A SUMMER LUNCH...

We love to entertain here at home....especially in the summer months, when we can all enjoy the garden too, English weather permitting of course!

  I especially like to mix our children and their partners and friends, with our own friends and just love the dynamics of mixing the generations!

A couple of weeks ago, with twenty-four family and friends due for lunch, it was with happiness and relief that we woke early to blue skies and sunshine!  My plan to seat everyone outside, down one long table was going to work.

With a useful collection of trestle tables that we have to hand, and hired chairs, crockery, cutlery and glassware, lunch on this scale is easily organised....not to mention, the saving on washing up!  (so love our hire company, for collecting everything used!)

Entertaining should be fun and relaxed, especially for those hosting.  Noone enjoys seeing a frazzled host or hostess!   The joy of summer food, especially at lunch, is that it can be served cold and prepared ahead, leaving more time to enjoy the company of guests.  

Having said all this, I have a big confession to make....on this occasion, I cheated!  

Yes, this summer lunch was super relaxing for Mr. W and I, as we enlisted the help of our wonderful daughter Georgie to prepare the food.  As a talented (sorry, proud Mum!) and in demand 'Private Chef' working in London and abroad, (follow her on Instagram @georgies_kitchen) it was such a treat to enjoy her delicious canapés and yummy, fresh and innovative lunch dishes.

Flowers for the table were dictated by what was good for picking in the garden....tall glasses of white Hydrangea and vases of brightly coloured Budlea, Zinnias and  Calendular and a large jug of Lizianthus brightened the table....

White bunting strung beneath the pergola and adjoining gazebo...

A large bucket and jardinieres filled with ice for white wine, rosé and mineral water....relaxed and fun for guests to help themselves.

Simple place cards, attached to freshly picked Rosemary...

For me, the table setting is the fun part!

One of the delicous canapés we enjoyed pre lunch...crab and wasabi mayonnaise with edible violas.

Three of the gorgeous salads to accompany the delicous fillet of beef...

Sadly we were all too busy having fun, to photograph the rest of the delicous food.  I hope to share some of her delicous salad recipes on the blog soon with you though!

We weren't the only ones to enjoy this perfect summer day....there were of course, two very happy dogs who just love having all the family home!

Happy days.....

***

How do you like to entertain family and friends?  Do you have any tips or traditions that you enjoy? I would love to hear!

Wishing you a happy week,

Sophia xx