Hosting a bank holiday get together

 

Hosting a bank holiday get together:

 

It’s the final bank holiday before the festive season… how will you be spending your extra long weekend? Whether you’ll be spending your three days away from work relaxing, or booked and busy, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen cooking.

 

For an Instagram-worthy bank holiday get together without all the prep, we’ve got four tips which will transform even the smallest of get togethers into a luxurious afternoon… accompanied by a fuss-free five-ingredient tomato bruschetta. Simply add your chilled drink of choice and put your feet up!

 

Tip 1: celebrate the great outdoors while the summer flowers are still in their full glory. Double up on your gardening by putting any pruned stems into a vase for the centrepiece of your get together. Opting for bright florals, such as blushing dahlias, brings the outdoors inside for a vibrant display of colour.

 

Tip 2: add linen for a relaxed vibe.

Linen is a great investment for a tablecloth as it adds a cosy charm to your dinner party, and is likely the only fabric tablecloth where you actively want to see a few creases throughout (saving on your ironing!) as this complements the effortless feel of linen. It’s also incredibly durable as one of strongest natural fibres in the world: a staggeringly 30% stronger than cotton!

 

Tip 3: make crockery the star of the show.

While the food may be the highlight of your get together, we eat with our eyes first. Bring the spotlight onto your chosen cuisine by getting creative with your plates. Matching crockery creates a considered and sleek feel, or mismatch your plates for an informal and playful style.

 

Tip 4: opt for reusable napkins.

Rather than offering paper napkins to guests which simply get thrown out after being used (and are often very thin), switch to thick and reusable napkins made from a fabric of your choice. These are easy to wash and store, but save on waste and do a far better job of keeping food away from guests’ clothes!

 

How will you be spending the bank holiday?

 

 

5-ingredients for a heavenly bruschetta:

 

Begin by drizzling olive oil over a sliced baguette, before baking in the oven for 3–4 minutes. Meanwhile, chop up your choice of sun-dried tomatoes and toss with diced fresh tomatoes. Once your bread is lightly toasted and crispy, swipe on a generous portion of cheese of your choice and top with your tomato mix. Enjoy with a selection of your favourite small plates, such as olives, a selection of cheeses, or even more bread.