Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2026 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

The warm tones of these servers perfectly bridge the balance of sunset and evening. Use them to serve up your salad alongside your summer spritzes. Long Stone servers in tortoise, $125, from Dinosaur Designs. Create a centrepiece worth celebrating with a floral display housed in this glorious yellow twisting vase. Can’t you just picture it brimming with yellow wattle or vibrant red and pink dahlias? &Klevering Marshmallow vase in opaque yellow, $135, from Trit House. Melamine has never looked so glamorous. These pretty side plates will elevate your table spread by adding a pop of sun-kissed colour. Also available in dinner plates and bowls. Heritage Petals side plate in pink, $16.95 for two, from Myer. Don’t let the sun set on your soirée. These lamps can soak up the summer…

When chef Michael Rantissi and hospitality pro Kristy Frawley opened Kepos Street Kitchen in Sydney’s Redfern 15 years ago, the breakfast scene in Australia was very different. While other cafes served up a full English, Michael put falafel and salads on his breakfast menu. At the time, he said people thought “he’d landed from a different planet”. These days, cafes are serving much more adventurous fare, and Kepos Street Kitchen is still going strong. Michael and Kristy have helped Aussies realise that a salad can be eaten at any time of the day, and as a tasty and satisfying main. We chat to Michael and Kristy about their passion for vegies, and share some recipes from their latest book of Mediterranean salads, Salata. BHG: You have a range of cuisines…

This season is all about gathering and entertaining, making it the perfect time to refresh your table. These simple-to-sew ruffled placemats can be easily personalised and instantly elevate your tablescape. Creative projects editor Geneva shows us a step-by-step guide so you can spruce up your table for your next get-together. EASY STEPS TO MAKING RUFFLED PLACEMATS Safety notes When using a sewing machine, keep your fingers a safe distance from the needle and take your time with small details. Always turn off power to the machine before adjusting the stitch length or removing fabric from under the foot. Keep pins and needles in a container or a pincushion so they don’t get lost. How to STEP 1 Cut out two rectangles measuring 36.5cm x 48cm (or size of your choice).…

ONE-PAN CHICKEN NACHOS Preparation time 5 mins Cooking time 10 mins Serves 1 2 cups plain corn chips 1 cupshredded barbecued chicken meat ½ x420g can Old El Paso Mexe Beans ⅓ cup taco sauce (medium heat) ½ cup grated tasty cheese Pinch chipotle seasoning Guacamole dip, to serve 1 tomato, finely chopped 1 green onion, thinly sliced Sour cream, sweet chilli sauce, lime wedges, to serve STEP 1 Layer half the chips and half the chicken in a small frying pan. Top with half the beans, half the taco sauce, half the cheese and seasoning. STEP 2 Repeat layering with the remaining chips, chicken, beans, sauce, cheese and seasoning. Cover with a lid, or tightly cover with greased foil. STEP 3 Cook on low heat for 5–10 minutes, or…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items CULTURAL WEAVE Invest in placemats that are made to last! Ceilão celebrates Sri Lanka’s textile heritage and its handwoven placemats are in colours you’ll adore for years to come. Yala reversible placemats, four for $150. Modern love Lounge Lovers has partnered with Aussie creatives to curate The Edit collection. Fashion designer Emma Mulholland and artist Gareth Budge composed this fresh look with Ollie dining chairs, $369 each, Bronte dining table, from $1599, Mindi bookshelf, $1199 and Graze sideboard, $2699. NATUR AL LUXE Wow your guests with the Palamós Collection by Maison Balzac and Tanora. The glassware is wrapped in raffia coats, handwoven at the Tanora Atelier in Madagascar, that bring beauty to daily rituals and also protect hands from heat.…

BERRY-BASIL GIN SPARKLER Preparation time 5 mins Makes 1 cocktail 2 strawberries, halved 3 raspberries Basil leaves Pinch of caster sugar 30–60ml gin, to taste Sparkling water, chilled STEP 1 In a tall glass, muddle strawberries, raspberries, a few basil leaves and sugar. Top with desired amount of gin and stir. Finish with sparkling water. If you like, serve with extra berries and basil. SMOKY PALOMA Preparation time 5 mins Makes 1 cocktail Chilli-lime seasoning (such as Tajín) 60ml pink grapefruit juice 45ml simple syrup (see tip on page 110) 30ml mezcal 30ml tequila 15ml lime juice 10ml Campari 30ml chilled soda water Brûléed or fresh grapefruit slice (see tip) STEP 1 Sprinkle seasoning on a plate. Rub glass rim with water, then dip in seasoning. Half-fill cocktail shaker with…

