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The warmer days are on their way. Get ready to summer in style. Photo: AleksandarNakic
There’s something truly magical about the arrival of the warmer months – those gradually lengthening spring days that signal the approach of the summer soiree season.
Our thoughts turn to entertaining friends and family at home, and we look forward to long lunches in the garden and languid evenings spent under the stars.
Of course, if you really want to impress your guests, it pays to put some thought and effort into pre-party preparation.
Domain spoke to interior and event stylist Steve Cordony and founder of home design brand MCM House Charles Hinckfuss for their top tips on how to achieve effortless summer style.
MCM House’s new ‘Wild Things’ summer 2024/25 outdoor collection. Photo: Supplied
Everyone knows visitors are drawn to the kitchen like bees to honey, so embrace the inevitable and have your kitchen in cover-girl mode.
Cordony says the key is to remove everything normally used for day-to-day living and create what he calls “a whole island-scape” from the ground up, with platters and boards, a flower or other garden-inspired arrangement, and candles for aroma and atmosphere.
“I love using the utilitarian aspect of the kitchen as the ’styling’ for any event,” he says.
“I recently went to a friend’s place who had the island bench set up as a sushi making station and cocktail bar, all styled beautifully with flowers and candles. It was a hub for guests to hang around and felt relaxed yet styled.”
If you’re aiming to be a host with the most, you’ll want to impress with food and drink while preserving time and energy for socialising with guests.
You can choose food that can be prepared in advance, food that your guests can help prepare, or ask your guests to contribute with a themed plate.
“Moving into spring and summer, my go-to menu for entertaining is to have some interactive element for starters,” says Cordony.
“Think a chic charcuterie/cheese board, a crudo station followed by a barbecue with fresh salad and plenty of decanted accompaniments and sides which can all be prepared in advance, and allow you to enjoy time with family and friends.”
Of course you can always call the caterers – in which case check to see what equipment and table settings they’ll need in advance, so you don’t spend all your party time playing fetch in the kitchen.
There’s nothing like hosting in the garden. Style by Steve Cordony. Photo: Supplied
Outdoor entertaining is one of the best parts about living in our often balmy climate.
“Our environment dictates our mood and social occasions and entertaining outside is embedded in our culture,” says Cordony.
He suggests creating a zone, whether bound by hedges, trees, gravel or an outdoor rug, to help set the tone for a great event or occasion.
Spring is also the perfect time to give the garden a mini-makeover. Use a pressure washer to clean pavers and other hard surfaces, top up your garden beds with fresh mulch and plant flowering shrubs for instant colour.
Cordony is a fan of flowers and shrubs en masse and in coordinating colours that mimic the interior, to really dial up the style factor.
“Simple uplighting, music, whether embedded in the garden or a portable system, and comfortable, coordinated outdoor furniture all make the space not only look special, but feel special,” he says.
Comfortable, coordinated furniture, such as MCM House’s new outdoor collection, makes all the difference. Photo: Supplied
It’s also a good idea to choose durable furniture that doesn’t need to be lugged in and out of the house.
“In Australia’s often harsh climate, durability is paramount,” says Hinckfuss of MCM House.
“Our outdoor furniture is designed to withstand extreme elements while remaining easy to maintain. Quality ensures that your investment lasts, providing comfort and style season after season.”
The new outdoor collection from MCM House has also been designed with aesthetics and comfort top of mind.
MCM House’s new ‘Wild Things’ summer 2024/25 outdoor collection. Photo: Supplied
“From deep-seating chairs to versatile dining sets, we provide all the essential elements to create the ideal outdoor room that’s both functional and inviting,” says Hinckfuss.
“The colours and tones blend seamlessly with natural surroundings to offer both style and functionality.”
The new collection features chairs, tables and lounges that will make styling your outdoor space a breeze.
“It’s designed to evoke the feeling of an idyllic summer holiday, with spaces that invite relaxation and sophistication, perfect for making the most of Australia’s beautiful outdoor lifestyle,” says Hinckfuss.
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