There’s something about enjoying a meal in the great outdoors that makes everything just taste better. Outside eating makes everything taste fresher and more flavourful.
The fruits are juicier, the veggies are crisper, the desserts are sweeter, and the drinks are just a bit different.
But unfortunately, this gorgeous summer weather has to come to an end eventually. Before we know it, we’ll be huddled around the heater or fireplace with cups of tea.
Until then, why not make the most of the summer sun and plan some fantastic, food-filled outdoor celebrations with friends, family, or colleagues.
Read on for some outside eating and entertaining inspo to help you embrace the rest of the summer.
Romantic Delights
We love the idea of gathering those you love together in the garden or a tree-filled park to celebrate together – because we have all spent far too much time apart in the last few years!
Even with traffic light rules in place, we can still gather outdoors with our nearest and dearest. Think a beach-side brunch with the girls or a high tea in the garden featuring a grazing table and a cheeky gin and tonic garden bar.
You bring the style, the breezy pagoda and the colourful cushions; we’ll sort the Mediterranean Mezze eats (or the Classic Kiwi Grazer or Decadent Dessert grazing tables!)
End Of Financial Year Celebrations
While the end of the year has come and gone for most of us, for businesses, it’s not over until we’ve sorted the end of the financial year (EOFY) filing! After all that paperwork is done and dusted, you deserve to celebrate.
Hosting an EOFY celebration to thank those who have supported you this year is an excellent idea – complete with outside eating and some great music, of course!
The beauty of entertaining in the great outdoors is that you can make it as casual or as fancy as you want.
Hang some fairy lights and lanterns, and you’ve got a magical evening soiree. Pair the ambience with a beautiful selection of canapes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients gathered from the garden, land, and sea.
You don’t even have to hire tables and chairs! Walk and Fork menus are a brilliant way to keep people fed and happy with simple yet delectable outside eating while they mix and mingle.
Outside Eating Inspiration, Year Round
While summer is perfect for outside eating, the arrival of autumn and winter don’t have to spell an end to our enjoyment of New Zealand’s beautiful natural bounties.
Winter weddings can be just as magical as summer nuptials – and sometimes, that cold weather makes for even more beautiful backdrops for special outdoor events.
Whether you’re considering a spot of outside eating to catch the end of summer or planning ahead to the cooler months, there’s no shortage of great ideas for your catering.
Here are a few of our favourites that we haven’t mentioned yet:
Bespoke food stations are a creative way to showcase your style and character to your guests. We can create a mouthwatering Gourmet Pizza Station full of personalised flavours, a Big Pan Paella Station to delight any foodie, or anything else that tickles your tastebuds.
Sharing feasts are a beautiful way to bring people together over a meal. With your guests comfortably seated, we serve an abundance of food on decadent plates to each table – from slow-cooked lamb or roast chicken to eggplant steak and potato gnocchi.
Gourmet BBQ is a perfect outside eating option that you can do anywhere! We start you off with a selection of canapes, then serve up some exceptional BBQ meats, fish and vegetables – followed, of course, by a selection of canape desserts.
Feeling Hungry?
You don’t want to spend half of your celebration stuck in the kitchen! So, why not leave the cooking to us?
The Free Range Chef is a bespoke catering company passionate about creating memorable experiences for our customers at any time of year. Our focus is always on putting a smile on our customers’ faces.
If you’d like to discuss any of our outside eating and entertainment ideas – or have a few of your own in mind – give us a call today: you create the occasion, we will do the rest!