What Get that same wild child feeling as the characters in Tim Winton’s Breath by visiting the beaches and coves where the book is set in Western Australia. Try local favourite Ocean Beach for surfing – you can even get lessons if you’re a newbie. Where Head down to the southernmost parts of Western Australia and visit the towns of Albany and Denmark. When Enjoy the warm beach days from December to February or head down the coast during whale-watching season in winter. Try Don’t miss the huge granite boulders of Elephant Rocks (above), 15km from Denmark, which stand against the Great Southern Ocean. SCAN ME Feel swept away by the chaos and emotion of Tim Winton’s eighth novel. Find your kindred spirit What Visit the Lake of Shining Waters,…

There’s no denying Rick Stein is a source of wisdom when it comes to food. He has more than 25 cookbooks under his belt, and has run restaurants since 1975. A self-confessed lover of Australia, Rick and his wife opened their third restaurant here last year. We’ve seen him travel the world on TV, always ready with a smile and his genuine passion for food, particularly fish. But what’s reassuring is that even a pro like Rick has mishaps in the kitchen. Here he recalls one very memorable get-together, and shares a delightful dessert from his latest book, Christmas. BHG: Have you had any mishaps on Christmas Day over the years? RS: Things can – and often do – go wrong over the season. But the more I’ve thought about…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. SWEET AS Patisserie is a series of playful wines with flavours inspired by classic French desserts and pastries. The range includes the Crème Brûlée Chardonnay and Strawberry Macaron Rosé that taste remarkably like those sweet treats. At $19 a bottle, they’re ideal for sharing after dinner. Available at BWS, Dan Murphy’s and selected independents. SPRITZY GIGGLES De Bortoli Sangria Spritz brings a fizzy twist to the classic Spanish pitcher drink. Fruity and bubbly, serve it poured over ice with fresh strawberries, raspberries or orange slices. It’s an upbeat flavour for summer backyard parties, built for easy sipping. It’s vegan-friendly, too; $23.95 for a 750ml bottle. Fruity fresh Hot weather means it’s time for a cold cordial! Fruities Cordial comes in…

Having a polite, well-behaved dog is a dream for many of us. But often, all it takes is training. Dog behaviourist Lara Shannon, the host of Animal SOS Australia on 7Plus, says mastering simple obedience cues such as sit, stay, come and leave it is the foundation for good manners and safety. “Practise the desired behaviours under low distraction, then slowly build it up,” she suggests. “These cues let you redirect your dog in any situation. If they’re about to jump or bark, asking them to sit or drop gives them something else to focus on. A dog can’t do two things at once, so giving them an alternative behaviour helps them make better choices.” Four paws on the floor Jumping for joy might seem cute, but it can overwhelm…

SEASON SPECIALS Plant long-lasting blooms for long summer days. POM-POM PARADE Depending on your climate, hydrangeas can flower for two months. FLYING THE FLAG French and Spanish lavender can bloom for up to three months. NON-STOP BLOOMERS Geraniums flower from spring to autumn in temperate areas. PLANT NOW In each issue we give ideas, tips and planting advice for cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions. FLOWERS ALL ZONES Alyssum, anemone, marigold, petunia, portulaca (top left), salvia, verbena and zinnia. ZONES 1–3 Celosia, dianthus, helichrysum and torenia. ZONES 4–6 Calendula, cornflower, cyclamen, gaillardia, Iceland poppy (bottom left), nemesia, sweet pea and wallflower. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Asian greens (top left), capsicum, cucumber, lettuce, pumpkin, turnip and zucchini.…

When summer hits full blast and your backyard feels more like a frying pan than an oasis, it’s only natural to wish you had a pool. But the truth is, you don’t need a pool to cool off. With a bit of creativity (and maybe a rocket sprinkler), you can turn any patch of grass, deck, or driveway into a mini summer sanctuary. Whether you’re wrangling kids, cooling down the dog, or just trying not to melt into your chair, these fun and easy ideas will help you stay cool on a hot day. Cool comfort (no water required) For those who’d rather stay dry, try a cooling towel. It works by evaporation, so once you wet it, wring it out and snap it, it cools your skin right away.…

