Entertaining Ideas for June

Eating outdoors at last. The grass is growing an inch a day it seems, so take off your shoes and sit barefoot under a tree, drink some wine, share it with a friend or loved one, eat good, wholesome food that takes little time to prepare. These are the goals for entertaining in June.

We are approaching Midsummer and the Summer solstice and even closer, the June bank holiday weekend, so there is not a moment to lose.

Fresh, simple, generous, luscious

Take out some nice linens, to create a lovely scene. Summer is all about simple living, effortless laid-back bohemian glamour. Nothing should look like it has taken too much effort. A simple un-ironed linen tablecloth and napkins are perfect for easy living, thrown over any table surface and strewn with sparkling glassware and gleaming knives and forks. Pluck some simple flowers or greenery to a pretty vase or a series of jam jars to add a sense of occasion too. Ribbons are pretty or shells for a seaside vibe, whether it is a romantic dinner for two or a barbecue for 20, allow the scene to reflect the mood.

June entertaining style

Don’t be afraid to play with colour. Vibrant colours reflect the hue of the flowers coming into season. Cool colours such as blues and greens mixed with the brightness of natural creams and whites too play well with the relaxed style of June.

Children celebrate with their school holidays and days are long. We are not striving for perfection, and a mismatched set of cutlery and serving ware works beautifully for outdoor eating.

Good times

Outdoor eating is already less formal and the food should reflect that too. This easy menu can be thrown together simply yet tastes fresh and light.

Add a jug of iced water with mint and lime for a crisp palate cleanser . If you have the time the night before, or in the morning, make some yeasted bread dough. Once risen you can cook it just before eating as warm bread straight from the oven is unbeatable. Try my focaccia recipe here. Make sure you have good olive oil and sea salt on the table for dipping.

I love a rainbow feast and this couscous won’t disappoint.

Summer giant couscous with halloumi recipe

1 cup giant wholewheat couscous

2 cups vegetable stock

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground ginger

Make the couscous first. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water. In a saucepan, boil together the stock and spices. Add the washed couscous, turn down the heat, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes. It should be cooked but still have a light bite. Drain, rinse and set aside to cool completely.

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 yellow pepper, finely chopped

1/4 cucumber, finely chopped

Small wedge of red cabbage, finely chopped

1 tart green apple (Granny Smith), finely chopped

Handful of sultanas

Handful of herbs - parsley, mint, basil, coriander, finely chopped

Add these to a large serving bowl and mix together with the cooled couscous, Season well. Squeeze over 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

Top with a mixture of toasted almonds, cashews and sunflower seeds for crunchiness.

Fry the halloumi slices until golden and place on top.

Finish with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds if you like, a slice of lemon and some crusty bread.

Prepare ahead

If you are entertaining, you can have the couscous salad ready in advance and fry the halloumi at the last minute, as it is best served warm.

Desserts for June

It is wonderful to finish with a bowl of straciatella ice cream and a cup of coffee. Or homemade elderflower ice pops for the children if they prefer.

Sourcebook

These vibrant table linens, perfect in a luscious garden, are available on my website here.

Matching cushions to complete the look can be found by clicking here.

Fresh white table linens made with European flax linen can be found at JennieRitchie,ie here.