URBANARA loves to make homes look and feel beautiful.
I worked on the luxury home brand’s content across all communication channels, including its website, social media and newsletters.
Online journal
Top 10 tips for summer dining
It is a truth universally acknowledged that food really does taste better when it’s eaten outdoors. With summer in full swing, it’s time to open up our store cupboard and take a look at the ingredients needed to make summer dining a truly delicious experience.
1. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Al fresco entertaining needn’t be a fuss. An outdoor setting creates a laidback atmosphere and with the help of our summer garden party guide is easy and fun too.
2. FOR A PERSONAL TOUCH
Want to add an elegant touch to your next soirée? Write a place card for each of your guests – use plain white card for a classic feel and write each guest’s name using a black ink fountain pen for an elegant, old-fashioned look.
3. STAY COOL
Who knew ice cubes could be this imaginative? For a final flourish, impress guests at your next outdoor soirée by popping a few of these pretty floral ice cubes into their cocktail glasses.
4. MOREISH BITES
Balmy summer evenings have us yearning for something light and fresh for dinner, so don't feel the need to prepare lavish dishes and slave over the stove (we can think of better things to do on hot days, after all). Instead choose fresh, seasonal fruit to pair with both savoury and sweet accompaniments like cheese or yoghurt. High-quality, organic produce is colourful and beautiful too - so will work wonders to beautify your table setting!
5. LIGHT UP
Twinkling lights set the mood for a magical summer evening party. Our Alzey Jasmine Scented Candle adds a touch of sweet, blissful light and a sweet summery scent on long nights.
6. TEA TIME
With juicy cherries now in season, we think this lovely cherry-topped chocolate licorice meringue from Rachel Khoo should take centre stage at an outdoor afternoon tea party with friends.
7. COCKTAIL HOUR
There’s nothing like a tipple in the sunshine, especially when it involves a bit of rum. Score extra brownie points with your friends at the next summer barbeque by concocting these easy-to-prepare cocktails .
8. BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS
Fresh flowers at the table always add a pretty touch to any meal. Place wild flowers or freshly-picked blooms from your garden in an old glass jam jar or honey pot for a simple, rustic look.
9. AN ELEGANT SPREAD
We’re big fans of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s commitment to seasonal, ethically produced food, not to mention his mouth-watering food combinations including this lamb, kale and quince recipe — fabulous fare for garden dinner parties.
10. PRESENTATION IS KEY
Make sure your food looks the part with simple, rustic kitchen accessories. Our Mediterranean sourced Vence Serving Board is crafted from high-quality olive wood, ideal for displaying delicious appetisers and antipasti at their best.
What do you think of our list of tips for summer dining? Is there anything important you think we’ve left out? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Christmas stories from the URBANARA team
This month, we asked you to upload a photo of what Christmas means to you and we’d like to wish winner Katie Gunston congratulations on her very sweet photo! We were keen to get our international team involved in the fun too. Rather than uploading a photo, some members of the team instead provided us with sweet and funny anecdotes of what Christmas meant to them. Pour yourself a glass of mulled wine, settle down in your favourite armchair and enjoy this small selection of stories:
Christmas decorations - from Christiane, our PR Manager from Germany
"I have strict rules when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree at my parents' house. I love these small wooden decorations from the '70s that were actually the first decorations my mum ever bought. My mum aims for a 'sophisticated' tree each year but I always insist that these angels get the best spots, which drives her insane, but hey - tradition is tradition."
Hide and Seek with presents - from Thierry, from Dutch Graphic Designer, Thierry
"On the 5th of December my family and I celebrate Pakjesavond together, when children are ‘surprised’ with presents, but they never know where Sinterklaas will keep them… When I was six years old, my family had guests over during Pakjesavond. My uncle asked me to get him a beer from the barn, so I went through the snow to fetch it. When I got there, I couldn't believe my eyes – all the presents were hidden inside! I couldn't wait to get back to the others to tell them what I found."
Sibling ‘decoration-off’- from Claire, our Co-founder
"My sister and I created our own Christmas decorations one year when we were young – ping pong balls with sequins pinned into it. I spent ages completely covering my ball in pink sequins while my sister stuck a few pins in of various colours and went off to play. Every Christmas I try to hide her half-complete one around the back of the tree but she insists it sits right next to mine in pride of place on the tree! It's one of the many traditions that make up our Christmas."