The Better Homes and Gardens Summer Series airs at 7pm Fridays on Seven, 7TWO and 7plus. To find these fantastic recipes, projects, advice and more, scan the QR code or visit bhg.com.au. GRAHAM ROSS visits Boongala Gardens, the perfect example of an Aussie rainforest. MELISSA KING shows you how to add interest to your garden with sculpture art. ADAM DOVILE creates a tensegrity floating pot-plant holder that looks like it’s defying gravity. COLIN FASSNIDGE makes flavour-packed lamb kofta and pita bread with tzatziki sauce.…

Growing up, my uncle was an orchardist and boxes of fresh, juicy, tree-ripened peaches are one of my favourite memories of family gatherings. I remember sitting cross-legged on the grass with my cousins eating fruit so sweet and heavy with juice that it dribbled down our chins. We knew the peaches were extra good when we had to double over to stop the delicious juice running down our arms. Even today the aroma of peaches brings back those great summer memories. You haven’t truly tasted a peach until you’ve picked and eaten one straight from your own backyard tree. Peach trees are perfect for small gardens because they are self-pollinating, meaning you only need one tree to produce a good crop. When it comes to choosing the right one, the…

Lounging in your garden on warm evenings, watching the sun set, is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. But topping that is the ultimate sensual delight as certain plants fill the air with their intense perfumes just as dusk envelops you. Often, these twilight blooming buds lack the bright colours that are so alluring during the day. Instead, they depend on their powerful fragrances to attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats. The result? A garden that comes alive when it’s dark, spills secrets and puts romance in the air! Designing a fragrant evening garden • Place night-time fragrant plants along a path to your front door, on patios, decks and porches, or near open windows so their aromas drift indoors. • Let climbing plants such as jasmine or wisteria…

You won’t find chef Matt Moran stressing in the home kitchen as guests arrive. He believes in prepping ahead where you can, and using quality ingredients (like seasonal produce and My Perfect Stock) to create impressive meals made to share. We sat down with Matt to get his dinner party tips. BHG: What’s your philosophy on home cooking for a crowd? MM: For me, it’s all about keeping it simple and generous. You don’t need to overcomplicate things – good produce, cooked well, then shared around a big table always wins. I love putting a few big dishes in the middle and letting everyone help themselves. That’s what entertaining is about: relaxed food, plenty of flavour, and people enjoying each other’s company. BHG: What’s your favourite “hero dish” that looks…

PARTY STARTER Fitted with the right kit, an ordinary potting bench becomes a leave-it-out-all-summer sideboard for storing and serving. Pick a sturdy bench with a generous upper shelf wide enough to hold a drinks dispenser. If your potting bench doesn’t have bottom shelves, add a low, sturdy shelving unit, preferably one on wheels. Slide it out to hold a drinks tub with ice during a party; slide it back to store party gear. DRESS IT UP Upgrade a basic potting bench by adding lattice to the sides, and personalise it with a fun paint colour. Cup hooks put often-used tools within easy reach. Grab-and-go enamelled tubs make stylish storage bins for garden tools or party accessories. Easy stencilled labels tell you which tubs hold what. Use outdoor craft paint and…

EASY STEPS TO MAKE AN OYSTER DISH Here’s how STEP 1 Collect your oyster shells! Your local seafood restaurant or fishmonger is a good source of empty shells. Choose large, open shells with a flat base. STEP 2 Clean shells in hot soapy water, scrubbing well with a stiff brush to remove any organic matter. STEP 3 Make a 50/50 bleach and water solution and soak shells for 1 hour. Rinse clean and scrub again with warm soapy water to remove any organic material. Leave to dry outside in the sun for several hours until no moisture remains in the shell. Gently smooth sharp edges with sandpaper. STEP 4 With a flat brush, paint the outside of the shells with 2–3 coats of paint (either white or gold), allowing to…

TOP READ MOTHER TONGUE by Naima Brown, Macmillan Australia, $34.99 I’ve been recommending this book over and over to friends and relatives because it’s such an absorbing read. Brynn, a young mother living in an American suburb, experiences a significant head trauma. After waking from a coma, she finds herself fluent in French. A desire for freedom and self-discovery takes hold, and she jets off to Paris to start a new life, leaving her husband and daughter behind. Naima Brown writes from the perspective of both mother and daughter, exploring dark topics of abandonment and love with humour. You’ll be captivated by her insights, with plenty of ‘clutching your pearls’ moments. This is a book you’ll want to devour in one sitting, which makes it a perfect holiday read. And…

