Setting the scene

Inviting friends and family for lunch is a popular way to catch up, especially during the holiday season when there’s more time to prepare, and to socialise.

Whether you’re having two or 20 guests, setting the table doesn’t have to be a time consuming task.

Planning is one of the pillars to hosting an enjoyable, care-free lunch. A couple of days is good, but impromptu also works such as with a spur-of-the-moment barbecue where everyone pitches in. Gone are the days when you have to make everything yourself, although if you enjoy cooking, creating and entertaining, you still can.

Here are some ideas from Metropol:

Decide when, where – indoors, outdoors, at the beach, in your front paddock – and how many guests, and invite them.

Sort the style of dining – buffet, casual, formal, a theme, and then the menu. Buffet style makes it easy for guests to help themselves at larger gatherings, while plated is better for smaller affairs.

Keep it simple. Often less is best, such as hors d’oeuvres or an antipasto platter to start, a main course with summer salads, and a dessert platter of chocolates, fresh fruit and cheeses.

Call in the help. If you don’t have the time or inclination, have it catered. Christchurch has numerous catering firms, and you’ll find some of the best on our pages. If you really want to make it easy on yourself, pick up the phone.

Alternatively you could combine a few fresh store-bought items, with a few of your favourite dishes. Simple works for table settings too. Try a crisp white cloth, sparking glasses and cutlery, and jars of fresh flowers.

Don’t forget the drinks, bottles of bubbles, bowls of punch and jugs of cocktails work well for the festive season, with plenty of ice-cold water
on hand too.