Woman&Home Outdoor Dining

There’s no better way to make the most of a fine summer’s day than by dining outside with friends or family. From barbecues on the beach and picnics in the park to alfresco supper clubs in the garden, eating outside can elevate any meal. Surrounded by nature, whether it’s the gently lapping waves of the ocean or a terraced adorned with beautiful shrubs and flowers, there’s a real romance to sharing food in the open air. But despite the idyllic holiday atmosphere, not everything always goes to plan. The weather can be unpredictable, the garden suddenly seems a long way away from the kitchen and the right utensils aren’t always at hand. Fortunately, we have some tips and tricks to help make your outdoor dining event a success. 1 PREP…

1 Find a shady spot Take refuge from the midday sun by setting up in a sheltered spot. A covered veranda or tree-shaded patio makes an ideal spot, or if there’s no natural shade, invest in a cantilevered parasol that won’t get in the way of the dining table. Pergolas and gazebos also work well, and have the added benefit of providing some privacy if your garden is overlooked. 2 Cultivate a corner In larger gardens, it can help to divide the space up into smaller break-out zones, for cooking, dining and relaxation. On a deck or patio, corner seating creates a natural divide, with tubs and planters positioned strategically to screen the space off. Add a rug as an anchor point underneath a dining table. Lots of cushions and throw…

1 Dine alfresco Extend your time outdoors by focusing on the patio or terrace area first. Festoon lights are an easy way to illuminate a large area and create a lovely ambience after dusk. Secure lights to a fixed point, such as a high wall or fence, then drape from a tree or use to decorate a garden pergola. Infrared patio heaters also lengthen the alfresco dining season, as they provide effective blasts of heat to keep you cosy on chillier late summer evenings. 2 Organise a movie night Connect a streaming device to a projector and enjoy a family movie night! Peg a white sheet to a washing line or use a wall as a screen. If you want to invest in a screen, there are many options, from free-standing or…

Hot dogs three ways Everyone loves a hot dog – try one of our three ideas Makes 6 • Prep 10 mins each • Cook 10 mins each THE BEST BLT HOT DOG • 12 bacon-wrapped chipolatas• 2 baguettes• Shredded iceberg lettuce, quartered• Cherry tomatoes, sliced, and natural yoghurt (optional), to serve 1 Cook the chipolatas on the barbecue, until cooked through (about 10 mins). 2 Divide each baguette into 3. Fill each third with 2 sausages, lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Top with natural yoghurt. A MIDWEST ORIGINAL • 6 bratwurst sausages• 6 submarine rolls• Sauerkraut, caraway seeds and mustard sauce, to serve 1 Cook the sausages on the barbecue, until cooked through. 2 Toast the rolls. Fill each one with a sausage, some sauerkraut and a sprinkling of caraway…

Eton mess to share Dive into this easiest ever meringue for an indulgent pud Serves 6 • Prep 30 mins • Cook 1 hr, plus cooling • 3 medium egg whites• 150g (5oz) caster sugar• ½tsp cornflour• Handful basil, plus extra to serve• 150ml (5fl oz) double cream• 150ml (5fl oz) Greek yoghurt• Few drops vanilla extract FOR THE COULIS: • 400g (14oz) strawberries• 250g (9oz) raspberries• 2tbsp Chambord raspberry liqueur (optional)• 3tbsp icing sugar 1 Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Whisk the egg whites until frothy, then increase the speed and whisk until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar 1tbsp at a time, until you have a smooth and glossy meringue, then whisk in the cornflour. 2 Draw a circle on a sheet of baking parchment 18cm…

Rosé sangria Put a pretty pink spin on your favourite summer pitcher Serves 6 • Prep 5 mins, plus infusing • 200g (7oz) fresh or frozen raspberries• 1 sliced lemon• 2 sprigs rosemary• 750ml (25fl oz) rosé wine• 50ml (2fl oz) orange liqueur• Ice, to serve• Pink lemonade 1 In a large jug, combine raspberries, lemon, rosemary, rosé wine and orange liqueur. Chill for at least 1 hr to infuse. 2 When ready to serve, add a handful of ice to the jug and top up with pink lemonade. Strawberry slushies Sweet, sharp and seriously drinkable, this refreshing boozy lemonade might just become your new summer favourite Serves 6 • Prep 5 mins • 300g (10½oz) frozen strawberries• 100ml (3½fl oz) vodka• 50ml (2fl oz) triple sec• 1tsp balsamic vinegar•…