By Sebastien Centner
@sebcentner @eatertainment
The notion of spring’s buds and blooms and the return of outdoor entertaining can’t come soon enough. Spring brings renewed interest in healthy eating with more salads, smaller portions and plenty of fresh vegetables. Seasonal restraint should end, however, when it comes to marvellous desserts which will, no doubt, banish our winter moods. So lean on the lighter side as we incorporate “fresh” and “clean” into our recipes.
Lemon and blackberry make a great combo when it comes to mouthwatering treats. Perhaps in a cheesecake format like we show here, or as a simple lemon sorbet garnished with fresh blackberries and a touch of mint.
Whatever your choice, raise a glass to the arrival of warmer weather in the most magnificent way you can. It’s time to reboot, refresh and re-energize your entertaining style, indoors or out.
This year, our alfresco entertaining takes an elegant approach. Start with a crisp, white tablecloth and build from there. Use fresh greenery, pops of colour and gold accents to add sophistication to table settings.
Tastefully recycled
Keep things fancy and reduce your carbon footprint by reusing attractive wine or spirit bottles. Simply refill them with chilled tap water and use them on a daily basis all summer long. Looking for sparkling water … maybe its time to try Soda Stream.
Gold banded plates and cutlery
Step it up a notch from your plain white china set with chic gold-banded china and gold & white cutlery. If you don’t want to buy and store new dishes, why not rent a set from a local party rental company. It’s a cost-effective, planet-friendly alternative.
White florals in steel buckets
Aiming for an elegant, laid-back country chic vibe? Blend a pretty-as-a-picture sophisticated bouquet with accessories that introduce a more rustic touch. Elegant white florals mixed with greenery and baby’s breath vased in a simple galvanized steel bucket.
Desserts in glass espresso cups on a tray
Standing or seated, this course always goes down well after a spring brunch or season opening alfresco dinner. Here we’ve whipped up an affogato—it’s vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso in glass coffee or espresso cups.
Photos: Bruce Gibson. Teona Swift. Piotr Arnoldes.