Take a deep dive into aquatic gardening and you’ll find there’s more to a garden pond than growing showy, fragrant waterlilies. A pond brings new life to your yard by inviting birds, bees, dragonflies, frogs and fish to keep you company while you wait for your guests to arrive. Another plus is that water is reflective. When the sun’s rays hit, light dances across the pond’s surface – better than even a disco ball! A pond in your garden can also make things more comfortable in summer. A mass of water, no matter how small, cools the air around it during hot days. And as the sun sets and the temperature falls, water loses heat at a much slower rate, creating a warmer microclimate that benefits the plants in and…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. BEE-UTIFUL Bring native bees and other pollinators to your patch with a Pollinator House from the makers of the Flow Hive. Made of timber offcuts and sustainably sourced bamboo, it’s part of their Garden Bundle, $158, which also has a trowel, fork, widger (a cross between a trowel and a dibber) and a tool roll. Assemble the flatpack and paint it to your liking. Go to honeyflow.com.au. MIGHTY MANDY Tougher, longer flowering and more cold-tolerant than other mandevillas, All Seasons Red from Ozbreed packs tropical punch from spring into autumn. This climber adapts easily to pots and shines in full sun to part shade. It’s brilliant as a screening plant and grows to 1.5m high by 1.2m wide. You can…

Page 54 Page 112 Page 126 Page 100 SPOT ON, PAGE 54 Project supplies Spotlight Spot 112cm wide organic cotton fabric, $15 per metre, or Julia Spot 112cm wide cotton-linen blend, $23 per metre. BUILD A COOLER CABINET, PAGE 100 Project supplies Bunnings Selleys 500ml Aquadhere PVA exterior wood glue, $23.50. Arrow 18G 32mm brad nails, 1000 pack, $11.98. Taskmaster 400x100mm hairpin steel leg furniture, $9 each. STAHL Handy Kit wood screws, 120 pieces, $3.10. Zenith 8Gx15mm galvanised button head stitching timber screws, 35 pack, $5.24. Pinnacle 100mm butt hinge, two pack, $6. Chef Inox wall-mounted bottle opener, $16.95. Timber Protect 1L One Coat Stain, $51.90. Dulux satin spray paint in white, 340g, $15.90. Canterbury Timber 42x19mm DAR pine, $3.20 per metre. 140x19mm pine, $8.05 per metre. 90x19mm DAR pine,…

1 Three Echoes – Western Desert Art MIDPUL ART GALLERY, CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY, NT, UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2026, FREE ENTRY Curated by celebrated artist Djon Mundine, Three Echoes showcases the works of 57 artists from Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Papunya and Utopia Aboriginal communities in the Western Desert regions of the Northern Territory. It explores the poetic notion of echoes, displayed in paint, print and batik art formats. Midpul Art Gallery is at the Danala Education and Community Precinct in Darwin City. It’s open Wed–Fri, 10am–4pm, and Sat, 10am–1pm. 2 The Art of Celebration: Reflecting 50 years+ of Canberra Art Workshop BELCONNEN ARTS CENTRE, ACT, UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2026, FREE The Canberra Art Workshop annual exhibition is a great way to see the talent of Aussie amateur artists. Experience both traditional…

Consider this your invitation to a summer romance. One that’s filled with warmth and flavour. In my opinion, summer is the most vibrant, vivacious time of the year. Fruit is bursting with sweetness, your skin feels fresh from the beach, river or pool, and the bright colours in your garden give you motivation to celebrate, make and gather. Sorry winter lovers, but summer really is where all the zesty, bright, juicy stuff happens. This month’s ‘Entertaining’ issue lands in that sweet spot just before Christmas, when festive tables and fridges are stocked for days of grazing. Then we roll happily into New Year – the moment for your cocktail shaker to shine. But it’s also a beautiful time of balance. After months of full calendars and long working days, January…

CINTIA GONZALEZ Crafter Cintia is a multidisciplinary crafter who enjoys elevating regular everyday materials into attractive and practical objects. This issue, “with a little bit of imagination and some gold lustre, oyster shells that were destined for the bin can be transformed into pearly heirlooms,” says Cintia. See page 112. RICK STEIN Chef and author Rick Stein is the beloved champion of locally sourced seafood, with more than 25 cookbooks and 12 restaurants across the UK and Australia. This month, Rick shares his tips for handling Christmas chaos, plus a hazelnut pavlova recipe from his latest cookbook, Christmas (see page 132). MICHAEL RANTISSI & KRISTY FRAWLEY Authors, caterers and vegie lovers Michael Rantissi worked as a chef in Tel Aviv, Paris and New York before moving to Sydney in 2004…

