. They are great statement pieces and draw the eyes to focus on that, rather than the maybe not so new plates or outdoor chairs.
Classy glasses are always a must too. Do you want to have some nice wine glasses or ribbed coupe cocktail glasses as well, sitting on a tray ready for your guests to pick up as a nice welcome and for them to have something to hold?
Having a printed menu for them to study is a nice touch and makes them feel extra special. It’s all in the details. Here is a menu template that you can edit and print off.
Table Setting Checklist:
✅ Tablecloth or table runner
✅ Dinner and side plates
✅ Cutlery
✅ Cloth napkins and napkin rings or serviettes tied with rosemary
✅ Water and wine glasses or cocktail coupe glasses
✅ Printed menu
✅ Decanter - we think this one is stunning and matches the above wine glass
✅ Little glass vases with 3-5 bright coloured flowers in each or keep it simple with olive leaf branches
✅ Pillar or scattered tealight candles lit, as it gives a nice ambience
✅ Opened bottle of wine or cocktail glasses on a tray
Now we have got the table well presented we need to make sure the food matches the level of care taken. Tip: aim to have as much food prepared as possible before your guests arrive so you can be relaxed and enjoy their company. Here is a curated menu with ideas of what you could have for each course:
Menu - Flavours of the Mediterranean
Drinks
- Try this Strawberry Mojito for something a little different
- Still or sparkling water infused with fresh lemon slices and mint
Appetiser
- Crumbed Cheese Ravioli - These are easy as they use store-bought cheese ravioli (found in the dairy or deli part of your local supermarket) but are crumbed and served with a marina sauce, Chef's Kiss.
Entrée
- Fresh and ever so tasty – barbequed peaches with burrata cheese, balsamic vinegar reduction, toasted pine nuts and torn basil leaves served with toasted sourdough
Tip:
Serve these on individual plates or make it easier for yourself and serve it in a shallow dish for your guests to help themselves and spread it on the sourdough.
Main
- Lamb Souvlaki skewers - Greek food is also a hit and here in New Zealand we are rather partial to New Zealand Lamb. They are also quick to cook, perfect for when you are entertaining guests.
- Served with your favourite red wine – shiraz is always a staple
Sides
- The lamb goes with this lemon and herb rice
- Barbecued asparagus drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and of course seasoned well
- Slow-roasted cherry tomatoes to scatter over the asparagus
- A bowl of tzatziki pairs nice with the lamb
Dessert
- Chocolate Mousse Pots with salted caramel sauce as a layer on top of the mousse served with fresh raspberries. This mousse recipe is too easy and uses 3 ingredients, this doesn’t mean it goes easy on the taste though
- Serve with shots of espresso to cut through the sweetness of the mousse
Outdoor Game Ideas
If you are hosting the younger generation or want to have an activity to break up the courses while you prepare another one. Then games are a must. We enjoy Kanjam and if you haven’t got it in your games collection then it’s not an expensive item to purchase. Great for a beach activity too. If you are entertaining the generation that is perhaps not so nimble on their feet then you can always revert to a favourite, that being croquet. Games are great for a dose of healthy competition and can serve to liven up the afternoon.
Outdoor Shade
You always need protection from the harsh sun rays when dining outdoors and more so when you’ve worked up a sweat with a game of Kanjam or croquet. Here at Shadowspec, we offer a range of outdoor umbrellas from wall mounted – perfect for compact spaces to cantilever single to multi canopy umbrellas that are great for keeping the conversation flowing without having to dodge a pole in the middle of your outdoor dining table.
We trust you’ve taken away some ideas to make your next dinner party special or you feel inspired to cook your family a nice weekend lunch, to make memories and enjoy quality family time.
Reach out to our shade specialists for advice on any additional outdoor shade requirements you may have.
Keep cool while dining outdoors.
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