PROSCIUTTO, PESTO AND PEACH SANDWICHES Preparation time 15 mins Makes 4 1 loaf Turkish bread ⅓ cup basil pesto 60g baby rocket 200g sliced prosciutto (about 12 slices) 2 yellow peaches, thinly sliced ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons hot honey CHILLI HONEY RICOTTA 500g smooth ricotta 1 tablespoon hot honey 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (optional) Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season STEP 1 To make the chilli honey ricotta, combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste. STEP 2 Cut Turkish bread crossways into four equal portions, then cut each portion in half horizontally. STEP 3 Spread the bases with chilli ricotta and the top sections with pesto. Top the ricotta with rocket, prosciutto, peaches and basil…

MOZZARELLA WITH SPICY TOMATOES AND GARLICKY TOAST Preparation time 35 mins plus 1 hour marinating Makes 2 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives 1 red chilli, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, 1 grated, 1 whole 250g tomatoes, mixed colours and sizes, halved Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 2–3 slices sourdough bread 240g ball mozzarella STEP 1 Whisk olive oil, honey, vinegar, chives, chilli and grated garlic in a bowl. Stir in tomatoes and season. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. STEP 2 Toast sourdough, then rub with the whole garlic clove while warm. Place toast on serving plates, tear mozzarella and place pieces on toast, then spoon the tomatoes on…

A family motto to “never give up” has helped Jaharn Quinn on her journey as a self-taught upcycling pro. For her book Dream Home DIY (Hardie Grant Books, $45), she made 43 projects in 11 weeks, as well as her usual projects for her active Instagram and website, Smør Home. She chats with BHG about her DIY journey and shares some projects from her book for you to try. BHG: How did you learn your DIY skills? JQ: Trial and error, a bit of blind faith and lots of persistence. If there’s something I don’t know how to do, I will just problem solve it until I do. I don’t like to ask for help. About five or six years ago I walked into Bunnings because I really wanted to…

Don't forget your safety gear: Safety eyewear, face mask and earmuffs. Important: Always use appropriate safety gear and clothing when operating power tools, handling chemicals or when exposed to dust or vapours. Hair should be tied back at all times. Note: The overall dimensions for this project depend on the size of the esky or drinks cooler. Our cooler measures 60cm long by 33cm wide by 30cm tall. We sized the inside of the cabinet to be slightly larger so it’s easy to remove the cooler for cleaning or draining. Adjust the dimensions to fit your cooler. Here’s how STEP 1 Start by building the cabinet’s lid. As shown in the components list, cut four lid slats (A) and two cleats (B). (Use stock 140 x 19mm boards for the…

SCAN ME Scan the QR code for useful links. GET MONEY FIT IN 2026! Make these resolutions for you and your family’s finances. CHECK IN WITH FAMILY While you’re seeing your family over the holidays, check in with older relatives and discuss their options for living independently into the future – keeping them happily in their own home, and avoiding a nursing home unless required. Mobile aged care company Mable can help them find the support they may need in the comfort of their own home. Visit mable.com.au/holiday-check-in CURB THE CREDIT It’s an easy situation to fall into – one credit card offers frequent flyer points and another offers incredible savings on goods, but both are charging you interest. If you have more than one credit card, government website MoneySmart…

Milton’s tips for Capricorn season (Dec 22–Jan 20) Capricorns are usually realistic, practical, responsible and somewhat conservative in their outlook. Columbines, tropical hibiscus, Tibetan cherry tree (Prunus serrula) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) make their gardens a show piece. Capricorns love pots scattered about the place filled with boat orchids (Cymbidium spp) and blanket f lowers (Gaillardia spp). They are patient, persevering, cautious, methodical and resourceful when planning and maintaining a home garden. Everything has a place in a Capricorn garden, as Goats dislike wasted space and untidiness. Even their potting shed is tidy. ZODIAC SIGNS The 12 signs of the zodiac are divided into four groups – fire, air, earth and water. Fire signs Aries and Sagittarius are in harmony with all fruit. Leo is in harmony with nuts…